Public Liability Insurance
One claim from a member of the public can cost thousands. Public liability cover protects your business so a single incident does not become a crisis.
Get in touchWhat is public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance covers your business if a member of the public, such as a customer, supplier or bystander, is injured or has their property damaged as a result of your business activities. It pays your legal defence costs and any compensation awarded, up to your policy limit.
Without it, you would be responsible for paying these costs yourself. For many small businesses, a single uninsured claim could be enough to cause serious financial difficulty.
It is not a legal requirement in the UK, unlike employers liability, but many clients, venues and contracts will insist on it before agreeing to work with you.
What is covered
- Third-party injury claims
- Third-party property damage
- Legal defence costs
What is not covered
- Products liability
Usually available as an add-on or separate policy
- Your own employees' injuries
Covered by employers liability insurance instead
- Damage to your own property
Covered by contents or buildings insurance instead
Who needs public liability insurance?
Tradespeople
Builders, electricians, plumbers and anyone working in clients' properties
Retailers and hospitality businesses
Anyone with customers or members of the public on their premises
Event organisers
Anyone running public or private events, markets or exhibitions
Consultants and freelancers
Client-facing professionals who meet people in person or visit sites
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
UK specialists
Leading UK insurers only. No American-style policies retrofitted for British businesses.
Straightforward process
Tell us about your business. We find the options. You choose. No lengthy forms, no automated runaround.
Cover that actually fits
Cover that fits how your business operates, not a generic category. Tell us what you do and get the options that actually match.
Here when it matters
When something goes wrong, you need your insurer to respond. Only insurers rated for their claims handling.
Common questions about public liability insurance
Is public liability insurance a legal requirement in the UK?
Public liability insurance is not required by law in the UK, unlike employers liability insurance. However, many contracts, venues and clients will insist on it as a condition of doing business with you, and some industry bodies require it for membership.
What is the difference between public liability and employers liability insurance?
Public liability covers claims from members of the public, customers or third parties. Employers liability covers claims from your employees if they are injured or become ill because of their work. Employers liability is a legal requirement if you employ anyone; public liability is not required by law but is widely expected.
Industries that need this cover
Public Liability Insurance is commonly required across these sectors.
Interested in Public Liability Insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.