Does General Liability Cover Advertising Injury?
Sometimes. CGL may cover listed advertising offenses, but it does not cover every marketing or false-advertising dispute.
CGL may cover a claim only if it alleges an offense listed under personal and advertising injury and no exclusion applies. The ISO specimen includes offenses such as libel, slander, and certain copyright infringement, while excluding some claims about advertised quality, performance, or price.
If you create ads or content for clients, check the policy’s advertising-injury definition and exclusions for intellectual property, media businesses, and professional services. Ask whether your specific work belongs under CGL, media liability, or professional liability.
Related Coverage
Sources
- Commercial general liability insurance. Insurance Information Institute; What commercial general liability insurance covers; Coverage A, B and C; Additional liability coverages to consider. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Commercial General Liability Coverage Form, CG 00 01 12 07. ISO; specimen hosted by Hiscox; Coverage A I.A pp.1–5; Coverage B I.B pp.6–7; Who Is An Insured II pp.9–10; Limits III p.10; Conditions IV pp.10–12; Definitions V pp.12–16. Accessed 2026-09-25.
