Two policies sound alike but protect you in very different ways: General Liability (GL) and Errors & Omissions (E&O). If you run a business, you may need one or both. Knowing the difference helps you avoid painful surprises when a claim hits.
What General Liability Covers?
GL protects your business when someone says you caused physical harm or damaged property. Think slip-and-fall in your lobby, a ladder that breaks a client’s window, or a product that injures someone. It can also cover “personal and advertising injury,” like specific issues in your ads. GL is the backbone for many shops, trades, and storefronts.
What E&O Covers?
E&O protects against financial loss caused by your work, advice or a mistake. There may be no broken bones or broken windows, just a client who says your service cost them money. Examples: a consultant gives wrong guidance, a tech firm misses a key step in a build or a tax pro files a form late. If your work is knowledge-based or service-heavy, E&O is often essential.
Claim Triggers and Timing
GL is usually “occurrence-based,” which means it responds if the event happened during the policy period, even if the claim is filed later. E&O is often “claims-made,” which means the claim must be made while your policy is active. E&O also has a start date that reaches back in time. Keep this date intact when you renew so older work stays protected.
Limits, Defense and Contracts
Check how defense costs are handled. Do legal fees reduce your limit, or sit on top of it? Some clients ask for higher limits or special wording before you sign a contract. Read those terms with your agent so your policy matches what you promised.
Who Needs Which?
- Choose GL if people visit your space, you visit job sites or you sell or install things.
- Choose E&O if you give advice, design, code, plan or handle other people’s money or data.
Many firms need both. A marketing agency, for example, meets clients in its office (GL risk) and also gives advice that could cost a client money (E&O risk).
Cost and Value
Prices vary by industry, size and claims history. Bundling the right mix can save money and improve protection.
Carry the policy that matches your real risk. When in doubt, pair GL with E&O so one claim does not grow into a crisis. Your business and your reputation are worth it.