What is General Liability Insurance?
Also known as commercial general liability insurance and business liability insurance, general liability insurance protects a business from claims that can come up during normal business operations involving bodily injuries and property damage resulting from the products, services, or operations of the business.
For example, a general liability insurance policy can cover claims when a customer slips and falls in your store; an employee causes damage to a client’s property; a business is sued for libel or slander for something an employee said; or a business is sued for copyright infringement.
Almost every business has a need for general liability insurance, which can be purchased as a standalone policy or bundled with other coverages under a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) or other package arrangements.
Benefits of General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance can help cover indemnity payments, medical expenses, and attorney fees resulting from bodily injuries and property damage for which a company may be legally responsible as well as cover the legal costs of defending a business from reputational harm and copyright infringement lawsuits.
Without general liability insurance, a business would have to pay for these costs out of pocket. A significant case of property damage or injuries can result in settlements and court judgments that could financially strain or even bankrupt a small business.
A company may also need general liability insurance before it can work with other businesses that may ask for a proof of insurance, which is commonly called a certificate of insurance.
