General liability insurance

General liability insurance is both a business and personal short-term insurance policy which caters for claims made by third parties for personal injury or damages to property as a result of the insured’s negligence. This is often included by default in many insurance policies (such as car insurance). General liability is different from other forms of liability insurance in that it covers most third party claims for damages.

Given the nature of the work performed by doctors, lawyers and individuals in financial institutions, these require specific liability insurance policies to cater for the risk (such as malpractice insurance and errors and omissions cover). Restaurants and other businesses dealing with food and produce will also require a specific insurance policy for the increased risk of personal injury.

Most insurance companies will cover the amount required to defend a claim, but not the damages should the insured be found guilty.