Public liability insurance
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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.
Despite its importance, a 2026 Association of British Insurers report found that 43% of SMEs don’t have this type of policy, many of which may be exposing themselves to risk.
Why public liability insurance is more than just a nice-to-have
Public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement for many 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
Not covered
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
Tradespeople
Event organisers
Consultants and professionals
Mobile or on-the-go businesses
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.
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.
| Business | Monthly 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 - 10% of customers paid this much, or less, between January and March 2025.
**Superscript - 90% of customers paid up to this much 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
Policy excess
Cost
“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.”
Other types of business insurance to consider
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.
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 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
Public liability insurance is rarely a legal requirement in the UK – exceptions include donkey or horse-riding businesses. But it 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.
Yes, most businesses can. Our partner Superscript aims to have most businesses covered within minutes of accepting your quote.
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.
Public liability insurance covers contractors, subcontractors, as well as anyone working on behalf of the contractor. A grey area is bona fide contractors who provide their own tools and equipment and work under their own direction. But, you may still need public liability insurance, just in case they cause a claim by an action that’s not covered by their insurance policy.
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.
There will likely be 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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