Does General Liability Cover International Operations?
It depends on the policy’s coverage territory and where the injury, damage, or offense occurs. Some forms include limited worldwide provisions, but foreign operations often need specific review or local coverage.
The ISO specimen defines a coverage territory that includes the United States and certain other places, with conditions for claims brought or settlements made in the United States, its territories, or Canada. It also has separate conditions for products made or sold elsewhere or travel by a person whose home is in the United States. This example shows why “worldwide” should not be assumed from the policy title: territory, suit venue, and the insured’s operations all matter.
If you sell products abroad, employ people in another country, perform onsite services, or attend an international event, tell the broker those facts. Check whether the policy covers local entities, foreign subsidiaries, local-currency judgments, local defense costs, and the specific countries and activities. Some jurisdictions require locally admitted insurance or certificates. Compare the US policy’s territory definition and endorsements with local insurance and contract requirements before relying on it overseas.
Related Coverage
Sources
- 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.
