Business Public Liability vs Employer's Liability Insurance
A plain-English comparison of two GeraSure policy lines — what each covers, what it excludes, typical annual premium, and how to choose.
Quick Answer
Business Public Liability typically costs £80–£800/yr and Employer's Liability Insurance typically costs £80–£600/yr. Both start at a similar premium — the right choice depends on what you need to protect.
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.
- Avg annual premium
- £80–£800/yr
- Type
- liability
- Available in
- 2 markets
Employer's Liability Insurance
Legally mandatory in the UK for any business with employees. Covers claims from employees for work-related illness or injury.
- Avg annual premium
- £80–£600/yr
- Type
- liability
- Available in
- 1 markets
What each policy covers
Business Public Liability covers
- ✓ Third-party bodily injury claims
- ✓ Third-party property damage claims
- ✓ Legal defence costs
- ✓ Claimant's legal costs if court awards against you
- ✓ Products liability (optional or included)
Key exclusions
- ✕ Employee injury (covered by Employer's Liability)
- ✕ Professional errors (covered by Professional Indemnity)
- ✕ Deliberate acts
- ✕ Contractual liability beyond the insured sums
Employer's Liability Insurance covers
- ✓ Employee injury claims
- ✓ Occupational disease claims
- ✓ Legal defence costs
- ✓ Claimant's awarded damages
Key exclusions
- ✕ Claims from family members who are also directors (check policy)
- ✕ Contractor disputes (covered by PLI)
Where each is available
Business Public Liability is also offered in Ireland where Employer's Liability Insurance is not.
Frequently asked questions
Is business public liability more expensive than employer's liability insurance?
Based on GeraSure's average annual premium ranges, business public liability typically costs £80–£800/yr and employer's liability insurance typically costs £80–£600/yr. Both have a similar starting premium; your actual quote depends on your risk profile, location and cover level.
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.
Is employer's liability insurance mandatory in the UK?
Yes — the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires all UK businesses with one or more employees to hold at least £5 million of employer's liability cover. The fine for non-compliance is up to £2,500 per day.
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.