Public Liability Insurance

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What Is Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance helps protect the business you have from problems. If a member of the public gets hurt or you face property damage while doing work, this kind of insurance is there to help you out. It pays for things like compensation payments and legal expenses. With liability insurance, you do not need to feel worried if you make a mistake at work because it will not ruin everything you have or your business. That means you can feel safe and focus on doing your work well.

Business insurance services are needed by many in the UK. A lot of people ask for proof of your business insurance. Landlords and councils also want it. You have to show that you be covered before you start working or sign any deal.

Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?

Any business that speaks with customers or people should look at getting this cover. This is important for:

  • Tradespeople: This group has builders, plumbers, painters, people with electric tools, and garden workers.
  • Retailers and shop owners: People with hair salons, cafes, and shops in the main area are included.
  • Freelancers and self-employed professionals: This covers people who take photos, design things, or give ideas as consultants.
  • Event organisers and market traders: If you have a stall at fairs or set up for events, there is help for you.
  • Home-based businesses: If you see people at your own place for work or go to their homes, you get covered.
Who Needs Public Liability Insurance

Even if you work alone or for only part of the time, public liability insurance can help you feel safe. This insurance is good for when there is trouble at work. If an accident happens, you do not have to pay everything by yourself. Liability insurance is there so you can feel sure you are protected when things go wrong or if someone gets hurt. It makes your job feel safer, and you worry less about what could happen.

Is Public Liability Insurance Legally Required for Sole Traders?

For most sole traders in the UK, you do not need to buy Public Liability Insurance because the law does not say you must. But it is still a good idea for people like you. Having liability insurance can protect you if the worst happens and someone decides to make a claim against you. So, you may not need public liability insurance by law, but it is often a good idea to have it.

Even places like your home office, workshop, or market stall can have risks for your small business premises. A member of the public might get a personal injury or may have their property damaged from something you do in your work. If something like this happens, they could take legal action to ask for money.

One claim can take a lot of money from you. The cash goes to pay for compensation payments and legal expenses. Public liability insurance is there for you. With this, you do not have to use your own money to cover these costs. Liability insurance gives help when there is a claim of public liability against you. This makes things better for you and your business.

If you work at a limited company or if you hire temporary staff, most clients want to have proof of the right insurance. This helps people see that you work in a good way. It also helps to keep both you and them safe.

For small business owners, the right type of cover helps keep all your business activities safe through the whole year. It is easy to get and doesn't cost a lot. With it, you protect the work you do for the whole year, not just for each job you take. This lets business owners feel calm and keeps their small business safe if anything comes up.

What Does Public Liability Insurance Cover?

A good Public Liability policy typically includes:

Injury to Third Parties

If a customer, member of the public, or supplier gets hurt because of your work, your policy can help. For example, if someone slips on a wet floor in your place, the insurance will help pay for medical bills. It can also help with any compensation costs.

Property Damage

This coverage takes care of you if you damage someone else’s property by mistake. It can help, for example, if you break a window at your client’s home. It also covers you if you cause harm to a customer’s car while you do your work.

Legal Costs and Defence

It takes care of legal expenses, court costs, and paying for a lawyer. It also gives help with settlements. You do not need to spend your own money if you have to make a claim.

Product Liability (if included)

Some policies also give protection when you sell, supply, or put in a product. This is called product liability insurance. A type of cover like product liability insurance is good to have for many types of businesses that deal with goods. Liability insurance can help keep you and your business safe if there is a problem with what you sell or install.

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How to Make a Claim on Your Public Liability Insurance

If your business activities lead to an accident and someone from the general public gets hurt or their own property is damaged, you should reach out to your insurer right away.

Most public liability insurance policies will show you what steps to take in the policy documentation or the online claims portal. You can read this information to get help with a claim. The usual way to make a claim for public liability is explained in the instructions that come with your liability insurance. This means you read all policy documentation first to know what to do next. Each insurance provider will tell you the steps to take, so you understand your policy and how public liability works.

  1. Write down what was in the incident. Say who was there at the time and take some photos if you can.
  2. Talk to your insurer. Give them your policy documents. Tell them about the event by using clear words.
  3. Work closely with your insurer. They might want statements from people who saw what happened or ask for bills.
  4. Do not say you are at fault. Let your insurer take care of all legal action and let them talk to others for you.
How to Make a Claim on Your Public Liability Insurance

Your claims handler will tell you if your public liability cover is active. They will also let you know what the compensation payments or repair costs could be.

