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 Virginia, Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is a standard form of insurance that provides businesses with coverage for various types of risks, including bodily injury, property damage, and liability arising from advertising and personal injury. While CGL policies offer broad protection, they do not cover every potential risk a business may encounter, such as professional errors, employment disputes, or intentional acts. Under Virginia law, when a claim falls within the scope of the CGL policy, the insurer has two primary obligations: the duty to defend and the duty to indemnify. The duty to defend requires the insurer to hire an attorney to represent the business in legal proceedings related to the claim. The duty to indemnify means the insurer must pay to settle the claim or cover any court or arbitration judgment against the insured business, up to the policy limits. It's important for businesses to carefully review their CGL policies to understand the extent of coverage and any exclusions or limitations that may apply.