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Public Liability Insurance

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What Is Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance, often referred to as PL or PLI, is intended to protect your organisation if someone outside your business, such as a customer, supplier, or member of the public, reports being injured or having their property damaged as a result of your business.

This insurance can cover compensation payments if a third party suffers an injury, damage to their belongings, or loss of income due to an incident connected with your work. It can also pay for legal fees if you need to defend yourself in court, as well as the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.

Customers and local or public authorities, like councils and schools, often require you to have public liability insurance as part of doing business with them. They may ask for a certificate to prove you’re covered.

Without this insurance, you might have to cover these costs yourself, which could put a serious strain on your finances and threaten your reputation.

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Do You Really Need Public Liability Insurance?

Slips, trips, and falls are the most common type of accident in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips and trips cause more than a third of all serious workplace injuries. Many of these accidents happen in public spaces or on business premises.

Tradespeople (including sole proprietors, business partners, and registered companies)Office Employees and ProfessionalsService-Based Businesses Like Retailors
  • A client accidentally knocks over your ladder and gets injured
  • Your equipment causes damage to a customer’s property while you’re working
  • You accidentally spill water on a visitor’s documents during a meeting
  • A client trips over loose cables in your office and suffers a minor injury
  • A shopper slips on a wet floor in your store and requires medical attention
  • A customer burns themselves on a hot drink served in your café

If you or your staff work off-site, invite customers to your premises, or operate in busy environments, you’re exposed to risk, even if you run a small operation. In some industries, clients or local authorities may require proof of insurance before they will work with you.

public liability insurance advisor explaining policy

How Much Is Public Liability Cover?

In the UK, the cost of insurance depends on factors like your industry, the amount of cover you select, the size and turnover of your business, and your past claims record. Higher-risk trades like construction usually pay more, and businesses with previous claims may also face higher premiums.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), business liability claims can cost tens of thousands of pounds, making insurance a valuable shield. For small UK businesses, premiums typically start from around £50 per year, although companies in high-risk sectors may pay considerably more

Remember, cheap public liability insurance may cost less upfront, but it still provides important protection against costly legal claims and compensation expenses.

Choosing affordable cover helps businesses stay safe without breaking the bank, making it a smart and sensible investment for most.

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What’s Covered Under Public Liability Insurance?

Injury to Third Parties

If someone outside your business, such as a customer, visitor, or supplier, is injured because of your work, insurance can cover the costs.
This may include medical expenses, compensation for lost income, and legal claims, whether the incident happens on your premises or at another location.

Damage to Third-Party Property

If your business activities cause damage to someone else’s belongings, the policy can help with the cost of repairs or replacements.
Examples include breaking a client’s valuables during a visit or accidentally damaging a vehicle while working on-site.

Product Liability

Some public liability policies include cover for injuries or damage caused by products you sell, supply, or install.
This protects you if a product you provided leads to harm, although not all insurers include it automatically, so you need to confirm it’s in your policy.

Compensation Payments

Your insurance can cover large compensation payouts, sometimes up to £10 million. This can include the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and loss of earnings for the injured party.

Legal Costs

Even if you’re not at fault, defending a claim can be expensive. The policy can cover legal fees of up to £1 million, including the cost of your defence, any settlements, or amounts awarded by the court.

Medical Fees

If someone gets hurt or falls ill because of your negligence or mistake, you could be responsible for their medical bills. Public liability cover helps offset these costs so you don’t have to pay them yourself.

What’s Not Covered?

1

Injury to Employees

The insurance only covers third parties, not your own staff. If an employee is injured at work, employers’ liability insurance is the cover you need. In the UK, this is a legal requirement for most businesses with staff.

2

Professional Mistakes or Bad Advice

If a client suffers a loss because of wrong advice or an error in your work, public liability won’t apply. Professional indemnity insurance protects against these claims. It covers both compensation and legal defence costs.

3

Damage to Your Own Property or Equipment

Public liability protects other people’s property, not yours. To cover your own premises, stock, or work tools, you’ll need business contents insurance or tools cover. This helps with repair or replacement costs after damage or loss.

4

Personal Injury

If you are injured while working, public liability won’t cover your medical bills or income loss. Health insurance or personal accident cover can provide financial protection. This ensures you can recover without added money worries.

5

Product Recalls, Removal, Or Repair Costs

These costs are not included under insurance. If a faulty product needs to be recalled, removed, or fixed, you’ll have to arrange separate covers. This helps manage the financial impact of large-scale recalls.

6

Losses Caused Solely by Contract Terms

If your liability exists only because of a contract, the claim may be excluded. Public liability covers legal responsibilities, not extra terms you agree to. It’s important to review contract clauses before signing.

