Which of the following liability coverages may require the insured's consent before a settlement is made by the insurance company?

The correct answer is professional liability. In this area of insurance, the insured often has a significant stake in the outcome of a claim due to the potential impact on their professional reputation and future capabilities. This necessitates that the insurance company obtain the insured's consent before proceeding with a settlement.

Professional liability coverage is designed to protect professionals from claims of negligence or inadequate performance in their professional duties, making it crucial that the insured maintains control over the decisions made regarding settlements that could affect their reputation and career standing. This requirement encourages a cooperative approach between the insurer and the insured, ensuring that settlements are made in alignment with the insured's best interests and professional considerations.

In contrast, general liability, product liability, and directors and officers liability coverages generally allow the insurer to settle claims without obtaining prior consent from the insured, thus providing a different level of engagement and accountability in the claims process. These types of liability coverages typically involve contractual obligations that provide broader authority to the insurer to manage and resolve claims as they see fit to protect their financial interests and those of the insured.