General Liability Insurance in McHenry, IL & Northern Illinois
Business liability coverage that protects what you've built.
One lawsuit — even a groundless one — can cost tens of thousands in legal fees before a judge ever rules. We compare quotes from multiple carriers to find the right general liability policy for your business, your industry, and your risk..
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Why Choose Ryan P. Conway Agency
Independent. Local. Working for your business, not the carrier.
Most business owners buy general liability because a client, landlord, or licensing board requires it — then never think about it again. That's a problem. GL policies vary significantly by carrier: different exclusions, different limits structures, different responses at claim time. As an independent agency, we place your coverage with the carrier that actually fits your business type and risk profile — not just the one we're contracted to sell.
Coverage Options
General Liability Coverage We Offer
A Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy covers the most common legal and financial exposures every business faces, regardless of size or industry.
Bodily Injury Liability
Covers medical expenses, legal fees, and settlements if a customer, vendor, or visitor is injured on your premises or as a result of your operations — including slip-and-fall accidents.
Property Damage Liability
Pays for damage your business or employees cause to someone else's property — for example, an employee accidentally damages a client's equipment while working on-site.
Personal & Advertising Injury
Covers claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or false advertising — protecting you if someone alleges your marketing damaged their reputation or business.
Products & Completed Operations
Covers injury or damage caused by a product you sold or work you completed — critical for contractors, manufacturers, and anyone who installs or supplies goods.
Legal Defense Costs
Pays your attorney fees and court costs even if the lawsuit is baseless and ultimately dismissed. Defense costs alone can exceed $20,000 before a case is resolved.
Medical Payments
Provides quick payment for minor medical expenses without requiring a lawsuit — helping preserve customer relationships and reduce the chance of a claim escalating to litigation.
Have questions about the right coverage? Contact Us
What Business Owners Often Underestimate
43%
of small businesses are threatened with a lawsuit every year
$45K
Average cost of a single slip-and-fall claim against a business
4 in 10
Small businesses will file a liability claim in the next decade
General liability insurance exists precisely for these situations. Without it, every one of these costs comes directly out of your business. Lawsuit frequency: Insurance Canopy. Claim cost average: The Hartford claims data, 2020–2024. Claim frequency projection: Census.gov / NFIB via BusinessDasher.
Coverage Built for Business
GL policies aren't all the same — and the differences matter when you have a claim.
A cheap Generl Liability policy might meet your certificate of insurance requirements and still leave you exposed. Common gaps include exclusions for specific operations your business performs, inadequate per-occurrence limits for your contract size, missing products and completed operations coverage, and no provision for additional insureds. We review what your business actually does and make sure the policy you're buying actually covers it.
Use Cases
What Northern Illinois business owners need to think about
Running a business in our region comes with specific considerations — from contractor licensing requirements to lease agreements to cross-state operations.
Contractors & Trades
Many municipalities and licensing boards in Illinois and Wisconsin require proof of GL before issuing or renewing a contractor's license. We make sure your limits meet local requirements and that your certificate of insurance is structured correctly for each job.
Businesses with a Physical Location
Slip-and-falls are the most common GL claim for brick-and-mortar businesses — and they happen year-round, not just when it's icy. If customers, vendors, or delivery drivers set foot on your property, you need solid bodily injury coverage.
Businesses Doing Work at Client Sites
When your employees work on-site at a client's location, you're responsible for damage they cause to that property. Property damage liability covers the bill — and protects the client relationship — when something goes wrong.
Businesses Selling or Installing Products
If you manufacture, distribute, or install a product that later causes injury or damage, products and completed operations coverage is what responds. This exposure doesn't end when the job does.
Local Services
General Liability Insurance Throughout Northern Illinois
Ryan P. Conway Agency is based in McHenry, Illinois, and we write general liability insurance for businesses throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. We work with contractors, retailers, restaurants, service businesses, and professional offices across McHenry County, Lake County, and the communities along the Wisconsin border.
- McHenry
- Crystal Lake
- Woodstock
- Algonquin
- Lake in the Hills
- Cary
- Huntley
- Marengo
- Fox Lake
- Antioch
- Wauconda
- Grayslake
- Lindenhurst
- Lake Geneva
- Genoa City
- Twin Lakes
- Walworth
- Williams Bay
McHenry
Crystal Lake
Woodstock
Algonquin
Lake in the Hills
Cary
Huntley
Marengo
Fox Lake
Antioch
Wauconda
Grayslake
Lindenhurst
Lake Geneva
Genoa City
Twin Lakes
Walworth
Williams Bay
Common Questions
General Liability Insurance FAQ
Is general liability insurance required?
Neither Illinois nor Wisconsin mandates GL insurance at the state level for most businesses. However, it is frequently required by clients, landlords, and government contracts — and many contractor licensing boards in both states require proof of GL as a condition of licensure. If your business works with other businesses, signs leases, or holds any kind of license, you almost certainly need it.
What's the difference between GL and a Business Owner's Policy (BOP)?
A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) bundles general liability with commercial property insurance — and often business interruption coverage — into a single policy. For many small businesses, a BOP offers better value than buying GL and property separately. We'll compare both options and recommend whichever makes more financial sense for your situation.
What limits should my GL policy carry?
What limits should my GL policy carry?
The standard GL structure is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate — meaning the carrier pays up to $1 million per individual claim, and up to $2 million total across all claims in a policy year. Many clients and contracts require these minimums. Higher-risk industries or businesses with significant contract work may need higher limits, or a commercial umbrella policy layered on top.
Does General Liability insurance cover my employees if they're injured on the job
No. General liability covers third parties — customers, clients, vendors, and members of the public. Injuries to your own employees are covered by Workers' Compensation insurance, which is a separate policy required for most employers in Illinois and Wisconsin. We can quote both together.
Will Gneral Liablity insurance cover a lawsuit over the quality of my work?
Generally, no. Gneral Liablity insurance covers physical injury and property damage — not disputes over workmanship or professional advice. A client claiming you did poor work or gave bad guidance typically falls under Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) coverage. If your business involves professional services or advice, you may need both. We'll help identify the right combination.
How much does general liability insurance cost for a small business?
Cost varies significantly by industry, revenue, number of employees, claims history, and coverage limits. Low-risk office-based businesses may pay as little as $500–$700 annually. Higher-risk industries like roofing, excavation, or food service will pay more. As an independent agency, we compare rates across multiple carriers to find the most competitive premium for your risk profile.
Can I add additional insureds to my General Libility policy?
Yes. Most GL policies allow you to add clients, landlords, or general contractors as additional insureds — a common requirement in contracts and lease agreements. We'll make sure your policy is structured so you can fulfill these requirements without scrambling before a job starts or a lease is signed.
What does General Libility insurance not cover?
GL does not cover your own business property, employee injuries (Workers' Comp), professional errors or bad advice (E&O), intentional acts, auto accidents involving your business vehicles (Commercial Auto), or employee-related claims like discrimination or wrongful termination (EPLI). It's a broad foundational policy, but most businesses need additional coverage alongside it.