Public Liability
Insurance

Overview

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability Insurance protects your business against claims from third parties for injury or property damage. Whether you run a shop, trade business, office, or work on-site, this insurance ensures you won’t face financial hardship if someone makes a claim against you.

For small businesses, contractors, sole traders, and large companies, Public Liability Insurance is essential to operate with confidence and comply with client and legal requirements.

Who Needs This?

Any business that interacts with customers, suppliers, or the public should have Public Liability Insurance in place. This includes:

Retailers & Shop Owners – Cover against customer injuries, slips, or property damage claims.
Tradespeople & Contractors – Protects against accidental damage or injury caused while working on-site.
Hospitality Businesses – Essential for restaurants, cafés, and pubs where public safety is a key concern.
Event Organisers – Covers claims arising from public events, exhibitions, or fairs.
Offices & Service Providers – Protection if a client or visitor is injured on your premises.

Why is it Important?

Even a minor accident can lead to costly claims. Without insurance, legal fees and compensation costs could significantly impact your business.

Common risks that Public Liability Insurance protects against include:

Slips, Trips & Falls – Covers claims if a customer or visitor gets injured on your premises.
Damage to Third-Party Property – Protection if your business accidentally damages someone else’s property.
Injury Caused by Your Business Activities – Covers medical costs and compensation if your work leads to injury.
Legal Costs – Covers defence and settlement fees if a claim is made against you.

Coverage at a Glance

Know exactly what you're protected against.

What's Covered

Public Liability Insurance policies typically include:

Compensation Costs – Covers claims for injuries or property damage.
Legal Defence Fees – Protection against legal costs associated with claims.
Medical Expenses – Covers treatment costs for injured third parties.
Product Liability – Covers injury or damage caused by products you sell or supply.

What's Not Covered

Employee injuries – Covered under Employers’ Liability Insurance.
Damage to your own business property.
Deliberate acts or intentional harm.

Additional Cover You May Need

Depending on your business type, consider adding these protections.

Employers' Liability

Cover for staff injuries.

Professional Indemnity

Protection against negligence claims.

Directors' & Officers'

Cover for management decisions.

Business Interruption

Cover for lost income.

Get the right cover for your business

At Insurably, we have access to 100's of insurer markets. No matter how unique your requirements, we find the right cover to suit you.

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What does Public Liability cover you for?

Third Party Property Damage

Whether it's a paint spill on a client's prized rug, a cracked window during a lively photoshoot, or a delivery mishap that damages a customer's doorstep, accidents can happen to the best of us. Public liability insurance steps in to cover the cost of repairs or replacements, ensuring your business relationships stay strong even when things go a bit pear-shaped.

What's Covered

Accidental damage to third-party property: Covers incidents like spilling paint on a client's belongings or causing damage during a delivery.
Legal fees and compensation costs: Assists with the financial burden of legal representation and any awarded compensation.
Damage caused by subcontractors (if covered by policy): Protects against liabilities caused by contractors working under your business.

What's Not Covered

Damage caused intentionally or through gross negligence: Instances where harm was caused deliberately or due to reckless behavior.
Damage to your own property: Coverage is only for third-party property, not for items you own.
Damage that falls outside the geographical limits of the policy: Incidents occurring outside the defined coverage area.

Injury or Death to Others

A slip, a trip, a faulty product... Sometimes, despite your best efforts, someone might get hurt because of your business activities. In the most tragic cases, this could even lead to a fatality. Public liability insurance provides financial support for medical expenses and compensation, easing the burden during a difficult time and demonstrating your commitment to responsible business practices.

What's Covered

Medical expenses for injuries to third parties: Covers costs such as medical fees, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
Compensation payouts for accidents caused by your business: Assists with payouts for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Claims related to products or services you provide: Protects against liabilities from products you sell or services you offer.

What's Not Covered

Injuries to your employees or workers: These incidents fall under employer's liability insurance.
Injuries caused by intentional misconduct or illegal activities: Coverage does not extend to unlawful or deliberately harmful actions.
Injuries outside the policy period: Any incident occurring outside the active term of the policy.

Legal Costs

Even if you've done everything right, you might still find yourself facing a lawsuit. Legal battles can be stressful and expensive, draining your time, energy, and resources. Public liability insurance helps cover the cost of solicitors, court fees, and any compensation awarded, allowing you to defend your business with confidence and protect your hard-earned reputation.

What's Covered

Legal defense costs, including solicitors and court fees: Covers the cost of hiring legal representation and other court-related expenses.
Compensation for third-party claims against your business: Assists in settling claims made by individuals or other businesses.
Alternative dispute resolution costs: Supports mediation or arbitration efforts to resolve disputes out of court.

What's Not Covered

Penalties, fines, or punitive damages: Legal costs related to criminal fines or punitive actions are not covered.
Legal costs not approved by the insurer: Only pre-approved expenses will be reimbursed.
Disputes between business partners: Coverage does not extend to internal disputes among business stakeholders.

Public Liability Insurance is essential for protecting your business against claims of injury or property damage. Insurably® simplifies the process—saving you time and hassle while helping you arrange cover that gives real peace of mind.

2,905

business types covered

100+

insurer markets accessed

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confidence in business protection

Public LiabilityInsurance

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Who Needs This?

Why is it Important?

Coverage at a Glance

What's Covered

What's Not Covered

Additional Cover You May Need

Employers' Liability

Professional Indemnity

Directors' & Officers'

Business Interruption

Get the right cover for your business

What does Public Liability cover you for?

Third Party Property Damage

What's Covered

What's Not Covered

Injury or Death to Others

What's Covered

What's Not Covered

Legal Costs

What's Covered

What's Not Covered

2,905

100+

100%

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Public Liability
Insurance