A small business is sued because its president, in a public speech, falsely accused a competitor of fraud. Which Coverage of the standard CGL is most likely to respond to this defamation suit?
Explanation
Coverage B of the CGL (Personal and Advertising Injury) covers specific intentional, non-bodily-injury offenses, including: oral or written publication of material that slanders or libels a person or organization (defamation), violation of right of privacy, false arrest, malicious prosecution, wrongful eviction, and infringement of copyright/slogan in the named insured's advertisement. Defamation is therefore a classic Coverage B claim.
Law Reference: ISO CGL Coverage B – Personal and Advertising InjuryThis topic, taught in full in the California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent guide. California Property & Casualty Broker-Agent Study Guide — 2026 Edition — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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