Business Public Liability vs Professional Indemnity
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 Professional Indemnity typically costs £150–£2000/yr. Business Public Liability has the lower entry premium, but the right choice depends on what you need to protect — read the coverage below.
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
Professional Indemnity
Protects professionals and businesses against claims for financial loss suffered by clients as a result of negligent advice, errors, or omissions.
- Avg annual premium
- £150–£2000/yr
- Type
- liability
- Available in
- 3 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
Professional Indemnity covers
- ✓ Claims for professional negligence
- ✓ Breach of duty claims
- ✓ Defamation and intellectual property infringement
- ✓ Loss of documents
- ✓ Legal defence costs
Key exclusions
- ✕ Fraud or dishonesty
- ✕ Insolvency of the insured business
- ✕ Claims known at policy inception
- ✕ Contractual liability exceeding duty of care
Where each is available
Professional Indemnity is also offered in Germany where Business Public Liability is not.
Frequently asked questions
Is business public liability more expensive than professional indemnity?
Based on GeraSure's average annual premium ranges, business public liability typically costs £80–£800/yr and professional indemnity typically costs £150–£2000/yr. Business Public Liability usually has the lower 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.
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.
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.