Employers' Liability Insurance

Purchase alongside Public Liability cover from £2.01* a month.

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What is Employers' Liability Insurance?

If you have employees in your business, you are legally required to have Employers' Liability Insurance in the UK.  

Employers' Liability Insurance covers legal and compensation costs if an employee is injured or falls ill due to their work.  

Under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, failure to have adequate coverage could result in daily fines of up to £2,500 as enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).  

Admiral Business safeguards your business from unexpected costs that arise from workplace incidents, providing peace of mind for employers and essential protection for your employees.

What Does Employers’ Liability Insurance Cover?

Employers' Liability Insurance helps cover costs if an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, which could include compensation payments, legal fees, and medical expenses. In high-risk industries like construction and manufacturing, accidents can unfortunately occur, making this coverage crucial.

What’s included?

Legal fees and compensation for employee work-related injuries or illnesses.
Medical expenses related to workplace accidents or illnesses.
Costs of defending claims brought against your business by employees.

What’s not included?

Injuries or illnesses to employees caused intentionally by the employer.
Claims involving self-employed contractors not classified as employees.
Fines or penalties for failing to comply with health and safety laws.

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

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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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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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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.

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 Employers' Liability Insurance?

Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement for almost every business employing staff, providing protection against claims for work-related injuries of illnesses. It provides tailored solutions that suit your profession or trade, ensuring your business is fully covered.

At Admiral Business, we specialise in policies designed to meet the unique challenges of various sectors, including Tradespeople. Admiral Business offers cover for plumbers, electricians, builders, and other hands-on professionals—explore more here.

Operating without employers’ liability insurance isn’t just risky—it’s expensive. With potential fines of up to £2,500 per day and the cost of compensation claims, uninsured businesses face significant financial exposure. Protect your team, your reputation, and your business with Admiral Business insurance.

How Much Does Employers’ Liability Insurance Cost?

Admiral Business offers Employers' Liability Insurance starting from an additional £2.01* per month as an add-on to a Public Liability policy.  

The cost varies depending on factors like the business size, the industry you operate in, and the number of employees. High-risk industries or businesses with larger numbers of staff may have higher premiums.  

Get a tailored quote today that guarantees your business meets all legal requirements and has the protection it needs.

Employers Liability FAQs

1. What is the difference between Public Liability and Employers Liability?

Employers’ Liability Insurance covers your business if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of the work they do for you. It’s designed to protect you against legal and compensation costs if an employee makes a claim.

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Public Liability Insurance, on the other hand, covers you for injuries or property damage caused to third parties—like customers, suppliers, or members of the public—because of your business activities.

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If you have staff—even just one part-timer or someone doing admin—you’re likely legally required to have Employers’ Liability cover in place.

2. Do I need employers’ liability insurance?

In most cases, yes. If you employ anyone—whether they’re full-time, part-time, casual, unpaid volunteers, apprentices, or even just helping out with admin or paperwork—you are legally required to have Employers’ Liability Insurance, even if they don’t work with tools or heavy machinery.

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The law applies even if your employees work remotely or only handle business admin. Without it, you could face fines of £2,500 per day for every day you’re not properly insured.

3. What kind of things am I covered for?

Employers’ Liability Insurance covers compensation and legal costs if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their work.

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That includes:

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Slips, trips, or falls in the workplace
Injuries caused by lifting or manual handling
Work-related illnesses like repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Accidents involving equipment or machinery

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It also covers legal defence costs, including those related to health and safety investigations or manslaughter claims, up to specified limits.

4. What's not covered under Employers' Liability insurance?

Employers’ Liability doesn’t cover:

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Injuries to non-employees (that’s Public Liability)
Injuries to employees caused by motor accidents that should be covered under a motor insurance policy
Accidents that happen offshore, like on oil rigs or ships
Fines, penalties, or legal costs related to criminal proceedings (unless explicitly covered)
Claims outside the UK or EU, unless agreed otherwise in your policy

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Always check your policy schedule to see what’s included and any specific exclusions that may apply.

*£2.01 a month is for an Employers' Liability policy for a claim-free Copywriter with a minimum of 5 years experience, for cover of up to £10m. It is equivalent to £24.11 per year when paying for the policy in one annual payment. Must be bought in conjunction with Public Liability cover. The price is correct as of 14th May 2025.