Full Definition
An exclusion is a policy provision that removes coverage for specific risks, hazards, or types of loss. Exclusions serve several purposes: they eliminate coverage for uninsurable risks (war, nuclear events), prevent coverage overlap between policy types (CGL excludes professional liability, which is covered by E&O), remove coverage for predictable losses (normal wear and tear), and manage catastrophic accumulation (pollution, asbestos). Standard CGL exclusions include expected/intended injury, contractual liability (with exceptions), pollution, and professional services. Understanding exclusions is essential to identifying coverage gaps that may need to be addressed through other policies or endorsements.
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