What is Public Liability Insurance?

As a contractor, you may wonder, what is public liability insurance, and why should I have it? Continue reading to learn everything you need about Public Liability Insurance.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability Insurance is not required by law, but many umbrella companies include it as part of their service to cover contractors who come into contact with members of the public or those who may be required to go to the client’s site. Public Liability Insurance protects the client, as the umbrella worker would not be covered by the client’s existing policy that is in place for their permanent members of staff.

So, what exactly is public liability insurance? A public liability insurance policy will cover any damage or injury claims arising from accidents caused by the umbrella employee that cause a member of the public or other workers injury or loss. Additionally, you are covered if something you do causes damage to their property. Public liability insurance will protect against the cost of legal claims people make against you.

What businesses commonly take out Public Liability Insurance?

Please note this is not an exhaustive list, but below are a few examples of businesses that come into contact with members of the public and would typically take out Public Liability Insurance:

• Gardeners
• Builders
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Painters and decorators

How much Public Liability Insurance do I need?

The cost of Public Liability Insurance will vary greatly depending on the nature of the business and the industry in which you operate. It isn’t compulsory to have Public Liability Insurance, and you should consider factors such as the scale of your contracts, the level of risk associated with the industry, the level of interaction with the public, how extensive compensation claims could be and the cost to repair any damage. Most compliant umbrella companies will provide comprehensive insurance coverage (including Public Liability Insurance) as part of their service, which is more than enough coverage for contractors.

Do all umbrella companies offer Public Liability Insurance?

Every compliant umbrella company will provide its employees with three types of insurance: public liability insurance, employer liability insurance, and professional indemnity insurance. The level of cover will vary between different providers, and it’s important to check whether the level of cover is suitable for your contract before registering.

As an employee of Churchill Knight Umbrella, you will benefit from:

• £10 million Public Liability Insurance
• £10 million Employers’ Liability Insurance
• £5 million Professional Indemnity Insurance

Contact us for a free and impartial take-home pay illustration

If you want to register with an FCSA-accredited and SafeRec-certified umbrella company, why not contact us today for a free and impartial consultation to discuss the service? Our expert Sales Consultants can provide a tailored take-home pay illustration and answer any questions about working through an umbrella company. To learn more about our service, please call 01707 871622 or request a call for a time that suits you.