If you run your own business, you’re legally obliged to get insurance. You should have employers’ liability insurance to protect your employees, and you might have professional indemnity insurance too. But have you got public liability insurance?
Taking out this kind of insurance isn’t a legal obligation for business owners, but it’s well worth getting. And this Insurance Awareness Day, we’re giving you 3 vital reasons why you need public liability insurance.
1. Financial protection
The main benefit of public liability insurance is that it gives your business financial protection. If a member of the public is injured or a customer’s property is damaged as a result of your work, sufficient public liability insurance will cover the costs.
Legal and medical fees can really mount up, even for the smallest claim. This means that to protect your business and avoid risk of bankruptcy, you’ll need public liability insurance.
2. Peace of mind
Accidents happen. Even top qualifications and years of experience don’t stop mistakes from happening every once in a while. You can carefully follow all relevant health and safety recommendations and still be vulnerable to mishaps.
If you don’t take out public liability insurance you’re risking your business. This could keep even the most confident professional awake at night. Save yourself the worry and take out PLI now.
3. Improved reputation
Taking out public liability insurance can be really good for your business’ reputation, and get you more work. Customers often take it as a sign of reliability and won’t hire a tradesperson who doesn’t have it. And if you bid for a large project, you might lose out to another company if they have more comprehensive insurance.
Why is public liability insurance so important?
When taking out public liability insurance, you need to tell your insurer what type of business you operate. This is not just for the sake of records, but will help you come to an agreement over the type of policy best suited to you – whether your insurer judges cover up to £1 million to be sufficient for your needs or if a larger policy would be more appropriate in the circumstances.
Do not assume that you will be safe without public liability insurance just because you run a small business, or because you don’t make deliveries. Something as simple as a coffee spill over a client’s computer, or a loose nail causing a customer to trip could cost you thousands if you’re uninsured!
In fact, we think that PLI is so important that we require all our members to have it. It’s a great way to show your customers that you know what you’re doing as a professional. And it also shows that you take their needs and safety seriously. Quotatis members get a discount on public liability insurance – speak to us to find out how to claim it.
Insurance Awareness Day 2019
June 28th is National Insurance Awareness Day. Although the origin of this day is unknown, it’s a great reminder to review your insurance policies and to make sure your business has the cover it needs.
Here are three things you can do this Insurance Awareness Day – if you haven’t already:
1. Talk with your agent
Arrange time to sit down with your insurance agent and review your policies to help make sure that you have the right cover for your business.
2. Safe workplace reminder
Remind your employees about workplace safety in order to keep it at the forefront of their mind at all times. Schedule a team meeting to review and renew policies and ensure that everyone is updated with literature and if necessary, get them to ask questions!
3. Protect your data
Secure your business, make a plan and ensure everyone knows their place in preventing and responding to a breach. A Cyber Liability insurance policy can help provide you with peace of mind that your business is protected!
If you want to find out more, take a look at our handy guide to PLI. Or fill in the form below to join our network and get public liability insurance at a reduced rate from our partners over at Trade Direct Insurance.
The first version of this article was published on 1st February 2018 by Evy Coe