Public Liability Insurance

Tailored public liability insurance starting from £6.07* a month.
Tradesperson and client discussing design plans at a workstation, surrounded by samples, in an unfinished home.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance protects your business if a third-party claims they’ve been injured, or their property was damaged due to your business activities. Liability insurance covers the legal costs and any compensation that may be owed. It’s particularly useful for businesses that interact with the public.

While it’s not legally required, having public liability insurance is crucial. Accidents happen, and without coverage, your business could face significant financial loss. It offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about potential claims.

What does public liability insurance cover?

Public liability insurance protects you from third-party claims arising from your work as a business owner or contractor. For example, if you're a builder and accidentally damage a customer's driveway while unloading materials, public liability insurance helps cover the cost of compensation.

What’s included?
  • Legal liability for costs (up to £10m) due to: injury, property damage, trespass, nuisance, wrongful arrest.
  • Damage to employee/visitor property on your premises due to negligence.
  • Defence costs for health and safety violations.
  • Court attendance costs (£300 per day).
What’s not included?
  • Damage to your own property.
  • Employee bodily injury (covered by Employers Liability Insurance).
  • Dishonest, deliberate, or malicious acts.
  • Poor workmanship (covers damage, not the faulty work itself).
  • Fines and penalties.
  • Asbestos-related claims.

This content has been created for general information purposes. To ensure you have the correct level of insurance please see our full policy wording.

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Get a competitive quote in less time than it takes to make a brew, seriously it’s that quick!

Insurance built around the needs of the UK’s small businesses

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Fast claims processing

If you need to make a claim, we've made it quick and easy, so you can get straight back to work knowing everything’s being taken care of.

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Top-rated Customer Service team

Our friendly South Wales-based team is here to assist you every step of the way. Give us a call to speak directly with our specialists, who are ready to provide the support you need.

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Everything in one place

Our easy-to-use online portal allows you to access your policy documents, manage payments, and make changes, all in one place and at your convenience.

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Zero hidden fees

Update your policy at any time with complete flexibility, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with no penalty fees, no admin charges, and no hidden costs.

Who needs public liability insurance?

Almost every business should consider public liability insurance. Whether you’re a contractor working on third-party properties or a small business owner dealing with customers, it protects against unexpected claims.
Some key sectors that benefit from public liability insurance include:


  • Tradespeople
  • Freelancers
  • Consultants
  • Couriers

Without liability insurance, even minor incidents, like damaging a client’s property, could lead to costly claims and legal fees, putting your business at financial risk. Protect your livelihood and reputation with the right coverage for your needs.

Almost every business should consider public liability insurance. Whether you’re a contractor working on third-party properties or a small business owner dealing with customers, it protects against unexpected claims.

Some key sectors that benefit from public liability insurance include:


  • Tradespeople
  • Freelancers
  • Consultants
  • Couriers

Without liability insurance, even minor incidents, like damaging a client’s property, could lead to costly claims and legal fees, putting your business at financial risk. Protect your livelihood and reputation with the right coverage for your needs.

How much does public liability insurance cost?

Almost every business should consider public liability insurance. Whether you’re a contractor working on third-party properties or a small business owner dealing with customers, it protects against unexpected claims.
Some key sectors that benefit from public liability insurance include:


  • Tradespeople
  • Freelancers
  • Consultants
  • Couriers

Without liability insurance, even minor incidents, like damaging a client’s property, could lead to costly claims and legal fees, putting your business at financial risk. Protect your livelihood and reputation with the right coverage for your needs.

The cost of public liability insurance can vary depending on factors like the size of your business and the level of coverage you need. Larger businesses or those with higher risk may pay more for comprehensive protection, while smaller businesses typically pay less.


At Admiral Business, prices start from just £6.07* a month, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes.

How much public liability cover will 
I need?

Almost every business should consider public liability insurance. Whether you’re a contractor working on third-party properties or a small business owner dealing with customers, it protects against unexpected claims.
Some key sectors that benefit from public liability insurance include:


  • Tradespeople
  • Freelancers
  • Consultants
  • Couriers

Without liability insurance, even minor incidents, like damaging a client’s property, could lead to costly claims and legal fees, putting your business at financial risk. Protect your livelihood and reputation with the right coverage for your needs.

The amount of public liability cover you need depends on the nature of your business and the risks involved. Typically, cover amounts range from £1 million to £10 million, with many small businesses opting for £2 million as a standard level of protection. 



However, higher-risk industries such as construction or tradespeople working on large contracts may require more.

Public liability FAQs

*£6.07 is the price for a Public Liability policy for a single carpenter with £1,000,000 worth of cover. It is the equivalent of £72.80 per year when paying for the policy in one annual payment. Your quote will be personalised to your requirements and will reflect the risks you need to be covered against. The price is correct as of 28th April 2025.