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Unveiling the Hidden Secrets: General Liability vs. Professional Liability – Which One Protects You Better?

Posted on August 23, 2023August 14, 2023 by Shield Insurance Agency

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What is the difference between general liability and professional liability?

When it comes to insurance, there are many different types of coverage available to protect individuals and businesses from various risks and liabilities. Two common types of insurance that often get confused are general liability insurance and professional liability insurance. While they may sound similar, they actually serve different purposes and cover different areas of risk. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between general liability and professional liability insurance, as well as their similarities and benefits.

What is general liability insurance?

General liability insurance is a type of coverage that provides protection for businesses against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. It is designed to cover the costs associated with legal defense, settlements, and judgments that may arise from these types of claims. General liability insurance is typically purchased by businesses to protect themselves from accidents or incidents that may occur on their premises or as a result of their operations.

What does general liability insurance pay for?

General liability insurance pays for a variety of expenses related to claims made against a business. This can include medical expenses for injuries sustained by third parties, repairs or replacement of damaged property, legal fees, and settlements or judgments awarded to the injured party. It can also cover advertising injuries, such as defamation or copyright infringement, and certain types of personal injuries, such as false arrest or invasion of privacy.

What is professional liability insurance?

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is a type of coverage that provides protection for professionals against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in the performance of their professional duties. It is designed to cover the costs associated with legal defense, settlements, and judgments that may arise from these types of claims. Professional liability insurance is typically purchased by individuals or businesses that provide professional services, such as doctors, lawyers, architects, consultants, and contractors.

How are general liability and professional liability insurance similar?

While general liability and professional liability insurance cover different areas of risk, they do share some similarities. Both types of insurance provide protection against claims that may result in financial loss for the insured party. They also both cover the costs associated with legal defense, settlements, and judgments. Additionally, both types of insurance typically have a deductible, which is the amount the insured party must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.

However, there are also some key differences between general liability and professional liability insurance. General liability insurance is broader in scope and covers a wider range of risks, such as accidents, injuries, and property damage. It is typically purchased by businesses to protect themselves from claims that may arise from their operations. On the other hand, professional liability insurance is more specific and covers claims related to professional negligence, errors, or omissions. It is typically purchased by individuals or businesses that provide professional services.

Another difference between the two types of insurance is the cost. General liability insurance is generally more affordable than professional liability insurance, as it covers a broader range of risks and is considered to be less specialized. The cost of professional liability insurance can vary depending on the type of profession, the level of risk involved, and the amount of coverage needed.

In conclusion, general liability insurance and professional liability insurance are two different types of coverage that serve different purposes and cover different areas of risk. General liability insurance provides protection against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury, while professional liability insurance provides protection against claims of professional negligence, errors, or omissions. While they have some similarities, such as covering legal defense costs and having a deductible, they also have key differences in terms of scope, cost, and the types of risks they cover.

If you are in need of general liability or professional liability insurance, Shield Insurance Agency can help. Shield Insurance Agency represents over 40 insurance companies and can provide you with affordable and comprehensive coverage to protect you and your family. Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon.

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What is general liability business insurance?

General liability business insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for a variety of risks that businesses face. It is designed to protect businesses from claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury that may arise from their operations. This type of insurance is essential for businesses of all sizes, as it provides protection against a wide range of risks that can result in costly lawsuits and legal fees.

What does commercial general liability insurance cover?

Commercial general liability insurance covers a wide range of risks that businesses face on a daily basis. Some of the most common risks that are covered by this type of insurance include:

Bodily injury: This type of coverage provides protection against claims of bodily injury that may arise from accidents that occur on your business premises or as a result of your business operations.

Property damage: This type of coverage provides protection against claims of property damage that may arise from accidents that occur on your business premises or as a result of your business operations.

Personal injury: This type of coverage provides protection against claims of personal injury, such as libel, slander, or defamation, that may arise from your business operations.

Advertising injury: This type of coverage provides protection against claims of advertising injury, such as copyright infringement or false advertising, that may arise from your business operations.

How does general liability insurance coverage work?

General liability insurance coverage works by providing protection to businesses against claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. If a claim is made against your business, your insurance company will investigate the claim and provide legal representation if necessary. If the claim is found to be valid, your insurance company will pay for any damages that are awarded to the claimant, up to the limits of your policy.

What are examples of what is covered by commercial general liability insurance?

Commercial general liability insurance covers a wide range of risks that businesses face on a daily basis. Some examples of what is covered by this type of insurance include:

Slip and fall accidents: If a customer slips and falls on your business premises, your general liability insurance will provide coverage for any injuries that they may sustain.

Property damage: If your business operations cause damage to someone else’s property, your general liability insurance will provide coverage for any damages that are awarded to the property owner.

Product liability: If your business sells a product that causes injury or damage to a customer, your general liability insurance will provide coverage for any damages that are awarded to the customer.

Libel and slander: If your business is accused of libel or slander, your general liability insurance will provide coverage for any damages that are awarded to the claimant.

What type of companies need general liability insurance?

All types of companies, regardless of size or industry, need general liability insurance. This type of insurance provides protection against a wide range of risks that businesses face on a daily basis, and can help to protect your business from costly lawsuits and legal fees. Some examples of businesses that need general liability insurance include:

Retail stores

Restaurants

Contractors

Manufacturers

Service providers

Affordable Protection with Shield Insurance Agency

At Shield Insurance Agency, we understand the importance of protecting your business from the risks that it faces on a daily basis. That’s why we offer affordable general liability insurance coverage that provides protection against a wide range of risks. As an independent insurance agency, we represent over 40 insurance companies, which allows us to find the best coverage at the best price for your business.

Contact Shield Insurance Agency at (616) 896-4600 for a free quote today or start the quoting process by visiting this LINK and an agent will be in touch soon. We are committed to providing our clients with the protection and peace of mind that they need to run their businesses with confidence.