If your claim is approved, the insurance company will send the payment right to the person who was affected. This step makes it easier for your business. It helps you stay away from the big cost of compensation claims or legal expenses. You do not need to pay the cost of compensation out of your pocket. The company takes care of both compensation claims and legal expenses for you.

Having a clear claim process makes your business insurance work when you need it most. This helps you feel good about the type of business insurance you have. If there is a problem, you can get help fast and get back to work. It’s important to have the right type of business insurance, so you feel safe if things go wrong. A simple claim process helps you stay ready for anything.

What Public Liability Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Public liability insurance gives people good cover, but it will not help with everything. Here is what is often not in this type of liability insurance:

  • Liability insurance does not cover injuries to your own employees. For this, you need to have Employers’ Liability Insurance.
  • If you make a mistake at work or give the wrong professional advice, professional indemnity insurance can help you.
  • Liability insurance will not help if there is any damage to your own property or equipment.
  • Most liability insurance plans do not cover intentional acts or contract disputes.

If you do not know what is in your policy, read the policy documentation and look at the key facts summary. This is the best way to see what you get and find out what is not included.

How Much Public Liability Insurance Do I Need?

Most small businesses in the UK choose between £1 million and £5 million of cover. The right amount for you will depend on the following:

  • The nature of your business and the level of risk you have can change what insurance you need.
  • You might need to meet the contract or what the client asks for.
  • The size of your business and how many customers you have also matter.
  • The levels of cover that your chosen insurer gives can be different.

If you work in construction, retail, or at public events, you may need higher limits.
You can look at quotes for different levels of cover. This helps you find the right mix between cost and protection.

Common Public Liability Insurance Claims

Public liability insurers get a lot of claims every year. The most common claims with public liability include:

  • Trips and slips – accidents can happen at your business premises if the floors get wet, cables are loose, or the ground is not even.
  • Property damage – you might damage a client’s things when you do your type of business work.
  • Accidental injury – sometimes, the tools, materials, or products you use could hurt someone from the general public.
  • Product liability insurance – if you sell or set up products that later cause damage or hurt someone, this insurance will help.
  • Damage during events – traders, caterers, or entertainers working at a venue can sometimes damage property or equipment by accident.
Common Public Liability Insurance Claims

You need liability insurance to deal with property damage, accidents that happen in your business premises, and product liability problems. Having it can help save your time, money, and peace of mind. Liability insurance lets you keep working and feel safe doing what you do best.

Each claim will not always be the same. The insurer looks at your type of business and how much money you make. They also go over the individual terms in your insurance policy.

How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Cost in the UK?

The cost of public liability insurance may change because of different things. It can depend on the type of work you do. The size of a business and the place you work in, also make a difference. A public liability plan may look at how risky your job is. It can also think about how often you use insurance, and how much cover you want. All these things help decide the cost of public liability insurance. It is good to know what is important before you pick a plan. Every business should get the real price and find out what is covered by liability insurance in the quote.

  • The size of your business and how much money it makes in a year
  • The type of business you run, and what kind of risks there are
  • The number of people you deal with each day
  • If you hire temporary staff or work with subcontractors
  • The levels of cover you choose, like £1m, £2m, £5m, or more
  • If you have made any public liability claims before, or had any problems

For example, a self-employed gardener will have to pay less for the cost of compensation claims than a big construction company with many workers. The cost of compensation is often more in jobs that have higher risks. This makes the cost of compensation and the premiums go up.

Comparing several providers for business insurance services helps you choose the right insurance for your type of business. Some big names, like Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, offer plans that fit what your work needs. But, you may also get good deals with smaller companies. A lot of them have options online for your type of business insurance. This lets you see more choices so you can pick business insurance that suits you.

Get fast and easy public liability quotes here. Compare prices from top companies. See what fits your needs. Make sure you, your business, and all people around you stay safe and covered. Find out which public liability option is good for you today. It takes only a few steps. Start now to get help for yourself that works for you.

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Why Compare Public Liability Insurance with Free Price Compare

Why Compare Public Liability Insurance with Free Price Compare?

Free Price Compare lets you look for cover that fits your business and the budget you have.
With help from our partner, Quotezone, you can see quotes from UK insurers quickly. Just take a few minutes to do this.

  • You can see up to five quotes side by side.
  • Get choices picked for your trade or what type of cover you want.
  • You save both time and money. All you do is fill out one simple form.
  • There are no hidden costs or fees. You do not have to buy anything at all.

You will get quotes that come straight from UK insurers, so you can trust them. All the offers will be in one place for you.

