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Public liability insurance

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Author
Joe Phelan
Editor
Lucinda O'Brien
Fact checker
Dan Moore
Last updated
January 15th, 2026

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance helps cover legal costs and compensation if someone blames your business for injury or damage — whether you're at a customer’s home, on-site or they visit your premises. 

Available to businesses of all sizes and sectors, public liability insurance is crucial for sole traders, freelancers, and larger companies alike. 

Civil or personal injury claims in the UK can be expensive, with some cases exceeding £100,000, although many claims are below this sum. 

In fact, it is estimated that 10% of SMEs, more than half a million UK businesses, wouldn’t survive if they were required to pay up to £10,000 towards a claim not fully covered by some kind of insurance, including public liability.

Why public liability insurance is more than just a nice-to-have

Public liability insurance may not be a legal requirement for all businesses, but it’s still a valuable safeguard for protecting both your business, and your long-term financial security.

For starters, it provides peace of mind. Accidents happen, and public liability insurance acts as a safety net against the costs of legal fees, medical expenses, and the claims themselves. It also builds trust with clients. Many businesses won’t work with you unless you have insurance in place, so having coverage can open doors to more opportunities. 

Public liability insurance offers financial security, protects your reputation, and ensures you’re covered when the unexpected happens. It’s not just about meeting legal obligations – it’s about safeguarding your business’ future.

What does public liability insurance cover?

Covered

Injury to a member of the public
Damage to someone’s property
Legal defence costs
Compensation payouts

Not covered

Injury to employees (you’d need employers’ liability insurance for that)
Damages following professional advice, consultancy or design services given to your customers
Recalls and refunds
Defective, harmful or unsuitable goods
Criminal acts

Do I need insurance?

A good starting point is to ask: “if a claim were made against me and I wasn’t insured, could my business afford it?” If the answer is no, taking out insurance might be the right move. Any business that interacts with clients, customers, contractors, or the general public should seriously consider having public liability insurance. Businesses that could benefit from public liability insurance include:

Retailers

Customers may slip, trip, or fall in your premises, and without insurance, the costs for medical bills or compensation could be devastating.

Tradespeople

Whether you’re a roofer, carpenter, landscaper, or gardener, public liability insurance can help cover you for accidents or damages that occur on-site.

Event organisers

If you host or organise public events — be it a small community fair, a business conference or a wedding — public liability insurance is essential.

Consultants and professionals

Even if your business doesn’t involve physical interaction with the public — legal advisors or financial planners, for example — clients may still expect you to have public liability insurance.

Mobile or on-the-go businesses

If your business operates in public spaces or clients’ locations — think mobile hairdressers, dog walkers or food delivery services — public liability insurance can protect you.

Business success stories

Case study

“Test as you go. Don’t just fall in love with an idea and rush into production.”

Natalie Edwards and Matthew Lambert founded The House of Spectacles to address a widespread eyewear issue – most glasses simply don’t fit properly.

Years of refining the craft, testing designs, and learning from customers have allowed them to create eyewear that truly empowers people to feel confident and comfortable.

Read Natalie's story
Partners in life and business, Natalie and Matthew have spent years perfecting the art of eyewear that truly fits.

Case study

“We’ve gone from bedroom sellers to a team of over 70.”

While at university, Zac Hembry (alongside co-founder and brother Josh) spotted an opportunity to combine sustainability with high-quality vintage fashion.

Over the past decade, that vision has become a thriving business.

Read Zac's story
Zac (left) and Josh (right) have built a business grounded in steady growth and sustainability.

Case study

“We learned the hard way that you don’t have to do it all yourself.”

Convenience shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense.

That belief sits at the heart of DabbaDrop, a plant-based, planet-minded food delivery start-up founded in East London in 2018.

Since then, co-founders Renée Williams and Anshu Ahuja have built a loyal community of customers across the capital, all of whom receive delicious, waste-free meals delivered by bike in stainless steel tiffins known as dabbas.

Read Renée's story


Renée Williams, one half of the entrepreneurial duo behind DabbaDrop

What level of cover do I need?

No two businesses are the same and therefore no two policies are ever the same. 

There are certain things insurers consider when picking policies for customers that determine what you need, such as:

  • Who your clients are - clients in certain industries require specific cover, like construction work or securing government contracts, before working with you. 

  • How much risk you face at work - accidents can happen in any line of work, but some jobs carry more risk than others. In those cases, it may be worth considering a higher level of cover to match. 

  • Project scale - bigger jobs or those involving high-value assets often call for higher levels of cover.

  • Turnover - A higher turnover often means more risk, so you may need extra cover. It’s easy to overlook, but it’s an important factor.

How much does insurance cost?

Costs vary based on your business type, size and risk level. Some policies start from as little as £4.36/month - pick the covers you need and leave the ones you don’t, so you only pay for what you need.

