Does General Liability Cover Workers’ Compensation?

CGL does not provide workers’ compensation benefits. The standard ISO CGL form has exclusions for bodily injury to employees and obligations imposed by workers’ compensation laws. Workers’ compensation is a distinct policy with state-specific benefits and employer requirements; the California Department of Insurance lists it separately from general liability in its commercial coverage guide. Whether a person counts as an employee, contractor, or exempt owner can depend on state law and the facts.

Do not rely on a CGL certificate to satisfy a workers’ compensation requirement. Check each state where employees work, the policy’s covered states, class codes, named insureds, and any owner or officer exclusions. Ask how employers liability coverage fits alongside workers’ compensation, because it addresses a different set of claims under its own form. If your workforce includes temporary staff, leased employees, or subcontractors, verify documentation and responsibilities with your broker before work begins.