Which exposure is covered under the basic Commercial General Liability policy?

The basic Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy covers several types of liability exposures, one of which is advertising injury. This refers to offenses that arise from the advertising of a business's goods, products, or services, including claims such as copyright infringement, trademark infringement, or false advertising.

In the context of advertising injury coverage, the intent is to protect businesses from legal claims that result from the publication or dissemination of their advertisements. Such coverage is particularly important for businesses that actively promote their services or products, as it provides a layer of protection against potential lawsuits arising from the competitive marketplace.

The other exposures listed—professional services, employee dishonesty, and business interruption—are not included in the basic CGL policy. Professional services typically require specialized professional liability coverage, like errors and omissions insurance. Employee dishonesty falls under fidelity bonds or specific crime policies to cover losses sustained due to an employee's dishonest acts. Business interruption insurance, which covers lost revenue during a period of disruption, is provided under a separate policy or as a part of a property insurance extension, not within the standard CGL coverage.