BusinessMonthly premiums from*Monthly premiums to**
Hairdressers£5.14£10.32
Electricians£5.78£20.71
Photographers and videographers£5.28£14.89
Builders£10.76£41.18
Beauty therapists£4.88£9.50
Home crafts£4.36£11.05

*Superscript - 90% of customers paid up to this much between January and March 2025.

**Superscript - 10% of customers paid this much, or less, between January and March 2025.

These prices should only be used as a guide. When you get a quote, it'll be tailored to your unique circumstances and risk profile – so you may be quoted a price that’s a bit higher or lower.

Price shouldn’t be your only priority. Cheaper insurance could end up costing you more if it doesn’t provide the cover you need. To get the best deal, look for insurers that allow you to tailor your policy to your needs so you're not left over-paying or under-insured.

How to choose the right public liability insurance for your business

Choosing the right public liability insurance is essential for protecting your business against unexpected claims, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here's what you need to consider.

Cover levels

Legal claims can be costly, so ensure your policy provides sufficient coverage with high enough limits. Think about the nature of your work, your customer base, and any client requirements. For example, larger clients or public contracts might insist on a minimum level of cover.

Policy excess

The policy excess is the amount you, the policyholder, agree to pay out of your own business’ pocket when making a claim. For example, if you have a claim for £1,000 and your excess is £250, you would pay £250, and the insurer would cover the remaining £750. Choosing a higher excess can lower your premium, but it also means you'll need to pay more out of pocket if you make a claim.

Cost

While it’s essential to avoid overspending, the cheapest policy isn’t always going to be the best fit for your needs. Once you’ve determined the right cover levels and terms, compare quotes to find a cost-effective option that doesn’t compromise on your protection.
“Accidents happen, and public liability insurance protects you when they do. Whether running a café or creating bespoke products, it safeguards your business and reputation.”
Author image
Joe Phelan
SME expert

Other types of business insurance to consider

Employers’ liability insurance

With a few exceptions, if you employ UK-based staff who aren't immediate family members — including interns or temporary workers — you’re legally required to have employers' liability insurance. Without this cover, you risk not only breaking the law but also being left unprotected if one of your employees is injured or becomes ill and decides to make a claim.

Professional indemnity insurance

Public liability insurance covers injury or property damage claims, while professional indemnity insurance is designed to protect you against losses or damage caused by poor services, errors, or bad advice provided to clients. If your business offers professional services or advice, this type of cover can safeguard you from claims related to mistakes, negligence, or breaches of professional duty.

Goods in transit insurance

Goods in transit insurance protects your business if the goods you sell or transport are damaged, lost, or stolen while being moved. Whether delivering products or transporting goods, this insurance can provide financial protection in case something goes wrong, and can cover a range of incidents including theft, accidents, or unforeseen damage.

Other types of business insurance to consider

Employers’ liability insurance

With a few exceptions, if you employ UK-based staff who aren't immediate family members — including interns or temporary workers — you’re legally required to have employers' liability insurance. Without this cover, you risk not only breaking the law but also being left unprotected if one of your employees is injured or becomes ill and decides to make a claim.

Professional indemnity insurance

Public liability insurance covers injury or property damage claims, while professional indemnity insurance is designed to protect you against losses or damage caused by poor services, errors, or bad advice provided to clients. If your business offers professional services or advice, this type of cover can safeguard you from claims related to mistakes, negligence, or breaches of professional duty.

Goods in transit insurance

Goods in transit insurance protects your business if the goods you sell or transport are damaged, lost, or stolen while being moved. Whether delivering products or transporting goods, this insurance can provide financial protection in case something goes wrong, and can cover a range of incidents including theft, accidents, or unforeseen damage.

FAQs

Is public liability insurance a legal requirement?

Public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK unless you operate certain businesses, such as a horse-riding school, but is a consideration for all businesses dealing with the public. It can help protect you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your work.

Can I get cover today?

Yes, most insurers can. Our partner Superscript aims to have most businesses covered within minutes of accepting your quote.

What do I do if I need to make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, you can do this by contacting your provider online or via email or phone. Make sure you have all the information about your claim to hand so that the insurer can assist you quickly and effectively. If you have any concerns, always read the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. 

If you've taken a policy out with our partner Superscript you can start your claim online or contact them at claims@gosuperscript.com or phone 0800 772 3059.

Does public liability insurance cover my contractors?

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.

Will public liability insurance cover me if I need to visit a client?

Yes, public liability insurance can 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.

Does it cost to claim on public liability insurance?

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.


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About the author

Author imageJoe Phelan
Joe Phelan
Joe joined the money.co.uk team in 2024, where he helps small business owners navigate the often confusing world of business finance. His role is to cut through the jargon and create clear, actionable content that empowers entrepreneurs to make confident financial decisions.

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