Common Trades Covered

Public liability insurance is there to help if someone gets hurt or something gets damaged by your business. It can be used in many different kinds of businesses. There are a lot of things that the insurance covers. If you run a business, getting public liability can be a good idea. It will help you and your customers feel at ease. Liability insurance makes you feel safe when you work with people every day.

  • Builders, plumbers, electricians, and roofers
  • Gardeners, cleaners, and decorators
  • Hairdressers, beauticians, and barbers
  • Photographers, caterers, and event planners
  • Consultants, designers, and IT professionals
  • Market traders and food stalls

If you cannot find your trade on the list, you can still look at quotes. Many UK insurers have many types of insurance that help small business and business owners. This helps small business owners find the cover they want.

Why Public Liability Insurance Matters

Accidents can happen in any business. They might occur at any time. If you do not have insurance, you may have to pay a lot. Even small claims can bring high compensation costs and legal expenses.

Having public liability insurance lets people know that you care about your work and your customers. It helps you get new jobs and build trust with others. Public liability is important because people need to feel safe and know that you take things seriously. This type of liability insurance shows that you are ready to look after others’ needs and keep their trust in you.

It also helps you with money if there is a problem at work. This can help you get back to normal fast. You may be able to keep your business from shutting down after something goes wrong.

How to Compare Quotes

You can look at public liability insurance plans in just a few minutes. This saves time and helps you see the different options out there. When you check several public liability choices, it gets easier to find the coverage that works well for you and your needs. This is a good way to pick the best liability insurance for you.

  1. Fill out a short form. Tell us a bit about your type of business.
  2. Look at quotes. Get prices from up to five UK insurers.
  3. Pick your cover. Choose the option that is right for your needs and your budget.
How to Compare Quotess

Your quotes will be shown to you right away. The insurers may reach out to you by phone or send you a message. They will talk to you about your choices in more detail.

Public liability insurance is there to help protect you. If someone makes a claim against you, it can cover costs. This insurance gives you peace of mind. You know you have help if an accident happens at work or on your property. Comparing public liability options is a smart move. It helps you find the best plan for your needs. Use our tool to look at what’s available. Get started now to see your choices.

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Other Insurance Types You Might Need

Public Liability Insurance can help you if someone from the public says you are responsible for something bad that happened to them. This kind of cover is good, but you might need other kinds of insurance, too, depending on what kind of work you do.

Liability insurance is there to help you, your business, and the people you work with or do work for. There are some risks that public liability may not cover. So, it is a good idea to look into all your choices.

  • Employers’ Liability Insurance – you need this if someone who works for you gets hurt or sick while doing the job.
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance – this will help you if you make a mistake or give wrong advice to your clients. It keeps you safe from problems that might come up.
  • Van Insurance – if you use a vehicle for work, you need this so your vehicle is protected.
  • Tool Insurance – this helps you pay for your equipment if it gets stolen or broken, so you do not have to stop working.

liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance can help you keep your business safe.

Adding these covers lets your business have a type of business insurance that is full.

FAQs about Public Liability Insurance

No, it is not a legal requirement. A lot of clients and some local councils want proof of cover before you begin work. Most businesses that meet people face to face feel it is something you should have.

You can get your coverage started quickly and have proof of your insurance as soon as you take your quote. A lot of insurers will send the certificate to your email in just a few minutes.

Yes, it does not matter if clients come to your home or if you go to their place. There will still be risks for you with the public. This is something people with home-based businesses need to know.

No, this only covers third parties. If you have staff, you need to get Employers’ Liability Insurance too. This is a legal requirement in most cases.

You will get your certificate when your policy starts. Many people and trade groups want to see this before you can work at their place.

Yes, most insurers let you pay every month. This is good for your cash flow. If you pay for the whole year in one go, you most likely save some money overall.

Prices vary depending on your trade, risk level, and business size. Many small business owners pay between £50 and £150 per year for basic cover, while higher-risk trades or larger firms may pay more. Comparing multiple insurers is the easiest way to find an accurate price for your business.

Yes, most insurers offer combined policies that include Employers’ Liability, Professional Indemnity, or Tools and Equipment cover. Bundling your policies can simplify renewals and sometimes reduce the total cost compared to separate insurance plans.

If someone makes a claim against you and you don’t have cover, you’ll have to pay any compensation and legal fees yourself. This can be financially devastating for small business owners or sole traders, especially if the claim involves personal injury or property damage.

You can find more answers by visiting our business insurance guides. These guides let you know what business insurance is, and how it can help you or your business.

Page last updated on: 21/11/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

4000+ reviews