Does General Liability Cover Discrimination?
Generally no. Employment discrimination claims arise from the employment relationship, not the ordinary third-party liability CGL covers; employment practices coverage may address specified claims.
A discrimination claim by an applicant or worker is an employment-practices exposure. The ISO specimen excludes bodily injury arising out of employment-related practices, policies, acts, or omissions, including specified employment decisions. Triple-I identifies employment practices liability insurance as a separate coverage to consider rather than part of ordinary CGL. The CGL wording does not decide an employer’s legal obligations; it describes whether the insurer has a contractual duty for a claim.
Review an EPLI quote for covered claimants, definitions of discrimination and wrongful acts, defense costs, exclusions, limits, retentions, and reporting requirements. Confirm whether third-party allegations or claims by former employees are included if relevant. Share workforce locations and employment practices with the broker, since insurance terms and applicable law vary. Do not assume that CGL responds to an employee claim merely because it alleges injury or reputational harm.
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.
