Make an enquiry
Let us know your needs and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Running a business can be tough. It means that you’re dealing with people every day, from customers and suppliers to visitors and members of the public. It may feel like you’ve taken every necessary precaution against accidents, but they can still happen.
That’s why you need public liability insurance. It’s one of the most important types of business protection, as it can cover you for a variety of scenarios – for example, if someone is injured on your premises, or if their property is damaged because of your work.
At EIC Insurance, we help Hertfordshire businesses to understand what level of public liability cover they need, while also offering clear advice and tailored protection rather than off‑the‑shelf policies. We’re a local and independent broker who are willing to take the time to understand how you operate, because your public liability insurance should reflect the everyday risks that your business faces.
What public liability insurance covers
Public liability insurance can protect your business if a member of the public happens to bring a claim against you. These types of claims can include:
- Injury to someone who isn’t your employee (e.g. a customer or client)
- Damage to someone else’s property
- Accidental harm caused by your work or your products
Public liability insurance can cover legal fees, compensation costs and the expenses involved in defending a claim. But if you don’t have insurance, these costs can really pile up, especially if your business is on the smaller side.
Real‑life examples of public liability claims
Even the work that you carry out every day can lead to unexpected incidents. For example:
- A customer is injured when they slip on a wet floor in your shop
- A tradesperson accidentally damages a client’s cupboards during a job
- A consultant visiting a client spills coffee on their laptop, which causes expensive damage
- A delivery driver is injured when they trip over equipment left outside of your premises
- A hospitality business has a guest claim for injury after tripping on a corner of loose carpet
These situations are more common than you may realise. If you don’t have public liability insurance, your business’s finances could take a big hit.
What type of business needs public liability insurance?
Any business that deals with the public should consider taking out public liability insurance. This includes:
- Builders, electricians, plumbers and tradespeople
- Retail shops and high‑street businesses
- Restaurants, cafés, bars and hospitality venues
- Consultants and professional services
- Beauty and wellbeing businesses
- Manufacturers and wholesalers
- Landlords and property owners
Why do indemnity limits matter?
Some businesses need higher levels of cover, particularly if they take on larger contracts, work with national organisations, or carry out jobs for local authorities. They’ll also need higher levels of cover if they handle higher-risk environments, like construction sites or public places.
Contract conditions often specify minimum cover levels. Choosing a low-limit policy online may save you money in the short term, but it could mean that you’re unable to win certain contracts. In the worst-case scenario, it could even leave you exposed if a claim exceeds your cover.
Why businesses benefit from speaking to a broker
Public liability insurance can look straightforward, but choosing the wrong policy can leave gaps that you may not spot until you’re hit with a claim. Buying online could mean that often items are missed, or there is something you have not thought of. You might think that you’re saving money, but this is likely to only be a short-term saving – if you face a claim in the future, you could be left out of pocket.
Working with a broker means that you can get a clear explanation of what’s covered, as well as what isn’t. You’ll also receive personalised recommendations based on how your business operates, access to a wide range of insurers and pricing options, and help in choosing the right indemnity limit. When it’s time to renew, you’ll be given the support you need for any changes at your business, and if you need to make a claim, you’ll get hands-on guidance.
Instead of navigating policies alone, you have a specialist looking out for you.
How EIC Insurance helps you get the right protection
EIC Insurance has been supporting businesses across Hertfordshire since 1973. Our team takes the time to understand your business, and then we shape a public liability policy that truly fits it.
We’ll help you to identify the cover that your business genuinely needs, while avoiding paying for protection that you don’t need. We’ll assist you in making sure that your indemnity limits meet contract requirements and that you understand any exclusions and optional extras. We can also access reputable insurers and competitive prices to make sure that you get the best solution, and can help you with dedicated claims support if something goes wrong.
EIC Insurance’s long‑standing presence in the community alongside our collaborative, approach means that businesses trust us to provide both clear advice and dependable support. We understand the local landscape and the variety of risks that different industries face.
Choosing public liability insurance through EIC means that you’re choosing a partner who’s not only close by but is committed to helping your business thrive safely.
Get in touch
If you’d like a review of your current cover, to arrange a new policy or to speak with a specialist about public liability insurance, EIC Insurance is here to help.
Protecting your business starts with the right advice, and we’re ready whenever you are. Give us a call on 01442 286910 or drop us an email at info@eicinsurance.co.uk to find out more.