Whether you're a sole trader, freelancer or running a small team, the right business insurance protects you, your clients and your livelihood. Compare policies tailored for UK micro SMEs.
Most micro businesses need a combination of these. Many can be bundled into a single policy.
Covers claims from third parties (clients, members of the public) for injury or property damage caused by your business. Essential for almost every business.
Covers claims for financial loss caused by your professional advice or services. Required by many professional bodies and most B2B client contracts.
Legally required if you have employees (including part-time or temporary staff). Covers claims from employees injured or made ill by work.
Covers tools, laptops and equipment against theft and damage. Essential for tradespeople, photographers, consultants and creatives.
Covers data breaches, ransomware attacks and cyber liability. Increasingly important for businesses handling customer data.
Covers lost revenue if you can't trade due to an insured event (fire, flood, equipment failure). Keeps cash flow alive during a crisis.
| Business Type | Public Liability | Prof. Indemnity | Employers' Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole trader / freelancer | ✓ Recommended | ✓ Recommended | Not required |
| Tradesperson / contractor | ✓ Essential | Optional | If employing staff |
| Consultant / advisor | ✓ Recommended | ✓ Essential | If employing staff |
| Retail / e-commerce | ✓ Essential | Optional | ✓ If staff employed |
| Creative / digital agency | ✓ Recommended | ✓ Essential | ✓ If staff employed |
Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement for all UK businesses with employees, including part-time and temporary workers. The minimum level of cover is £5 million. Failure to have it can result in fines of up to £2,500 per day.
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.
🤝 We're finalising partnerships with FCA-authorised UK insurers so you can compare real quotes here soon. Check back shortly, or get in touch if you'd like to be notified when comparisons go live.