Protects your business if a member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, because of something your business did. Here's what it covers, typical limits, and when it's expected rather than legally required.
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Public liability insurance covers claims made against your business by someone who isn't your employee.
Unlike employers' liability, public liability insurance isn't a general legal requirement in the UK — but it's often expected or mandated in specific situations.
Many client contracts, landlords, letting agents, event venues and co-working spaces require proof of public liability cover — commonly £1m–£5m — before you can start work or trade on site.
Placing a skip or scaffold on a public highway typically requires a permit under the Highways Act 1980, and councils commonly require evidence of public liability cover, often £5m–£10m, as a condition of granting it.
The Hotel Proprietors Act 1956 sets statutory caps on liability for guests' property (£50–£100 generally, higher in Greater London) — but only where specific statutory notices are displayed. Without them, liability isn't capped, making adequate cover more important, not less.
Event organisers and venues almost always require proof of public liability insurance — often a minimum of £5m — before confirming a booking, regardless of the size of the event.
The right limit depends on your trade, who you work with, and what your contracts require.
A common minimum for small trades and low-footfall businesses with limited public contact.
Common for retail, hospitality and trades regularly working on client premises.
Often required for council contracts, larger venues, and higher-footfall premises.
Typically expected for higher-risk trades, larger events, or major contract work.
A few things worth checking before you buy, whichever UK insurer or broker you compare.
Check the limit matches what your contracts, landlord or clients require — common tiers are £1m, £2m, £5m and £10m depending on trade and risk.
Professional and liability covers are often "claims-made" — cover depends on holding a live policy when a claim is made, not just when the work happened.
Read what's excluded, not just what's covered. Sub-contractor work, specific activities, or work carried out overseas are common gaps.
Before buying, confirm any insurer or broker is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — check the register at register.fca.org.uk.
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Explore related cover types in our commercial insurance knowledge base.
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