Public Liability Insurance

When someone makes a claim against your business, this insurance can cover the costs that you are held responsible or are liable for. This could include legal fees and expenses, as well as any compensation.

We protect hundreds of different types of trades and businesses. If you’re set up as a sole trader, limited company or partnership we can help.

Run your business while we protect it for you.

We're online

You’ll find it easy to buy online and your documents are available 24/7.

We’re flexible

Choose to pay annually by debit or credit card, or monthly at no extra cost.

We’re here

Our UK-based team is ready to help you make a claim.

What does Aviva Public Liability Insurance cover?

Aviva’s Public Liability Insurance helps protect your business against personal injury or property damage claims from your clients, visitors or the general public. You may need cover for these three important risk areas. The examples below are for illustrative purposes only and are not based on real people.

Property damage

Accidental damage to someone else's property

Picture this.

Mark was cleaning inside a client's home when he accidentally spilled cleaning fluid causing damage to the carpet. Mark told his client that his insurance would likely cover the damage. The claim was successful.

Injury

Accidental injury to clients or members of the public

Picture this.

Josephs building firm was working at a construction site when a loose plank of wood fell on a pedestrian and they sustained a head injury. If Joseph is liable for the incident, his Aviva insurance would provide cover for his legal fees and compensation for the injured pedestrians injury and legal fees.

Compensation, costs and expenses

If you have to attend court or pay legal fees

Picture this.

Maria's IT business was taken to court for causing damage to several new computers and accidentally injuring one of her customer's staff members. Aviva dealt with the claim, covering the compensation and costs involved.

For specific trades, you’ll also get:

What isn’t included

Like all insurance policies, there are some things we can’t cover including:

For more information about our covers and exclusions please refer to the summary of cover documents.

Why Aviva Public Liability Insurance?

Here are three key reasons our Public Liability Insurance will be there for you.

Technology

Aviva has the tech - your business can easily access and manage your cover

Expertise

Aviva has the experience – your business can benefit

Strength

Aviva has financial muscle – your business can trust us

Get a quote for Public Liability Insurance

If you have 0-9 employees, you can get a quote then buy your cover, all online.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and sometimes the people involved get hurt. Public Liability Insurance helps protect your business against personal injury or property damage claims from clients, visitors and members of public. It doesn't cover your employees, just other people your business comes into contact with.

So, if someone makes a claim against your business, our cover could pay the costs you are held responsible or liable for, such as legal fees and expenses, as well as any compensation payouts. This means you can focus on running your business while we deal with the claim and paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need public liability insurance and is it a legal requirement?

It isn’t a legal requirement to have Public Liability Insurance, but you might want this cover if there’s a chance your business will interact with the public.

What types of businesses need public liability insurance?

If your business interacts with the public on your premises or off-site, it could be very important. Many different types of business can be covered, from builders, hairdressers and restaurants to IT contractors, scaffolders and personal trainers.

How much does public liability insurance cost?

Most customers pay around £100* a year for cover but it depends on the amount of cover you need. You can pay it in monthly instalments at no extra cost or annually by debit or credit card.

*Between January 2023 and December 2023, 45.62% of Aviva Commercial Direct customers who purchased Public Liability cover paid £100 or less (including IPT – Insurance Premium Tax) for Public Liability cover. Price depends on your trade and circumstances, cover chosen and liability limit.