Essential Cover for Everyday Business Risks
If a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your business activities, you could face a costly legal claim, even if it wasn’t your fault. Public Liability Insurance is designed to protect your business against these types of claims, and at Chris Knott, we help you arrange cover that’s tailored, trusted, and affordable.
Whether you run a shop, work on-site, or meet clients face-to-face, we’ll find a policy that suits the way you operate, not just your industry label.
Excellent service from start to finish. The team took time to understand exactly what I needed and found me a great policy at a competitive price. Couldn't be happier with the whole experience.
Been with Chris Knott for over 5 years now. Easy renewal process and the team are always a pleasure to speak with. Proper UK-based advice you can actually trust.
After being let down by my previous insurer, Chris Knott made the whole process painless. Honest, straightforward, and friendly from the very first call. Highly recommend them.
Andy was brilliant - talked me through all the options clearly, no pressure, and found me a much better deal than the comparison sites. This is how insurance should be done.
I needed specialist cover for my classic Jaguar and Chris Knott sorted it quickly and at a great price. Really impressed with the level of knowledge and personal service.
Switched my home insurance after a recommendation from a friend. Very competitive premium and the whole thing was done in under 20 minutes. Very pleased with everything.
First-class service. I dealt with Emma who was patient, helpful and knew exactly what I needed for my thatched cottage. Got proper specialist cover, not a standard policy.
Genuinely good old-fashioned customer service. A real person who actually listens and helps you find the right cover. Wouldn't go anywhere else for my insurance now.
Had a claim last year and Chris Knott supported me throughout. Made a stressful situation much easier. Fair, fast, and professional - exactly what you want from a broker.
Renewed my multi-car policy today. Still the best value I've found anywhere and the team remembered me from last year. That personal touch really makes a difference.
Very helpful team, especially when I needed to add a modified vehicle to my policy. Talked me through everything and made sure I was properly covered. Excellent all round.
Chris Knott have been brilliant for my listed property - most insurers wouldn't touch it but they found me comprehensive cover at a sensible price. Grateful for their expertise.
Efficient, clear, and competitive. I ran through three comparison sites before calling Chris Knott and they beat them all. UK-based team made the whole thing painless.
Outstanding from start to finish. I've recommended Chris Knott to everyone I know - my parents, my sister, and even my colleagues. They never let anyone down.
The service is what sets Chris Knott apart. You get proper advice from people who understand insurance, not a script. Worth every penny and more.
Public Liability Insurance protects your business if someone is injured or suffers a loss as a result of your work. It covers legal defence costs, compensation claims, and related expenses, helping to shield your business from financial damage in the event of an accident, injury, or incident.
You might need public liability insurance if:
You deal with clients or customers in person.
You work at other people’s homes or sites.
You host events, operate premises, or employ subcontractors.
A venue, client or local authority requires it.
At Chris Knott, we work with a panel of established insurers to find the right level of cover, so you’re protected without paying over the odds.
A typical public liability policy arranged by Chris Knott may include:
Compensation for personal injury to third parties
Property damage (e.g. to a client’s building or belongings)
Legal fees and defence costs
Claims arising on or off-site
Products liability (optional)
Cover for incidents involving customers, suppliers, or members of the public
Policy limits usually start from £1 million and can be extended depending on the contract, location or industry.
At Chris Knott, we take the time to understand your business and arrange cover that genuinely suits your day-to-day risks. You won’t get stuck in comparison site loops; you’ll deal with a real, experienced person who will guide you through the options and help you make an informed choice.
Whether you’re a sole trader or part of a larger team, we can help you combine public liability cover with employers’ liability, professional indemnity, tools, premises, or van insurance, all through one point of contact.
We make arranging Public Liability Insurance simple, affordable, and personal. Our commercial team is ready to help you get the protection you need, and we’re on hand if you ever need to make a claim.
Call us today or request a callback, and let’s protect your business with confidence.
The most common questions we're asked about public liability insurance. Can't find what you're looking for? Speak to our UK-based team on 0800 917 2274.
