A tree lot open for six weeks a year doesn’t need the same policy as a year-round retail store, and most seasonal general liability applications are built around that difference.
What it’s generally structured to address
General liability is typically structured to respond to third-party claims — a customer slipping near a wet display, a tree falling on a parked car, a claim that your operation damaged the landlord’s property. The standard structure on this site is $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, which means up to $1,000,000 for a single incident and up to $2,000,000 total across the policy period.
What it’s not built for
General liability isn’t designed to address your own equipment (a stand, a tent, a POS system), your own injuries, or your vehicle. Those generally need separate coverage — property, workers’ comp, or commercial auto — which is a conversation worth having with whoever you get quoted through if any of those apply to your operation.
Per occurrence vs. aggregate
“Per occurrence” is the cap on any single claim. “Aggregate” is the total cap across every claim during the policy term. A single bad slip-and-fall claim could use up a meaningful share of either number, which is part of why landlords ask for proof before day one rather than after something happens.
When a higher limit makes sense
If your lease requires $2,000,000 per occurrence / $3,000,000 aggregate, or something else entirely, say so on the application. Higher limits can be quoted — the standard limit is a starting point, not a ceiling.