Public Liability insurance* is designed to provide protection for you and your business in the event a customer, supplier or member of the public are injured or sustain property damage as a result of your negligent business activities.
As a small business owner, you have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for your customers, the greater community and third–party property. The financial consequences of claims of negligence against you or your business could be enough to end your small business dream. Fortunately, when you take out Public Liability cover, you have protection in place that can provide the funds to cover your legal costs and any compensation costs, giving you peace of mind.
Typically a Public Liability policy will extend to also include cover for Product Liability. You may want to consider choosing this form of cover if you or your business sells, supplies or delivers goods, even in the form of repair or service. Product Liability insurance* protects your businesses against claims by third parties relating to property damage or personal injury caused by your products.
Even the most careful of businesses are at risk of causing injury to someone or damaging something during everyday business operations. Investing in the future of your business is a smart plan, and by having a Public Liability insurance policy is often seen as a big step in the right direction.
You’ve worked hard to build your small business, so why would you risk the possibility of going out of business if you were to experience a public liability claim? Even when you’re doing business with other businesses, you may want to check if they have Public Liability insurance too, should an accident or injury occur from their negligence.
A Public Liability claim could result from:
- A hazardous environment where a third party was injured
- Damage to a third party’s personal property
- A faulty or defective product
Do I really need Public Liability Insurance?
The quick answer is probably yes. If you or your employees meet with other people while doing business in any way you should carefully consider Public Liability insurance. For example:^
- Consultants/Contractors/ Tradespeople who work from home or visit their clients’ premises
- Businesses that have an office, showroom, shop or any premises
- All businesses that interact with customers or the public
^Examples of business sourced from Know Risk article Public liability insurance for small business
*As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this web page is general only and should not be relied upon as advice
Public Liability Insurance is a business name of BizCover Pty Ltd (ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769)