Buyer's guide · 2026
Best Business Liability Insurance
Liability cover protects your business against claims from the public, clients, or employees. Most trades need at least one of these — and employer liability is a legal requirement in the UK once you hire staff.
Compare business liability insurance
| Cover | Best for | Typical UK premium |
|---|---|---|
| Business Public Liability | Public liability insurance protects your business against claims from members of the public for injury or property damage caused by your business activities.. | £80–£800/yr |
| Professional Indemnity | Protects professionals and businesses against claims for financial loss suffered by clients as a result of negligent advice, errors, or omissions.. | £150–£2,000/yr |
| Employer's Liability Insurance | Legally mandatory in the UK for any business with employees. | £80–£600/yr |
1. Business Public Liability
£80–£800/yrPublic liability insurance protects your business against claims from members of the public for injury or property damage caused by your business activities.
Covers
- Third-party bodily injury claims
- Third-party property damage claims
- Legal defence costs
- Claimant's legal costs if court awards against you
Excludes
- Employee injury (covered by Employer's Liability)
- Professional errors (covered by Professional Indemnity)
- Deliberate acts
- Contractual liability beyond the insured sums
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland
2. Professional Indemnity
£150–£2,000/yrProtects professionals and businesses against claims for financial loss suffered by clients as a result of negligent advice, errors, or omissions.
Covers
- Claims for professional negligence
- Breach of duty claims
- Defamation and intellectual property infringement
- Loss of documents
Excludes
- Fraud or dishonesty
- Insolvency of the insured business
- Claims known at policy inception
- Contractual liability exceeding duty of care
Available in: United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany
3. Employer's Liability Insurance
£80–£600/yrLegally mandatory in the UK for any business with employees. Covers claims from employees for work-related illness or injury.
Covers
- Employee injury claims
- Occupational disease claims
- Legal defence costs
- Claimant's awarded damages
Excludes
- Claims from family members who are also directors (check policy)
- Contractor disputes (covered by PLI)
Available in: United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
What types of business liability insurance are there?
The main options are Business Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Employer's Liability Insurance. Each protects against a different risk, so the right choice depends on your circumstances.
How much does business liability insurance cost in the UK?
Typical annual premiums in this category range from £80 to £2,000 per year depending on the cover and your circumstances. Get a live quote for an accurate price.
Do I need public liability insurance as a sole trader?
Public liability insurance is not legally required for sole traders in the UK, but many clients and venues require proof of cover before allowing you to work on-site. Cover from £80/year is inexpensive relative to the risk.
Who needs professional indemnity insurance?
Any business that provides professional advice or services — consultants, architects, accountants, IT professionals, designers, and therapists. Many professional bodies (FCA, RICS, Law Society) require it as a condition of membership.
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GeraSure is a comparison and referral service. Insurance products are provided by FCA-authorised or equivalent regulated insurers in each jurisdiction. GeraSure does not underwrite insurance policies and does not provide financial advice. Always read the policy wording before purchasing.