Public liability insurance can protect your company from third-party compensation claims for injury (including death) or damage caused to another person or their property.
No one looks for accidents to happen but unfortunately, they do, and so it makes sense to have this safeguard in place for peace of mind for you and your business. If the worst happens and a claim is launched against you, then public liability insurance can cover not only your legal fees to defend the case but also pay out compensation if your company is found to be at fault.
Why is it important?
Part of running a business involves offering quality customer service, and this involves protecting your clients and the public at large. It doesn’t matter whether an accident takes place on your company premises or when you are working off-site; if you are deemed to be at fault then your finances, reputation and even your business could be on the line if you do not have public liability insurance.
How can it help?
Public liability insurance can help protect you and your business against the following:
- Compensation claims
For injuries to a third party or damage to their property that takes place on your business premises, a customer’s premises or other location.
- Legal expenses
If a claim is made against you and your business, then your policy can cover the cost of any legal proceedings.
- Cost of repairs
The policy can cover the cost of repairing damage (for example, to a client’s flooring if you are a plumber and make an error which causes a flood).
The following are just simple examples where public liability insurance can help in certain professional roles.
IT Consultants
IT consultants’ insurance can safeguard your livelihood against accidental damage to third party property as well as accidental injury to a client or member of the public that may be caused during your work. For instance, if someone trips over some network cables you are installing or suffers a shock, then you may find yourself facing a compensation claim.
Creative & Media
Creative & Media covers a wide range of businesses such as: marketers, graphic designers, web designers, advertising agents, public relations, brand development, corporate identity consultants, copywriters, publishers and broadcasters.
It is not just the usual industry risks such as defamation and intellectual property infringement that you must keep yourself abreast of. You will also need public liability insurance which can protect you against such instances as a client claiming for damages to their product during an offsite commercial photoshoot.
Project Managers (architectural and construction based)
Project Managers are usually meticulous by the very nature of their work which requires them to be extremely organised but being a perfectionist will not protect you from something unforeseen happening. If a client is injured on the construction site you are overseeing then you will be glad you chose to have our public liability insurance which can stand your corner and provide financial protection to you and your business.
Translators and Interpreters
Translators and interpreters are often out and about, whether it be interpreting a medical appointment, police interview or translating a legal document. You may only be a small cog in a big wheel, but insurance could literally be a lifeline for you if someone is injured or their property damaged and it’s your fault. Compensation claims can run into seriously scary numbers.
Other Questions
What does public liability insurance cover?
Any business that encounters clients, customers or members of the public needs public liability insurance which can protect them from claims ranging from personal injury to property damage. Claims, that could run into thousands of pounds.
What level of public liability insurance do I need?
It does not matter whether you work from home, the office or conduct your business from a coffee shop – any accident that results in a claim from a third party will mean that you will be glad you took out public liability insurance.
