Commercial cover
Employers’ & public liability
Legal liability for injury to your staff, the public, and damage to other people's property.
Who it is for
Every business with employees (employers' liability is a legal requirement) and any business that deals with the public or works on other people's premises.
Employers’ liability insurance is required by law for most employers, with a minimum limit of £5m, and you must be able to show your certificate. Public liability is not compulsory, but many customers and contracts require it.
The limit you need depends on your contracts and what could go wrong. Use our liability checker to see the points to raise.
Usually covered
- Employers' liability: compensation and legal costs if an employee is injured or made ill at work, usually to £10m
- Public liability: injury to members of the public or damage to their property
- Products liability: injury or damage caused by products you make, supply or import
- Legal defence costs
Usually not covered, or needs adding
- Damage to the work you are carrying out (needs contract works cover)
- Professional advice or design errors (needs professional indemnity)
- Deliberate acts and contractual penalties
- Activities not declared, such as work at height or with heat, unless agreed
Policies differ between insurers. We will show you the actual wording, limits and excesses before you decide.
Questions
Common questions
Is employers' liability compulsory?
Yes, for most businesses that employ staff, under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. There are limited exemptions, for example some family businesses.
What public liability limit do I need?
Commonly £1m to £5m for small firms. Many councils and main contractors require £5m or £10m. Check the contracts you sign.
Talk it through with someone who knows your trade
Call, book a callback at a time that suits you, or send us the basics online. A named broker comes back to you within one working day.