Public liability insurance for sole traders and small businesses
Find out what it covers, what to check and what information you will need before comparing quotes.
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You can start with the cover itself, a customer’s request, your occupation or a claim that has already been raised.
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Straight answers to the questions people ask before they buy public liability insurance.
Browse section →10 guidesChoosing cover
Work out the limit, excess and policy details that fit the jobs you actually do.
Browse section →8 guidesWork situations
Insurance questions prompted by customers, contracts, venues and changes in the way you work.
Browse section →15 guidesBy occupation
Practical notes for common trades and small businesses, built around real working risks.
Browse section →5 guidesClaims & paperwork
What to keep, what to report and what happens when somebody says your work caused damage or injury.
Browse section →A separate type of cover
Public liability does not cover every business risk.
It is mainly concerned with injury to members of the public and damage to other people’s property. Employees, professional advice, products, tools, vehicles and unfinished work can raise separate cover questions.
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Popular starting points
Six useful guides
Do I need public liability insurance?
For most businesses it is not a blanket legal requirement, but clients, councils, landlords, venues and main contractors may insist on it. The sensible test is whether your work could injure somebody outside the business or damage property you do not own.
Read guide Choosing coverHow much public liability cover do I need?
Choose a limit by looking at contract requirements and the size of a credible claim, not just the cheapest option. Common choices include £1 million, £2 million, £5 million and £10 million.
Read guide Choosing coverWhat information is needed for a public liability quote?
Expect questions about the business, its work, turnover, people, locations, contracts and claims. Gather the facts first; a rushed guess can follow you into the policy documents.
Read guide Work situationsA client has asked for public liability insurance
Ask for the required limit and insurance clause in writing, then check that your policy covers the named business, the job and the full contract period.
Read guide Claims & paperworkWhat to do after a public liability incident
Make the area safe, help anyone injured, record the facts and notify the insurer or broker promptly. Do not admit liability or promise payment before taking advice.
Read guide By occupationPublic liability insurance for builders
Builders need the description to match the real mix of work: alterations, structural work, roofing, excavation, heat and subcontractors can all change the risk.
Read guideCompare cover
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Answer the questions carefully and check the policy documents before you buy.
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