Public liability insurance

Public Liability Insurance

Protect Your Business with Confidence

We know that running a business can be challenging, so public liability insurance is an important cover to have, especially if you interact with the public. Having the right protection can give you peace of mind to let you concentrate on the day job.

Please note: Swiftcover does not currently offer public liability insurance directly. We’ll transfer you to AXA UK, who can arrange the cover that suits your business needs.

Why Choose Public Liability Insurance?

Protection from Claims: This insurance covers you in case a member of the public makes a claim against your business for accidental injuries or damages.
Products Liability Included: With our policy, you get coverage for product-related claims as standard, which is essential for retail businesses.
Flexibility: Easily update your cover online as your business grows, with no admin fees¹!

Get Your Public Liability Insurance Today!

Get a public liability quote

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Let’s Dive Into The Details

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance, or PLI as it’s sometimes referred to, protects your business against claims made by members of the public due to accidents related to your business activities. For instance, if a hairdresser spills dye on a customer’s clothing or a baker mislabels a product leading to an allergic reaction, this insurance can help.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of public liability insurance varies based on the type of your business, the size and the level of cover you want. Here’s a quick look at pricing for monthly payments and annual payments with AXA.

Annual Payment: Starting from £63^* per year
Monthly Payments: Starting from £5^** per month.

^* 10% of our customers paid this or less between April and June 2025..

^** 10% of our customers paid from £5 for ten months between October and December 2024 after an initial deposit. Interest applicable. For more details see our terms & conditions..

Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?

If you regularly interact with the public or work with government contracts, you’ll need public liability insurance. Here are some examples of professions that benefit from having it:

Builders: Protects you from accidental damage caused by your work, like hammering a nail through a pipe
Bakers: Covers claims from food contamination
Dog Walkers: Ensures protection if a dog gets loose and causes harm
Cleaners: Slips and trips caused by wet floors and loose cables

Is Products Liability Included?

Yes! Products liability coverage is included as standard with public liability insurance, protecting you against claims related to products you sell or supply.

How Do I Get This Cover?

Ready to invest in public liability insurance? It’s easy! Click the button below to start an online quote with our trusted partner, AXA, who proudly serve over 867,000² small business customers across the UK and Ireland.

Get a Public Liability Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Public Liability Insurance a Legal Requirement?: While it’s not legally required, many clients, especially government and public bodies like councils and schools, may need you to have it before working with you.
What’s the Difference Between Public Liability and Professional Indemnity?: Public liability covers claims for injuries or damages caused by your business activities, while professional indemnity protects against claims where someone loses money due to your negligent advice or services.
Do Self-Employed Individuals Need Public Liability Insurance?: If you interact with clients or customers, public liability insurance is essential.
What is a Public Liability Certificate?: It’s proof of your cover provided by your insurer so that you can show this to anyone who asks for it to prove you’re covered. It outlines the details of your policy and proves you have public liability insurance. It typically includes your policy number, name, occupation, coverage dates, and limit of indemnity.

Qualifiers

All links correct as of the date of publishing, 01/08/2025

¹ Please note: You will not be charged to make a change to your policy. However, any changes made your policy, covers or cover levels may result in a change to your premium.

² Based on the number of businesses insured by AXA UK across the UK and Ireland as of February 7th, 2025.