General Liability vs. Professional Liability: Which Coverage Do You Need?

Not all liability insurance is created equal. While General Liability (GL) and Professional Liability (PL or E&O) both protect your business, they cover very different types of risk. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right protection for your profession.

What Is General Liability Insurance?

General Liability covers physical risks—such as bodily injuries and property damage—that occur as a result of your business operations.

Typical Claims Include:

• A customer slipping and falling at your office
• Damage caused to a client’s property during a service call
• Claims of false advertising or reputational harm

Best For: Contractors, retailers, and any business with a physical location or public foot traffic

What Is Professional Liability Insurance?

Professional Liability (also called Errors & Omissions) covers financial loss resulting from mistakes, negligence, or failure to deliver professional services.

Typical Claims Include:

• A consultant offering faulty advice that causes client losses
• A designer missing a deadline that results in revenue loss
• A miscalculation or error in a deliverable

Best For: Consultants, accountants, designers, IT professionals, and service-based businesses

Key Differences

• GL deals with tangible harm (physical injuries, damage).
• PL addresses intangible harm (financial loss from errors or advice).
• You may need both depending on your industry and client contracts.

Choose the Right Liability Coverage

TriPack helps you assess your business risks and determine whether general liability, professional liability—or both—is the right fit for your coverage plan.