Jackson thought he had all the right policies in place for his Louisiana real estate brokerage—errors and omissions, cyber, commercial property, even inland marine. But one rainy afternoon, during an open house in Baton Rouge, a prospective buyer slipped on the wet entryway tile and broke her wrist. A lawsuit followed, claiming unsafe conditions. That’s when Jackson realized what he didn’t have: general liability coverage.
In a world where real estate professionals are juggling dozens of showings, community events, and client meetings across a variety of properties, general liability insurance is still the quiet cornerstone that keeps a brokerage financially stable when something unpredictable happens.
General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage claims made by third parties—usually clients, vendors, or anyone who interacts with your business. In the real estate industry, where foot traffic is common and transactions often happen outside of your office, this type of coverage becomes especially important.
It helps pay for medical costs, legal defense, and settlements when someone is injured or claims their property was damaged because of your business operations.
Some broker-owners believe that because they don’t own a storefront or retail shop, they’re unlikely to need general liability insurance. But real estate professionals are often out in the field—hosting open houses, attending networking events, or meeting clients at a showing. All of these activities carry risk.
Whether someone falls down the stairs at a showing or claims you damaged their property during a walkthrough, general liability insurance fills the gap that other policies don’t.
In Louisiana, where the weather changes quickly and homes often come with older foundations or humid conditions, real estate agents face unique liability exposures. Here are just a few examples of where general liability coverage might apply:
A client trips over a floor vent while walking through a listing.
A visitor’s car is scratched in your brokerage’s parking lot, and they hold your business responsible.
A potential buyer slips on a slick front step during a rainy day showing.
An agent accidentally knocks over an expensive vase while touring a property.
It’s important to understand the difference between what general liability covers and what it doesn’t.
Covered:
Bodily injury to third parties
Property damage to a third party’s belongings
Legal fees and court costs related to covered incidents
Medical payments for injured non-employees
Advertising injury (in some cases)
Not covered:
Damage to your own business property (that’s commercial property insurance)
Lawsuits from employees (you’d need EPLI)
Errors in service or advice (that’s E&O)
Vehicle-related accidents (requires commercial auto)
Premiums vary depending on factors like your brokerage’s size, location, and claims history. But for many Louisiana real estate businesses, it’s surprisingly affordable—especially when compared to the cost of a single lawsuit. Many policies start at a few hundred dollars a year and can save thousands in legal expenses and settlements.
It’s also important to revisit your policy annually as your business grows. Adding new agents, opening additional offices, or increasing your event presence all increase exposure.
General liability shouldn’t be the only insurance policy you carry—but it often acts as the foundation. Most Louisiana brokerages benefit from pairing it with other types of commercial insurance, including:
Errors & Omissions Insurance (for professional mistakes)
Cyber Liability Insurance (for protecting sensitive digital information)
Workers’ Compensation (for employee injuries)
Commercial Property Insurance (for office space and equipment)
Commercial Auto (if agents use branded company vehicles)
Bundling your general liability policy into a Business Owners Policy (BOP) may also offer additional savings and streamlined coverage.
Some real estate firms overlook general liability, thinking they’re covered by more “industry-specific” policies like E&O or cyber insurance. But none of those protect you from someone tripping at a showing or claiming physical damages on a property visit.
That’s why this type of coverage still matters. General liability insurance gives Louisiana real estate brokerages a practical safety net. It helps protect your business from lawsuits, keeps deals moving, and reinforces your reputation with clients and colleagues.
If it’s been a while since you looked at your general liability coverage—or if you’re not sure whether your brokerage has it—now’s the time to review. Kastner Insurance works with real estate professionals across Southern Louisiana to build coverage strategies that work in the real world. We’ll help you find smart protection that fits your firm’s day-to-day operations.
Founded in 2017, Kastner Insurance Group is a full-service, independent insurance broker based in Lafayette, LA. Our insurance agents specialize in offering a variety of insurance products tailored to individual and commercial needs, making sure clients receive personalized and comprehensive coverage options from a variety of insurance companies/insurance carriers.
With over 43 years of combined experience, the team at Kastner Insurance Group is dedicated to providing expert advice and exceptional service. They proudly serve professional offices and businesses across Lafayette city/parish, Youngsville, Broussard, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Acadiana, and statewide in Louisiana.
Call us today or visit our website for a customized quote.
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