What does Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance protect a business against?

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance protects a business against third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage arising from its premises, operations, products, and completed work, as well as 'personal and advertising injury' (such as libel, slander, or certain advertising-related offenses). It pays damages the business is legally obligated to pay and the cost of defense, up to policy limits. CGL does not cover the business's own property (commercial property insurance), employee injuries (workers compensation), or professional errors (professional liability). Understanding the broad third-party liability protection CGL provides is core general-liability content on the casualty exam.