Public Liability Insurance covers the costs of legal expenses, compensation, and repair and replacement of property if a member of the public makes a claim against you. It isn’t needed by law, but organisations that regularly come into contact with clients or operate in public areas may find that Public Liability Insurance gives them crucial peace of mind. This is because claims and their linked costs can be very expensive. A claim could be made for many reasons. For instance, a hairdresser could damage the hair of a client while dyeing it, or a piece of scaffolding put up by your business could fall and injure a passer-by. For this reason, many businesses opt to put Public Liability Insurance in place.
It is not needed by law. However, your business may benefit from having it in place, depending on the type of work you carry out. If you or your employees regularly come into contact with members of the public or their property as a result of work, you have an increased risk of a claim being made. This means that Public Liability Insurance will provide you with much-needed financial protection if the worst happens. The following are all types of work that could find Public Liability Insurance useful:
If you belong to a trade association, or intend to join one, you may also need Public Liability Insurance to maintain your membership. Some potential customers will also ask for cover, so you may need it in order to win new business.
Public Liability Insurance is put in place to help you cover costs linked to injuries and damage to the public and their property. Employers’ Liability Insurance, on the other hand, is in place to cover the costs of injuries or illnesses sustained by your employees while carrying out work for you. Public Liability Insurance is therefore not an alternative to Employers’ Liability Insurance. Employers’ Liability Insurance is a legal obligation with very few exceptions. Public Liability Insurance is not needed by law but is useful to have if your business comes into contact with the general public.
Most policies offer cover from £1 million to £10 million, but the amount you need will depend on several factors, including:
When choosing your insurance, make sure you have enough to cover the worst case scenario, just in case.
The cost of a policy will depend on your business. Some occupations present more risks than others. For instance, trades that use a lot of equipment or equipment that is dangerous present more risks. If you work in areas that are very busy, such as the middle of a shop floor or on a busy street, this will also increase the risk of you or one of your employees hurting someone. The number of employees you have and your business’ turnover will also influence the cost due to their linked risks.
To find out exactly how much Public Liability Insurance will cost your business, you can talk to one of our team. And don’t forget: Public Liability Insurance is also tax deductible.
If you carry out work that brings you into contact with clients or their property, then you may need a policy. For instance, if you are a window cleaner and you break a customer’s window, Public Liability Insurance will help you to cover the cost.
Some customers, industries and associations will also require you to have a certain level of Public Liability Insurance in place, so you could lose out on work if you do not have it.
You can certainly get Public Liability Insurance if you are self-employed. If your work means you come into contact with members of the public, clients or their property, it may be a good idea to have some insurance in place.
Yes, it can be put in place for events of all sizes, whether you’re holding a fundraising dinner or running a large convention. This will protect you for accidental loss or damage of property and the injury or death of a member of the public at your event. It can also cover you for claims against you by the owners of any venues you use. Indeed, a venue you are intending to hire may refuse your application if you do not have it in place. The cost will depend on the kind of event you are running and the number of people who are likely to attend. You can find out more by talking to the Chris Knott team.
If you are running a one-off event, it may be a good idea to have Public Liability Insurance in place. This is because it offers you protection if one of your attendees is injured at your event or their property, or the venue’s property, is damaged. A policy can therefore be purchased to cover the duration of the event, to give you peace of mind.
No, Public Liability Insurance doesn’t tend to cover punitive fines and penalties.
Whatever your trade or business, we arrange tailored commercial insurance from a panel of leading UK insurers. Browse our full range below.
One broker, many kinds of cover - all handled by our UK-based team.
Classic, modified, imported, performance cars and more. Owner's club members save up to 15%.
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Home, landlord, holiday home, listed buildings, thatched properties and places of worship.
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Annual, single trip, medical conditions and group travel cover for UK and overseas.
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Charity, church, dog business, allotment and place of worship insurance from specialists.
ExploreEvery page is written and fact-checked by our UK-based insurance specialists. Chris Knott Insurance has been arranging cover since 1983.
Every public liability insurance policy is different. Speak to our specialist UK-based team and we'll arrange a quote that properly reflects your property and circumstances.
