When it comes to protecting a business from costly lawsuits and other liabilities, two of the most commonly used forms of insurance are Directors and Officers Insurance (D&O) and General Liability Insurance (GLI). But what's the difference between them? This article will take a closer look at both insurance policies and explain how they are different.

What is Directors and Officers Insurance?

Directors and officers insurance, also known as D&O insurance, is a type of coverage that protects individuals from liability arising out of their actions as directors or officers of their company. This coverage can help protect the individual from personal financial damages that may come as a result of any legal action taken against them.

D&O insurance can help to protect the individual in a number of ways. First, it can cover the cost of defense against any legal action that may be taken against the director or officer. This coverage can also help to pay for any damages that may be awarded in a lawsuit against the individual. In some cases, D&O insurance can even help to cover the costs of settlement negotiations.

It is important to note that D&O insurance does not protect the company itself from liability. Rather, it is designed to protect the individual directors and officers from personal financial damages that may result from any legal action taken against them.

What is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance is insurance that offers protection from a variety of claims that could be made against a business. These claims can come from customers, employees, or other third parties. They can be for bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, or advertising injury. General liability insurance can help pay for the legal costs associated with these claims. It can also help to protect the business's assets and income.

The Differences Between D&O and General Liability

There are a few key differences between directors and officers insurance (D&O) and general liability insurance. For one, D&O insurance is designed specifically to protect corporate directors and officers from personal financial losses in the event that they are sued for wrongful decisions or actions while in their corporate roles. General liability insurance, on the other hand, provides protection for businesses against a variety of risks, including bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and more.

Another key difference is that D&O insurance typically includes coverage for "punitive damages" that may be awarded in a lawsuit, while general liability policies generally exclude this type of coverage. Punitive damages are meant to punish the insured party for particularly egregious conduct, and can often be quite costly. As such, they can represent a significant financial risk for corporate directors and officers.

Finally, it's important to note that D&O insurance is typically purchased by the corporation itself, while general liability insurance is usually purchased by the business owner(s). This is because the corporation—not the individual director or officer—is usually held liable in lawsuits involving wrongful decisions or actions.

How to Choose Between a D&O Policy vs a General Liability Policy

There are a few key considerations to take into account when trying to decide whether a D&O policy or general liability policy is right for your business. The first is the scope of coverage. A D&O policy will typically provide broader coverage than a general liability policy, with protection for things like wrongful termination and defamation.

Another consideration is cost. D&O policies can be more expensive than general liability policies, so it's important to weigh the added protection against the added cost.

Finally, it's worth considering whether your business is likely to face any specific risks that would be covered by a D&O policy but not by a general liability policy. For example, if your business is in a highly regulated industry, or if you have significant shareholders or investors, then a D&O policy may be worth the investment.

Get best recommendation on any general liability policy in BimaKavach

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between directors and officers insurance and general liability is essential to making sure you have the right coverage for your business. While both types of insurance provide protection from various kinds of financial losses, they do so in different ways. Generally speaking, D&O insurance covers losses related to decisions made by company executives or other management personnel, while GL covers claims arising from accidents or negligence on the part of employees or customers. As such, it's important to weigh these two options carefully before deciding which one best meets your needs.