General liability coverage is generally intended to help respond to third-party claims of bodily injury or property damage — the kind of everyday exposures that can arise on an in-person assignment at a hospital, courtroom, or conference venue. It addresses a different set of risks than professional liability (E&O), which focuses on the interpreting or translation work itself.
How the two differ
- Professional liability (E&O) — typically used for allegations about the interpreting or translation work, such as mistranslation, missed nuance, or breach of confidentiality.
- General liability — typically used for allegations of third-party bodily injury or property damage, such as a slip-and-fall while on-site for an assignment.
When interpreters consider it
General liability may be worth considering if you:
- travel to hospitals, courtrooms, conference venues, or other client sites for in-person assignments;
- meet clients in person or use an office or rented space;
- are asked by an agency, venue, or client to show evidence of this kind of coverage;
- want a broader foundation alongside professional liability.
Packaging and limits
Professional liability and general liability can often be packaged together on the same policy, which keeps things simpler to manage. Liability limits from $500,000 up to $10,000,000 may be available, subject to the carrier and your state.