Public liability insurance
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Public liability insurance is designed to protect businesses against claims made by members of the public who have suffered injury or property damage as a result of the business’s activities, providing peace of mind for business owners.
In partnership with some of the leading UK insurers, we’ll not only get you a better public liability insurance deal with the best cover available, we work hard to keep you as a customer year after year.
Whatever you do for business, whether you’re a sole trader or limited business owner, we understand that you need to protect your livelihood.
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With over 50 years of experience providing top-quality insurance for public liability, you can be sure we’ve got you covered.
What is public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance, also known as general liability insurance or PLI, is an important type of business cover. It protects your business if a third party, such as a customer, client or member of the public, is accidentally injured or their property is damaged because of your work or while visiting your premises.
This type of insurance can help cover the cost of compensation claims, legal fees and repairing or replacing damaged property. Whether someone trips over your equipment, slips at a job site or their belongings are damaged during your work, public liability insurance helps protect your business from unexpected expenses.
Although it is not a legal requirement, many clients, including councils, schools and other organisations, may ask you to have it before agreeing to work with you. Providing a certificate of public liability insurance shows that your business takes safety seriously and gives customers peace of mind.
Read our guide on what public liability insurance covers for more details.
Public liability insurance is crucial for several reasons:
- Business reputation: Having insurance demonstrates professionalism and responsibility, enhancing your reputation with clients and the public.
- Financial protection: Accidents happen, and if your equipment injures a passerby or a customer trips in your shop, the resulting claims can be substantial. Public liability insurance protects you financially against such claims.
- Legal compliance: While not legally required in the UK, some industries or clients may require businesses to have insurance as a condition of working together.
The benefits of public liability insurance
Personal injury claims
A primary function of public liability insurance is to cover compensation claims. You’ll be covered if you cause injury to a member of the public.
Damage to property
Accidents happen, and sometimes, your business activities might damage someone else’s property. If you cause damage to other people’s property, we’ve got your back.
Legal protection
Defending a liability claim can be expensive, even if you’re not at fault. You’ll be covered for any legal costs to defend a claim brought against you.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
Employers’ liability insurance
What’s the Difference Between Public Liability and Employers’ Liability? The key difference lies in who is covered.
- Public liability insurance: Protects your business if a third party. Such as a customer, client, or member of the public who is accidentally injured or has their property damaged because of your work.
- Employers’ liability insurance: Covers people who work for you and is required by law if you have employees. This includes full-time and part-time employees, volunteers, apprentices, and trainees. It protects your business if someone working for you is injured or becomes ill as a result of their job.
We can offer employers’ liability insurance as part of our cover. It can easily be added when you get a quote.
Who needs public liability insurance?
Almost any business that interacts with the public should consider this cover. Whether people visit your premises, you work at customer locations or in public spaces, there is always a risk that something could go wrong. Public liability insurance is especially important for businesses that work with local councils, schools or public sector contracts, where having this insurance is often a requirement.
While beneficial for all businesses, cover is particularly vital for those who interact with the public. This includes, but is not limited to:
Types of business
- Sole trader insurance – Cover tailored for individuals running their own business independently.
- Self-employed insurance – Protection for freelancers, gig workers, and anyone working for themselves.
- Tradesman insurance – Insurance for skilled trades like carpenters, decorators, and handypersons.
- Builders insurance – Cover for building contractors and construction workers, including site risks.
- Electrician Insurance – Protection for domestic and commercial electrical contractors.
- Plumber insurance – Insurance designed for plumbing professionals, including emergency call-outs.
- Groundworks insurance – Specialist cover for groundwork contractors working on foundations and excavation.
- Contractor insurance – Flexible insurance for contractors working across various industries or projects.
- Property owners liability insurance – Cover for domestic and commercial cleaners, including liability and equipment.
- Driving instructor insurance – Cover for driving instructors, including damage to vehicles and property.
- Bouncy castle insurance – Cover for operators responsible for transport, setting up, ensuring safety and supervising.
- Cleaning business insurance – Cover for domestic and commercial cleaners, including liability and equipment.
- Window cleaning insurance – Protection for window cleaners working at height or in public spaces.
- Freelance insurance – Tailored cover for independent professionals working on a project basis. Including freelance groom insurance.
