General liability insurance

Published 2026-06-12 · by Brokly

In plain terms: Covers injuries to other people and damage to their property caused by your business — the coverage most certificate requests are about.

Why it matters to you

If a customer slips in your shop or your work damages someone's property, this is the policy that responds. It does not cover your own injuries, your employees' injuries, or mistakes in professional advice — those are separate coverages.

Where you’ll see it

Nearly every commercial lease, client contract, and job bid asks for it — usually as the first line on a certificate-of-insurance request.

Related terms

Definitions describe how policies are typically structured — exact terms live in the policy. Not legal or compliance advice.

Sources: NAIC — Glossary of Insurance Terms (Commercial General Liability) (retrieved 2026-06-12)