Does General Liability Cover Harassment?
Generally no for workplace harassment claims. They arise from employment practices and are commonly addressed, if covered, by a separate EPLI policy.
A workplace harassment claim is based on conduct in the employment relationship. The ISO CGL specimen’s employment-related practices exclusion reaches bodily injury arising from employment policies and acts, including certain workplace decisions. General liability’s third-party Coverage A is not designed to replace an employment practices policy. Coverage depends on how the allegations and policy definitions fit, and whether an EPLI form includes the alleged conduct.
Read the EPLI policy’s definition of harassment or wrongful act, who may bring a claim, insured-person definition, defense-cost treatment, exclusions, and claim-reporting rules. Check whether the policy applies to current employees, applicants, former employees, or third parties. Because forms and applicable employment laws differ, describe the workforce and locations accurately in the application and have the insurer confirm the quote’s scope.
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 Insurance Guide. California Department of Insurance; Commercial General Liability; Commercial Automobile; Workers Compensation; Commercial Property. 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.