- Consultant insurance – Professional indemnity and liability cover for business consultants and advisors.
- Photographer insurance – Protection for professional photographers, including equipment and liability.
- Hairdressing insurance – Insurance for mobile or salon-based hairdressers, including treatment risks.
- Barber insurance – Cover designed for barbershops and self-employed barbers.
- Beauty therapist insurance – Protection for beauty professionals offering treatments like facials and waxing.
- Catering insurance – Cover for caterers, whether working at events, from home, or running food vans.
- Pet business insurance – Cover for dog walking insurance, dog grooming insurance and pet sitter insurance.
Whatever your industry or type of business you own, we can tailor a policy to your needs.
How much does public liability insurance cost?
This depends on the nature and size of your business, the level of risk involved and any claims history you might have.
The cost of public liability insurance varies based on several factors:
Type of cover
The cover you choose will directly impact cost. Standard cover starts at £1 million, but depending on business needs, you can opt for higher levels, such as £5 million or £10 million.
Nature of business
The industry you operate in is a determinant of your costs. Businesses that involve a higher level of risk, such as construction or manufacturing, typically face higher premiums.
Location
Your location can also play a role in determining your insurance premium. For instance, operating in an area with higher crime rates might result in higher costs.
Business size and turnover
Larger businesses or those with higher turnover usually require more extensive cover, leading to higher premiums. Insurers assess the scale of your operations and adjust the costs.
Number of employees
More employees generally mean more risk, which can also affect your insurance costs. Even if your business is low-risk, having more staff can increase the chances of a claim.
Claims history
If your business has a history of claims, you might be viewed as a higher risk, which can increase your premiums. On the other hand, a clean claims history could help reduce costs.
Average cost
While the cost varies, some average figures can give you a ballpark estimate:
- Small businesses and sole traders: Premiums typically range from £50 to £150 annually for a basic level of cover (around £1 million).
- Medium-sized businesses: Costs may range from £200 to £600 annually, depending on the business type and cover level.
- Larger businesses: For extensive cover, premiums can exceed £1,000 annually.
How to reduce the cost
If you’re concerned about the cost of business liability cover, there are a few strategies you can use to potentially lower your premiums:
Increase your excess: Voluntarily opting for a higher excess can reduce your premium, but it’s important to ensure that your business can afford to pay the excess if a claim arises.
Improve risk management: Implementing robust safety measures and demonstrating a low-risk environment can sometimes lead to lower premiums.
Keep in mind that these are general estimates. The actual cost for your business might differ based on the factors mentioned above.
Public liability insurance frequently asked questions
When do I need to get public liability insurance?
Whether you’re a sole trader or limited company, if your business is up and running you should consider public liability insurance now.
Is public liability insurance a legal requirement?
No, it’s not a legal requirement. However, you will find that many organisations or clients you work with will require you to have cover in place before you can do any work for them. Also consider the costs associated with injury and damage claims and whether your business could survive if a claim is brought against you.
Do I need employers’ liability cover?
If you employ anybody or engage labour-only subcontractors, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement. Regardless of the size of your business or the nature of your industry.
It covers a wide range of claims made by employees, including:
Compensation payments: If an employee’s claim is successful, the compensation payment can be significant. It covers these costs, protecting your business from potentially crippling financial losses.
Injuries caused by accidents: If an employee is injured while performing their duties. Whether it’s a slip, trip, fall, or a more severe accident.
Work-related illnesses: Employees who develop illnesses due to their working environment. Such as respiratory conditions or repetitive strain injuries, may claim compensation.
Legal costs: The cost of defending your business in court, whether the claim is valid or not, can be substantial. It covers legal fees, including those for solicitors, expert witnesses, and court proceedings.
Get more details on this in our what is employers liability insurance blog.
What limit of cover should I choose?
You should check with your clients if they require you to have a certain amount of cover. For example, if you do any work for a local government authority, you will usually be required to have cover up to £10 million.
Do you provide evidence of cover?
For public liability insurance, you’ll receive proof of cover instantly which you can show your clients. If you choose to have employers’ liability cover, a Certificate of Employer’s Liability will be sent to you right away for display at your premises.
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