Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to provide broad coverage to businesses for bodily injury claims, property damage, and advertising and personal injury liability. CGL insurance is considered comprehensive business insurance, but it does not cover all of the risks a business may face. When a claim is covered by the insurance policy, the insurance company generally has two duties to the insured (business): the duty to defend the insured by hiring a lawyer to represent the business, and the duty to indemnify the insured, by paying to settle the claim or paying any judgment from a court or arbitrator.
In North Carolina, Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is a standard form of insurance that provides coverage to businesses for various liabilities, including bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury. While CGL policies offer broad protection, they do not cover all potential risks, such as professional errors, employment disputes, or intentional acts. Under North Carolina law, when a claim falls within the scope of the CGL policy, the insurer has the duty to defend the insured business against the claim. This typically involves hiring an attorney to represent the business in legal proceedings. Additionally, the insurer has the duty to indemnify the insured, which means the insurer is obligated to pay for any settlements or judgments up to the policy limits. It is important for businesses to understand the specific terms and exclusions of their CGL policies and to ensure that they have adequate coverage for their particular risks.