What is Public Liability Insurance?

What is Public Liability & Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability is the part of the law that concentrates on civil wrongs. It is called Tort law; it focuses on the solutions of civil wrongs which come from non-contractual responsibilities. How does it work? The injured party sues the owner for damages or negligence under common law. The injured party needs to show that the owner (or occupier) is accountable for their injury in order for a successful claim.

Who needs Public Liability Insurance cover?

If you run a business (even a home based business) and customers, the general public, or clients visit you there then Public Liability cover is advised. It covers you if anyone visiting you hurts themselves, for example tripping on a computer cable or telephone wire, and they decide to make a claim for their injury. Another example may be if you run a DIY shop and a customer in the shop hurts themselves from tripping on a loose bit of carpet. The customer may sue your business for their injury and your Public Liability cover will protect you.

How much does Public Liability Insurance cover cost?

Public Liability cover costs differ depending on the level of cover you are going for and where you buy the cover from, basic liability cover can cost as little as £60 / year. If you are looking to buy Public Liability cover you can search online or the Yellow Pages for companies who offer the service and gather some quotes. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your business and in turn the company can offer you a quotation and offer the details for what you are covered with. The cost of the insurance will increase if you have a high risk business, and if you have a high turnover as higher turnovers usually includes more employees and more customers and so more risk.

If you are the injured party and are looking to make a claim against an owner then it is advised to contact a lawyer who specializes in Public Liability and they can answer your queries and help you with your claim.

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