what is general liability insurance coverage

General liability insurance coverage, also known as commercial general liability insurance (CGL), is a broad type of insurance policy that provides liability insurance for general business risks. It is often the first line of coverage that a business typically purchases and covers common risks such as bodily injury or property damage on the business premises or due to the business operations, personal and advertising injury, and medical payments. General liability insurance policies typically cover claims involving bodily injuries and property damage resulting from products, services, or operations, and may also cover damages to a landlords property for which the company may be legally responsible. This type of insurance does not cover employee injuries, auto accidents, punitive damages, workmanship, intentional acts, or professional mistakes. General liability insurance is essential for many business owners as it helps cover costly claims that can arise during normal business operations, such as bodily injuries, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury. It is important to note that general liability insurance does not cover every kind of claim, and additional types of coverage may be needed to provide more comprehensive protection for a business. Overall, general liability insurance is a foundational coverage for small businesses, but it may be necessary to add more coverage types to address other risks such as fire, theft, vandalism, and lost business income.