General Liability Insurance helps protect businesses against certain third-party injury, property damage, or advertising-related claims that may arise during normal operations.
Often referred to as Commercial General Liability (CGL), this coverage is a common part of a business’s overall risk management strategy—regardless of size or industry.
What General Liability Insurance May Cover
A general liability policy may include protection for:
- Bodily Injury — for example, if a visitor slips and falls on business premises.
- Property Damage — such as accidental damage to a client’s property during work.
- Personal and Advertising Injury — which can include certain claims of libel, slander, or copyright infringement.
Coverage terms, limits, and exclusions vary by policy and insurer. Each business should carefully review its policy documents to understand how coverage applies to its specific operations.
Common Exclusions
General liability insurance does not address every exposure. Typical exclusions include:
- Employee Injuries, which are usually handled through Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
- Professional Services or Advice, which fall under Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) coverage.
- Intentional or Contractual Liabilities, unless specifically endorsed.
Because general liability focuses on third-party exposures, many organizations consider additional policies—such as Commercial Property Insurance, Business Interruption Insurance, or Cyber Liability Insurance, as part of a broader insurance program or Business Owners Policy (BOP).
Factors That Influence Coverage Structure
When evaluating a general liability policy, businesses often consider:
- The size, location, and scope of operations
- Industry-specific risk exposures
- Contractual requirements and client obligations
- Prior claims experience
- Selected policy limits and deductibles
General liability can be written as a standalone policy or integrated within a comprehensive business insurance program.
Mason-McBride’s Approach
Mason-McBride is an independent insurance agency that works with multiple carriers to help clients evaluate available general liability coverage options.
Our team focuses on:
- Explaining policy structures and definitions in clear, practical terms
- Comparing terms and conditions across insurers and industry sectors
- Coordinating related policies such as property, umbrella, or cyber liability
- Periodically reviewing coverage to help ensure alignment with current business activities
This consultative process is designed to support informed decision-making for business owners and risk managers.
Request a Liability Insurance Proposal
Businesses interested in reviewing their general liability coverage or exploring available options can request a consultation below.
Proposal Request Form
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