Public liability insurance

Public liability insurance provides cover against claims made by members of the public or clients who have suffered an injury or damage (including their property) in connection to your business. For example:

• A window cleaner who has left their ladder unattended and a passer-by is injured by it, or a member of the public is injured by glass from a window of the business property 
• A cleaner who forgot to put a 'wet floor' sign out after mopping the floor and someone slips and injures themselves

If a member of the public is severely injured in connection with a business they could be entitled to claim a lot of money, and if you don't have the right cover in place, that claim could have to come out of your pocket, putting your livelihood on the line.

Compensation awarded resulting from a claim could include: loss of earnings, future loss of earnings, damages that are awarded to the claimant, together with legal costs in defending against the claim, and also the claimant's legal costs that you would incur if you are found to be at fault.

It's good practice to have sufficient cover in place to protect yourself and your business against both claims of negligence which resulted in injury to a member of the public or
damage to their property.

There are many different types of businesses that might need public liability insurance, here's a few examples:

• Cleaners
• Caterers
• Window cleaners
• Builders
• Plumbers & heating specialists
• Electricians
• Carpenters

If you'd like to know more about public liability insurance, take a look at our small business guides section which includes information such as 'The importance of liability insurance' and 'Understanding public liability insurance'.

As well as having details about you (your name, DOB, contact telephone number etc.) and your business (company/trading name, trading address) to compare quotes you'll need the following information:

• Details of your turnover and employee wageroll
• Details of any previous claims
• Your renewal documents from your current insurer (if you have one)

Any business is vulnerable to accidents that may cause physical damage or injury to your customers and the general public. Having effective cover in place allows you to concentrate on what you do best; running your business!

• Ensure your business is safe against the claim culture we live in with public liability insurance.
• Without insurance or the right level of cover, a liability claim could heavily impact on your business and your personal life.
• It is a legal requirement for most employers to have employers' liability cover.