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What does Public Liability cover
If your business brings you into contact with clients or members of the public, whether you’re a hairdresser or clothes shop, builder, carpenter or accountant, then chances are you’ll need Public Liability Insurance. Public liability insurance makes sure your business is covered if anyone makes a claim against you for damages, which could include anything from personal injury to damage to property, even though they’re not an employee.
Is it illegal if I do not have Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance isn’t compulsory, but will give you as a business owner peace of mind knowing that even a small incident or mishap doesn’t wind up causing you thousands of pounds to put right. In today’s ‘no win, no fee’ claims culture it pays to be safe rather than sorry, as there are too many eager ambulance chasers who’ll try to profit from even the smallest mishap.
What are the typical exclusions in a liability insurance policy
• Loss or damage to property in your custody or control or to products supplied
• Pollution unless caused by a sudden and identifiable incident
• Territorial Limits exclude USA and Canada unless specifically agreed
• Work in or on or travel to or from any offshore installation
• Cover for any advice formula advice provided by you for a fee or where a fee would normally be charged is excluded
• Fines penalties or punitive damages
• The first part of any claim (your excess)
• Exposure to, inhalation of, fears of the consequences of exposure to/inhalation of, costs incurred in repairing , removing , replacing , recalling, rectifying, reinstating or managing any property arising out of the presence of Asbestos
• Heat conditions apply
• Excavation work in excess of 2 metres
• Work involving demolition unless part of a rebuilding contract
• Work involving explosives, pile driving, water diversion or sub aqua work
• Damage to underground services condition applies
• Work at or on aircraft, airports, railway premises, watercraft, blast furnaces, chimney
shafts, collieries, dams, gas works, mines, power stations, steeples, towers, tunnels, viaducts, quarries, chemical works, oil refineries, fuel depots, bridges, canals, docks, piers or wharves.
What limits of cover are available
The limit of indemnity on a public liability policy starts at £1,000,000 and then depends on the type of work you carry out as to the limit you require for your business. Around 30% of our clients have a £2,000,000 limit and some have a £5,000,000 limit usually to satisfy a contract they may have with the council.
What is the length of a policy
12 months is the normal length of a public liability insurance policy however claims may occur several years later which can come back to you.
Is there a premium difference for each trade type
Insurance premiums vary depending on the trade you are in. Our premiums start at just £40 but for example a carpenter may pay £80 and a plumber due to heat and water involvement can pay as much as £200 - £400. Equally if you use any form of dangerous equipment prices will vary.
Which insurers will offer me a policy
We compare prices for you with 5 main insurers on constructaquote.com. Due to the volume of business we transact with these insurance companies we have special scheme rates that are not available anywhere else. The insurers are Aviva, MMA, Groupama, Aegeas and Arista.
Here are some examples of claims
Case 1: Your employee drops a tin of paint onto the customers’ carpet. This will cover the cost of replacing the carpet should a claim be made.
Case 2: Your customer walks in and a ladder is left in the way of the door and they fall over it breaking their wrist. They can pursue you for damages for time off work loss of earnings and inconvenience.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page for further information about this policy.