7

Cyber-Related Claims

Hacking, data theft, or digital fraud are not covered by public liability. A dedicated cyber insurance policy can help protect your business against these risks. It can include data recovery, breach notifications, and legal costs.

8

Asbestos-Related Claims

Standard public liability policies exclude asbestos because of the serious health risks involved. Specialist asbestos liability cover is needed for businesses that handle or remove it. This protects against potentially very high compensation claims.

9

Deliberate or Reckless Acts

Insurance will not cover damage or injury you cause on purpose. Reckless behaviour that shows disregard for safety can also void a claim. Policies are designed to protect against accidents, not intentional harm.

Public Liability Policy Benefits

What Is Public Liability Excess?

An excess is the set amount you contribute when making a claim, with your insurer covering the balance. For instance, if your excess is £250 on a £1,000 claim, you would pay the first £250, and your insurer would cover the remaining £750.

Your insurer will tell you how much the excess is before you buy the policy. Picking a higher excess can make your insurance cheaper, but make sure you can afford to pay it if you need to claim.

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How to Choose the Right Level of Cover?

Because every business is unique, the level of public liability insurance required will depend on several key factors. It includes:

  • How often you come into contact with the public
  • The types of equipment and materials you use
  • The size, nature, and turnover of your business, plus the scale of your projects
  • Your history of public liability claims
  • Whether you need product liability cover included
  • The kind of clients you work with, such as local authorities
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My Business Doesn’t See Many Clients – Do I Still Need It?

Even if you don’t run a customer-facing business, you may still be at risk.

Office-based businesses often host meetings, meet with suppliers, or attend events. If an accident happens during these interactions, even off-site, you could still be held liable.
It’s not about how often you deal with the public, but the potential cost of just one incident.

How to Get the Best Deal on PLI?

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Compare Public Liability Insurance

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Insurance premiums can vary significantly between providers, even for similar coverage. Take time to shop around, get multiple quotes, and compare not just the price but also the coverage details, limits, and exclusions.
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Check Cover Specifics Carefully

Not all public liability policies are the same. Some may exclude certain risks like product liability or specific activities related to your trade. Make sure the policy explicitly covers the areas relevant to your business.
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Assess Your Real Risk

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest policy, but the lowest price isn’t always the best value. Consider the nature of your business and the risks you face.
A policy with a slightly higher premium but more comprehensive coverage can protect you better in the long run. Think about the potential financial impact of a claim and choose coverage limits accordingly.
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Combine Your Business Insurance Policies

You can often save money by buying more than one type of business insurance from the same provider. For example, you might combine public liability insurance with employers’ liability or professional indemnity cover. This approach not only cuts costs through multi-policy discounts but also makes it easier to manage your insurance, as everything is handled in one place.
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Review Your Policy Annually

Your business will evolve, you might take on new clients, expand services, or increase staff. These changes can affect your insurance needs.
Make it a habit to review your coverage at least once a year, ensuring your policy remains appropriate and adjusting it to reflect your current risk profile.
Insurance is essential for any business that deals with people or their property. While it’s not a legal requirement, it can shield you from costly legal fees and compensation claims.

What Professions Need Public Liability Insurance?

Insurance is essential for any business or professional whose work involves interacting with the public, clients, or their property, whether on-site, at your premises, or elsewhere.
Here are some common professions that typically need this cover in the UK:

  • Tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, builders, decorators)
  • Retailers and shop owners
  • Hairdressers, beauticians, and therapists
  • Event organisers and wedding planners
  • Landscapers and gardeners
  • Catering and food service providers
  • Freelancers and consultants
  • Photographers and videographers
  • Fitness instructors and personal trainers
  • Office-based businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get insurance if I’m self-employed or a sole trader?

Yes, public liability cover is available to sole traders and self-employed individuals. It’s often recommended because even insurance for small businesses is essential, as they face risks when working with the public or on client sites.

How quickly does insurance pay out after a claim?

The claims process timing can vary depending on the insurer and the complexity of the claim. Generally, insurers aim to process straightforward claims quickly, but complex cases may take longer due to investigations.

Can I buy insurance for a one-time event?

Yes, many insurers offer short-term or event-specific public liability insurance to cover one-off occasions like markets, festivals, or trade shows.

Is public liability cover valid outside the UK?

Some policies offer worldwide cover or cover for specific regions, but most are limited to the UK. Always check your policy details if you work abroad or attend international events.

Is public liability cover tax deductible?

Yes, it is. Public liability cover counts as an allowable expense, so be sure to keep your invoices, receipts, and paperwork safe for HMRC.

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