Public Liability Insurance

Where can I get public liability insurance?

You can buy public liability insurance in a number of ways.

• Insurance brokers can advise you on various products to suit your needs. Visit the British Insurance Brokers Association website for details of members. www.biba.org.uk
• ABI (Association of British Insurers) website features a list of members who provide public liability insurance cover. www.abi.org.uk
• You can search for a broker on the Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB) website. inst.ins.brokers@iib-uk.com
• You can buy online via interactive quote systems.

What do I need to ask about when buying public liability insurance?

• The level of cover - Some insurers will quote you a public liability cover of £5 million, when for a very little extra you could secure £10 million. Some insurers' charges vary only marginally between significantly different levels of cover.
• The excess - The amount you will have to pay to make a claim. Some insurers demand an excess of £50, while others charge £500.
• Exclusions - specific activities could be vetoed under the policy.
• Working abroad - Your policy could be null and void if you work outside the UK. Check there are no geographical restrictions that could affect you.

When buying public liability insurance, the insurer will require details of the business, the number of employees, previous losses and details of the risk to be insured.

When completing a proposal form, answer all questions fully and disclose all relevant facts as failure to do so could invalidate the policy.

Before being accepted for cover, it may be a condition that the premises have to be inspected and some improvements made before cover is given.

Check the policy document thoroughly, in particular the extent of the cover and the exclusions and conditions.

Can I buy an insurance package that will cover all my business needs?

Insurance providers will generally include several types of covers in one package which could be more economical - as opposed to buying different individual covers from different providers.

As well as public liability insurance, examples of other types of cover that could be included in one comprehensive package are:

• Employer liability insurance (compulsorary)
• Product liability
• Professional indemnity
• Property & contents
• Personal injury
• Business interruption
• Tools insurance

What if something goes wrong?

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulates the sale of insurance. Their website has details on how to make a complaint. www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

If you are unhappy with the policy sold to you, or the manner in which a claim against you has been handled by your insurer, contact your insurer direct and lodge a formal complaint.

If you remain unhappy with their response to your complaint, you can refer the case to the Financial Ombudsman Service who will look into the matter on your behalf. www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk