What is typically NOT covered by general liability insurance?

General liability insurance is designed to provide coverage for a range of common risks faced by businesses, particularly in the construction and contracting sectors. This type of insurance primarily protects against claims resulting from property damage and personal injury that occur during the course of business operations. For example, if a contractor accidentally damages a customer's property or if someone is injured on a job site, general liability insurance would typically cover those claims.

However, coverage for professional negligence is not included under general liability policies. Professional negligence refers to the failure of a professional, such as a contractor or architect, to meet the standards of their profession, which may lead to errors or omissions in their work. This type of risk is addressed through professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Therefore, it is essential for contractors to have both types of insurance to ensure comprehensive protection against both general risks and specific professional risks.

Legal fees can often be covered under general liability insurance depending on the context of a claim, particularly if they are related to property damage or personal injuries. Therefore, understanding the distinction between general liability and professional liability insurance is crucial for contractors to adequately protect themselves against the varying exposures in their work.