What information does a Texas business need for a general liability quote?

By Mark Melliand, owner, Melliand Insurance Agency · 13 years as an independent agent · Published October 18, 2026

Insurers decide whether to offer general liability coverage, and at what price, based on what your business does and how large it is. Each insurer uses its own application, and the questions vary by type of business. Treat this as a guide to what’s commonly asked, not a complete checklist.

The short answer: To start a general liability quote, have your business name, location, description of operations, estimated annual revenue and requested coverage date ready. Depending on your business and the insurer, you may also need payroll, subcontractor costs, prior insurance details, claims history and contract requirements.

If you’re deciding whether to buy general liability on its own or as part of a business owner’s policy, see our guide to choosing between a BOP and standalone general liability insurance.

Information commonly requested

Business name, location and what you do. Insurers place each business into one or more classifications based on its operations. A specific description, such as “residential interior painting, no work above two stories,” helps match you to the right classification more than a broad label like “contractor.” If your business does more than one kind of work, mention each one. Your type of business and location are also among the factors insurers consider.

Years in business. Insurers may ask how long you’ve been in business, another factor they consider.

Revenue, payroll or another measure of size. General liability premiums are calculated on a “premium basis,” a measure of your business’s size that depends on your classification and the insurer’s rating rules. Common bases include gross sales, payroll, square footage of the premises and the cost of subcontracted work. Some classifications use other measures, such as units or admissions. That’s why you may be asked for revenue, payroll or both, or for something else entirely.

Subcontractor costs and certificates, where they apply. If you hire subcontractors, insurers may ask what you pay them and whether you collect certificates of insurance from them. How that work is rated can depend on the answer.

Prior insurance and claims history. You may be asked about your current or previous insurance and any past claims. A common way to show claims history is a loss run report, which lists past claims, their dates and status, and amounts paid. You can request one from your current or prior insurer or agent.

Requested start date and limits. You’ll be asked when you want coverage to begin and what limits you need. If a contract or lease names specific limits, have it on hand.

Contracts, leases and certificate requirements. Landlords, general contractors and clients often ask for a certificate of insurance, and sometimes to be named as an additional insured. A certificate is evidence of insurance. It doesn’t create additional insured status or change coverage. Whether someone is an additional insured depends on the policy and its endorsements, so share these requirements early.

What you need to start vs. what may come later

To start a quote, the basics are usually enough:

  • Business name, location and a description of your operations
  • Estimated annual revenue, and payroll if you have employees
  • The coverage and start date you’re looking for

Documents that may be requested later:

  • Loss run reports from your current or prior insurers
  • Your current policy’s declarations page
  • Contracts or leases that set insurance requirements
  • The insurer’s application, which you’ll review and sign

Starting with estimates

Estimates can help start the process if you don’t have every figure in front of you. Tell your agent which numbers are estimates. Before you sign an application or ask for coverage to be bound, confirm that the information is complete and accurate. The application is a signed statement the insurer relies on.

How premium audits work

Many general liability policies are auditable. The premium you pay at the start is usually based on estimated exposure, such as projected sales or payroll. After the policy period, the insurer may audit your actual figures.

Ask how a policy’s audit works before you buy it.

Protect sensitive information

Don’t send Social Security numbers, bank or card numbers, or other sensitive ID numbers through a website form or ordinary email. If an insurer requires one, ask your agent for a secure way to provide it.

Ready to start?

Request a general liability quote → or call (972) 346-4666, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central.

References

Requirements vary by business, insurer and state. This guide is general information. It is not a statement of coverage, eligibility or price, and it does not bind or change any policy.