General liability (GL) is the foundational business insurance category: it responds to claims that your business activities caused bodily injury or property damage to a third party, or certain advertising-related harms. For freelancers, its practical importance often comes from client contracts — many businesses require proof of GL before onboarding any vendor, even a fully remote one.
Educational guide, last reviewed July 30, 2026. Not insurance advice. Policy wording controls what is covered. See the GigCoverCalc methodology and consult a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions.