Compare public liability insurance

No, public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK. However, it’s strongly recommended for businesses that engage with the public. Without it, your business could be exposed to significant financial risks if, for example, a customer is injured or property is damaged as a result of your business activities.

Absolutely – even if you don't consider an accident to be your fault, you can still be sued. For instance, a customer might allege that your business activities contributed to their injury, even if you don’t believe that’s the case. However, this doesn’t mean your business will automatically be held liable – a claim will only succeed if you’re found to be at fault.

Even if you don’t believe you’re responsible, public liability insurance can provide essential support, covering legal fees and compensation if necessary. If you’re unsure about the validity of a claim, it’s always best to contact your insurer for guidance.

You can — and should — get a certificate. When you take out public liability insurance in the UK, your insurer will provide you with a certificate of insurance. This serves as proof that you have coverage in place, and is something clients, suppliers, or partners may want to see before they agree to work with you. 

Public liability insurance and general liability insurance are somewhat similar, but there are nuances that make them distinct. Public liability insurance covers your business if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged due to your business activities. This could include incidents like a customer slipping in your shop, or your business sign falling on someone’s head.

General liability insurance provides broader coverage. It includes public liability, but also covers other areas such as employee injuries, damage to property owned by your business, and potential lawsuits related to advertising or defamation. General liability insurance is commonly used by businesses in sectors such as manufacturing or construction.

Public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance serve different purposes for businesses, protecting against distinct types of risks.

Public liability insurance protects your business if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business activities, while professional indemnity insurance is designed for businesses that offer professional advice or services.

The core purpose of professional indemnity insurance is to cover claims made against your business for errors, omissions, or negligence in the advice or services you provide. For example, if a client claims that they have suffered financial loss due to a mistake in your professional work, professional indemnity insurance can help cover legal costs and any subsequent compensation.

Check out our full guide for more information.

Certainly – anyone who is self-employed can get public liability insurance. Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, or sole trader, it can protect you should a member of the public claim that they were injured, or their property was damaged, owing to your business activities.

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is certainly a sensible choice for anyone hosting a one-off event. Even if it’s a short-term or temporary event, having coverage can ensure you're protected against potential claims, and will also provide peace of mind.

No, public liability insurance does not cover injuries to employees. Public liability insurance, as the name suggests, is designed to cover injuries or property damage to third parties, such as customers or members of the public. For employee injuries, you’ll need employer’s liability insurance, which is a separate policy. Unlike public liability insurance, it is a legal requirement for most businesses in the UK.

Typically, public liability insurance will not cover contractors, as they are not deemed members of the public. Contractors are, generally speaking, considered separate businesses rather than members of the public. However, if a contractor causes injury or property damage to a third party while working on your behalf, your public liability insurance may help cover any related claims. It’s important for contractors to have their own insurance to ensure they’re fully protected. If you’re working with contractors regularly, it’s a good idea to check that they have the appropriate cover.

Yes, public liability insurance will cover you if you need to visit a client. If an incident occurs during your visit, such as a client being injured, your public liability insurance can help cover any legal fees or compensation. It's essential to ensure you're covered for all business activities, whether at your premises or at a client’s location.

While there’s generally no direct cost to making a claim on your public liability insurance, there will likely be additional costs involved, such as your insurance excess – the amount you must pay before your insurer covers the rest. Also, it’s worth keeping in mind that if your claim leads to higher risk, your premiums may increase when it’s time to renew your policy.

Traditionally, insurers have charged interest on monthly payments, making it cheaper to pay for an annual policy. However, some insurers now offer monthly payment options with no extra cost, which could provide you with more flexibility. Comparing payment options will help you choose the best option for your business. Also, be sure to check the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure you’re clear on whether any interest or additional fees apply.

Generally speaking you will not need to pay to make a public liability insurance claim, but you might need to pay an excess. Also, be aware that some insurers charge administrative fees depending on the type of claim, so be sure to review your policy to ensure you're fully aware of any potential charges.