Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK. But legal and compensation payments made by UK businesses in relation to claims run into millions of pounds annually. What is more, it’s likely that if you work under a contract with a customer or client, it may well stipulate that you have some level of public liability insurance in place as a condition of you working with them.
Not having adequate protection in place could mean having to close a business as a result of something that might sound relatively trivial, where a successful claim is brought.
Public Liability Insurance protects the insured party/business/person in relation to their legal liability at Law to Third Parties for bodily injury and/or loss or damage to Third Party property. It also covers any related legal fees, costs and expenses.
Variations of public liability insurance cover
- Various levels of cover
- Excess layers up to any limit
- Airside Liability
- Extension to Product liability
- Environment Impairment Liability
- Property Owners Liability
- Land Owners Liability
Public liability insurance
Bespoke public liability insurance and risk management programmes tailored to your business.
What protection does public liability insurance provide to a business?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect a business in the event that a member of the public (or their representative) claims that they have suffered:
- A loss as a result of your business activity
- An illness as a result of your business activity
- Injury or death as a result of your business activity
As with Employers Liability insurance, the level (or value) of cover provided can vary, with policies typically starting with £1m of cover. Public liability insurance will pay out against:
- Legal costs incurred in defending a claim, whether the claim is genuine or not.
- Any compensation payment that is rewarded to a member of the public in the event of a successful claim against your business.
In reality, accidents happen in even the best-run businesses. What’s more, any business could be on the receiving end of a spurious claim. Even where a claim is eventually disproven, it’s likely that the business will have run up significant costs in defending the claim. Having the right and appropriate level of public liability insurance in place means that in just such circumstances, you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you’re protected.
When might a public liability claim arise?
One example of when a claim could arise is as follows; One of your suppliers whilst visiting your premises trips over an electrical cable and injures themselves. Your public liability insurance policy will help you should you find yourself legally liable.
Your team are working onsite using burning equipment. The adequate fire prevention precautions are not taken and a fire breaks out causing extensive damage. It is deemed to be the responsibility of your business and as a result you are liable for the damage.
There are endless scenarios that could lead to a claim being made against you and you can never tell when one might arise. The best way of limiting the damage is to have adequate cover before the unthinkable happens.
Talk to the BJP team today
For independent advice and fast quotes for your public liability insurance needs
Who needs Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance is not required by law but it is often required by customers before you carry out any work for them. It is best to have at least basic cover that will protect your business against unforeseen circumstances. It doesn’t matter how carefully your business operates, accidents happen and you could find yourself out of pocket if you don’t have the correct cover.
