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What are the benefits of a public liability insurance policy?
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.
What is public liability insurance?
Public liability policies are 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.
It covers a range of scenarios where your business could be held legally responsible for causing harm or damage.
Some key areas it typically includes are injury to third parties, damage to third-party property, legal expenses, compensation claims and product liability. 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 a customer trips in your shop or a passerby is injured by your equipment, the resulting claims can be substantial. Public liability insurance ensures that you are financially protected 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.
Who needs it?
There are several policy types for liability insurance, each catering to specific business needs. The types include:
- Business liability insurance
- Sole trader public liability insurance
- Employers liability insurance
- Property owners liability insurance
For more details on cover for sole traders, read our do I need public liability insurance as a sole trader blog.
While beneficial for all businesses, cover is particularly vital for those who interact with the public. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Retail shops
- Restaurants and cafes
- Tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, builders and more)
- Freelancers and consultants
- Event organisers
- Cleaning services
- Hairdressers and barbers
Whatever your industry or type of business you own, we can tailor a policy to your needs.
How much is public liability insurance?
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:
Nature of your business: The industry you operate in is a significant determinant of your commercial liability insurance cost. Businesses that involve a higher level of risk, such as construction or manufacturing, typically face higher premiums than those in less risky sectors.
Business size and turnover: Larger businesses or those with higher turnover usually require more extensive cover, leading to higher premiums. Insurers often assess the scale of your operations and adjust the cost accordingly.
Level of cover: The amount of cover you choose will directly impact the cost. Standard public liability cover starts at £1 million, but depending on your business needs, you can opt for higher levels, such as £5 million or even £10 million.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep in mind that these are general estimates. The actual cost for your business might differ based on the factors mentioned above.
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.
Some questions that people like to ask us about liability insurance
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.
Who are we
Whatever you do for business, whether you’re a sole trader or limited business owner, we understand that you need to protect your livelihood.
With over 50 years of experience providing top-quality insurance for liability, you can be sure we’ve got you covered.
In partnership with some of the leading UK insurers, we’ll not only get you a better liability insurance deal with the best cover available, we work hard to keep you as a customer year after year.