Yes, virtually anyone whose business interacts with the public can get public liability insurance, including sole traders, freelancers, small businesses, and large companies, covering claims for injury or property damage to the public, though it's not legally mandatory, it's highly recommended for any business with public contact. Eligibility depends on your business activities, turnover, and trade, not on your personal status, and many businesses require it before hiring contractors.
Individuals planning one-off events, such as private parties, community gatherings, or other activities that could pose a risk to the public or third parties, can purchase public liability insurance. Many insurance companies offer policies tailored for individuals or event organisers.
Low-risk sole traders can secure policies from around $39 a month, while high-risk operators—think scaffolding or large events—may face premiums well above $20,000. The figure on your quote hinges on industry risk, turnover, cover limit, location and any past claims. Price, though, is only half the story.
What happens if I can't get public liability insurance?
You Could Be Personally Liable for Claims
If your business causes injury to a customer, client, or member of the public, you may be held legally responsible for compensation and legal costs. Without Public liability insurance, your business must pay these costs out of pocket. This can include: Medical expenses.
Do you need public liability insurance if you have no employees?
The answer is no. Businesses — including self-employed professionals — aren't legally required to have it. However, trade bodies and associations in some industries may require you to have a minimum amount of public liability insurance for regulatory compliance.
Understanding Public Liability Insurance: Essential Coverage for Small Businesses
Is it illegal to not have public liability?
Is Public Liability a legal requirement? Public Liability insurance is not a requirement by law, but many clients will insist that you're covered for public liability before allowing you to begin work.
Often the amount of cover you require will be dictated by the contracts you enter into. If your business is doing any work within shopping centres you will often find that the contract stipulates public liability of at least $20 million. The same is true of many government contracts.
You need public liability insurance if your business interacts with the public, visits client premises, hosts events, or operates from a space clients visit, as it covers claims for injury or property damage, protecting you from potentially devastating financial costs, even if it's often not legally mandatory for most businesses. Ask yourself if clients, customers, or the general public could get hurt or their property damaged due to your work; if the answer is yes, you likely need it.
Do I need to be self-employed to have public liability insurance?
Do I need sole trader liability insurance? Public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement for sole traders. But there are very few businesses that can safely operate without it. Whether you're a florist or a plumber, you're likely to be exposed to risks that may require public liability cover.
How much public liability insurance do I need? Most public liability insurance policies offer three levels of cover: £2m, £5m and £10m. For most small businesses £2m of cover will be adequate, but you'll need to conduct a risk assessment of your business and the potential claims you could face.
State and federal laws allow insurance companies to look at your credit history. If you don't get the best rate possible due to your credit information, your insurance company must tell you in writing and explain why. They can list up to four reasons why you didn't get the best score.
A commercial general liability policy is a good fit for businesses that work with clients, sell products, advertise, and more. While not required by law, general liability is the most common type of business insurance because it protects from a variety of third-party claims and lawsuits.
How long does it take to get public liability insurance?
Does getting public liability insurance take a lot of time? Obtaining public liability insurance is generally a straightforward and quick process. While there are a few key pieces of information you'll need to gather beforehand, the application and purchase process is typically efficient.
How much is public liability insurance in the UK per month?
*The price is for up to £2 million of public liability insurance – 10% of customers paid £67.72 or less annually between 1st Jul – 31st Dec 2025. Equivalent to £5.64 a month (and excludes the extra costs for paying monthly). 84% of customers have a £1 million limit and 16% £2 million.
How much does public liability insurance cost for a one off event? Our one-off event insurance policies with public liability start from as little as £69.
How much is public liability insurance for a sole trader?
A public liability policy could cost less than $500 for a sole trader needing the minimum cover, through to $100,000+ for a much larger or higher-risk trade businesses. Click the button below for a quote, or keep scrolling to read our public liability cost guide.
Public liability insurance isn't usually a legal requirement, but it comes recommended if you own a business or work independently and regularly interact with the public, clients and contractors. Accidents happen, so it can help to get one step ahead of them.
Public liability insurance does not cover intentional acts or deliberate harm caused by you or your employees. Claims resulting from intentional damage or injury are excluded from coverage; however, some policies cover the financial impact of specific intentional acts.
It'll protect your business against damage and the cost of legal claims people make against you, if you've done something that's resulted in injury to a member of the public or damage to their property.
What level of public liability insurance should I get?
Ultimately, it is that level of risk that will help determine how much cover you think is appropriate. Occupations in certain industries that tend to be classified as a higher risk – for example: builders, electricians, window cleaners etc – may benefit from choosing a higher level of cover.
What is public liability insurance for small businesses?
Public liability insurance covers the cost of claims made by members of the public for incidents that occur in connection with your business activities. Public liability insurance covers the cost of compensation for: personal injuries. loss of or damage to property.
Do I need public liability insurance if I'm self-employed?
As with most other insurance, there's no legal requirement to hold public liability insurance if you're self-employed. However, it could be worth buying cover if you want to protect yourself and your finances against all eventualities.
