Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability Insurance provides cover for an injury to a third party or damage to their property that arises as a result of negligence during your business activities. Public Liability is also available to voluntary groups.

Public Liability would also pay for any compensation that is payable and also for legal fees. Indeed, where a claim is alleged against a policyholder, the Public Liability insurers would defend the claim and pay the Court costs even if it was proven that the policyholder was not negligent.

The minimum limit of indemnity for Public Liability cover is normally £1m, but higher limits are available. The usual maximum indemnity limit is £10m although excess cover can be arranged where appropriate.

Examples of incidents that would be covered under a Public Liability Insurance policy are as follows:

• A salesman visits a client or customer and accidentally upsets his or her coffee into their computer.
• A window cleaner is working at height and drops his bucket, causing injury to a passer-by.
• A carpet fitter nails down a carpet and the nail goes through a water pipe, causing damage.
• A customer comes into a shop and trips over a box which has been left on the floor, so spraining their ankle.
• A client visits an accountant and falls down the stairs due to a hole in the carpet, breaking his arm.
• A voluntary group hire a hall for a meeting and a member of the public falls over a display stand, cutting her leg and damaging her clothing.

Products Liability Insurance

Products Liability Insurance cover can also be arranged. This provides cover for injury or property damage that arises as a consequence of a defect in a product supplied or worked upon.

Employers' Liability Insurance

If you engage any employees or volunteers – not bona-fide sub-contractors – then you will need Employers’ Liability Insurance in addition. This is compulsory at law – even if you only engage someone for an hour a week! The standard limit of indemnity for Employers’ Liability Insurance is £10m. Norris & Fisher are happy to answer individual queries on Public Liability Insurance, Products Liability Insurance and Employers’ Liability Insurance. Please telephone us on 01794 518855. If you would like a quotation, please complete our Enquiry Form and return it by post, fax or email. We will respond immediately we receive a quotation from insurers – usually on the following working day.