Call it GL or CGL, what it really should be called is simply “business insurance.” You can call it anything you want except “unimportant.” This coverage will keep you out of trouble in the event physical injury or property damage occurs as a result of your business operations.

General Liability is the standard liability coverage that any business should have and which is required by most landlords or lenders. It pays for attorney fees, court costs, witness fees & settlements. General Liability (generally) comprises the following core coverage features, protecting businesses from 3rd party claims of:

• Personal injury (slip & fall)
• Libel & slander
• Property damage
• False advertising
• Product liability (is often excluded for certain industries and needs to be purchased separately)
• Copyright infringement (sometimes excluded for certain industries and needs to be purchased separately)
• Contract violation
• Host liquor liability
• Medical expenses

Coverages Often Sold Separately

It is important to note some common liabilities that are most often not insured by CGL but which can be purchased separately:

• Employment Lawsuits
• Pollution Lawsuits
• Product Liability
• Employee Benefits Liability
• Unfair Business Practice Lawsuits
• Data Breach Lawsuits
• Various Cyber Related 3rd Party Lawsuits
• Misappropriation of Investment Funds
• Auto

Industry Specific Liabilities

• Errors & Omissions
• Garage Liability
• On-Hook Liability
• Liquor Liability
• Shareholder Lawsuits
• Franchisee Lawsuits
• SUI Self Insurance – for 501(c)(3) organizations