Best Public liability cover for UK sole traders and micro-SMEs
Non-sponsored, Expert Verified and Transparently Ranked Public liability cover for UK sole traders and micro-SMEs
Published: December 18, 2025 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts
Executive Summary
We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Business insurance by Simply Business scored highest due to Largest UK broker serving over 3 million businesses since 2005, partnering with specialist insurers for customized policies for sole traders and small businesses..
Content Verification
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | #1 Business insurance (Simply Business) | #2 Business Insurance (Protectivity) | #3 Insurance Comparison Service (MoneySuperMarket) | #4 Business Insurance Comparison (Confused.com) | #5 Business Product Comparison Platform (money.co.uk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Largest UK broker serving over 3 million businesses since 2005, partnering with specialist insurers for customized policies for sole traders and small businesses. | Highly customizable policies starting from £3.14/month with close family extension and no need for separate employers' liability for family members. | Comparison platform searching wide range of insurers for the best deals tailored to self-employed and freelancers. | Quotes provided by Simply Business, a trusted FCA-regulated provider with experience serving millions of small businesses. | Focused comparison site emphasizing protection for common small business risks with straightforward coverage details. |
| Pricing Structure | Tailored, quote-based pricing. Public liability starts from £5.64/month (10% paid this or less for up to £2m cover); prices guaranteed for 30 days and equivalent monthly excludes extra costs for paying monthly. Pay monthly or annually. Adding covers (e.g., employers’ liability, tools, PI) increases the premium. (simplybusiness.co.uk) | From £3.14/month; pay monthly at 0% APR. Pricing varies by cover level, business size/turnover, staff, and optional add‑ons (e.g., equipment, PI, EL). Example: £3.14/month for a therapy policy with £1m PL and £1m PI (quote 06/10/2025). (protectivity.com) | Free for users. MoneySuperMarket is paid by providers via flat fixed fees, commissions (often a percentage of policy cost/term), and sometimes click‑through fees. These payments don’t raise your price versus buying direct or affect rankings. (moneysupermarket.com) | Free to use; no customer fees. On purchase, Confused.com earns an agreed percentage commission from partner Simply Business (Xbridge), calculated as a percentage of the policy’s annual premium; this is paid by the partner/insurer and not added to the customer’s price. (confused.com) | Free-to-use comparison platform. Revenue comes from commercial arrangements with providers: commissions when users click through or purchase, and broker commissions after purchase. Providers may also pay for advertising or featured placements. No admin fees charged to users. (money.co.uk) |
| Coverage Limits Options | Coverage limits options: Public liability £1m, £10m; Employers’ liability £10m as standard; Professional indemnity £50k, £5m. (simplybusiness.co.uk) | Public Liability: up to £10m; Professional Indemnity: up to £1m; Employers’ Liability: up to £10m; Equipment: £250 included, up to £30k; Loss of Keys: up to £10k; Care, Custody & Control of Animals: up to £100k (£25k per animal); Legal Expenses: up to £10k; Loss of Money: £1k, £5k; Personal Accident: up to £25k. (protectivity.com) | Public liability cover limits when quoting: £1m, £2m, £5m, or £10m. Minimum cover is £1m; higher limits (e.g., £10m+) may be required for high‑risk or public‑sector contracts. (moneysupermarket.com) | Public liability: £1m, £10m cover options. (confused.com) Professional indemnity: typically £50k, £5m. (confused.com) Employers’ liability: legal minimum £5m; some businesses choose £10m. (confused.com) | Public liability cover limits offered via money.co.uk’s comparison: £1 million, £2 million, £5 million, or £10 million (maximum payout per claim). (money.co.uk) |
| Customization Flexibility | Highly configurable: build a tailored policy, choosing only needed covers (e.g., combine public liability with professional indemnity, tools, stock, employers’ liability). (simplybusiness.co.uk) Select cover limits (public liability £1m, £10m). (simplybusiness.co.uk) Policies paid by card can be changed online mid-term; extra cover may be added to existing policies. (help.simplybusiness.co.uk) | Highly configurable: select cover levels (e.g., Public Liability £1, £10m) and add modules, Employers’ Liability, Equipment (to £30k), Personal Accident, Loss of Keys, plus cover multiple activities; policies adapt to your services and business size. (protectivity.com) You can also add tailored extras like legal protection. (protectivity.com) | Customization: Choose cover limits £1m, £2m, £5m or £10m; adjust excess (higher excess lowers premiums); and bundle optional covers such as employers’ liability, professional indemnity, product liability, tools, business interruption, and cyber. Some policies include product liability or let you add it separately. (moneysupermarket.com) | Highly flexible. You can tailor cover by selecting the policies you need (e.g., public liability, employers’ liability, PI) and add optional extras like tool, business equipment and personal accident insurance during the quote. Cover limits are adjustable (e.g., PI £50k, £5m). (confused.com) | Personalized journey: you answer brief questions about your business; money.co.uk then builds a product bundle matched to your profile (age, type, employees, location). (money.co.uk) For insurance, you pick only the covers you need and receive tailored options/quotes to your risk profile. (money.co.uk) |
Simply BusinessCompany Information
Simply Business is one of the UK's largest business insurance providers, offering fast and flexible cover for small businesses and landlords. They provide a range of insurance products, including public liability, professional indemnity, and employers' liability insurance, as well as landlord insurance and van insurance.
Keywords
Description
Simply Business is one of the UK's biggest business insurance providers, specializing in a variety of cover options tailored for small businesses and landlords, providing them with tailored quotes quickly and easily.
What They Do
Provide business and landlord insurance, allowing customers to compare quotes and obtain tailored coverage.
Who They Serve
Small business owners and landlords in the UK.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Summary
Public liability insurance from Simply Business protects UK sole traders and micro-SMEs against claims for injury or property damage to third parties caused by business activities. They offer tailored quotes for various trades including builders and freelancers, with cover starting from affordable rates. It includes options for professional indemnity and employers' liability add-ons.
Key Features
- Public liability insurance (from £1 million to £5 million)
- Employers’ liability insurance (£10 million as standard, required by law if you have employees)
- Professional indemnity insurance (£50, 000 to £5 million)
- Product liability insurance
- Tool insurance
- Stock insurance
- Business and office equipment insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Commercial property/buildings insurance
- Business contents insurance
- Legal expenses insurance
- Contract works cover
- Ability to add cover for multiple trades/professions
Key Benefits
- Compare quotes from leading insurers
- Tailored cover for your business needs
- Buy online or over the phone in minutes
- Receive policy documents the same day
- UK-based expert support
- 24/7 claims service
- Flexible policies – only pay for what you need
- Can cover multiple trades under one policy
- Credibility and professionalism for your business
- May help win contracts where insurance is required
Who Is It For
- Small businesses
- Self-employed individuals
- Sole traders
- Limited companies
- Businesses with employees
- Businesses interacting with the public
- Businesses providing professional services
- Over 1,500 trades including builders, cleaners, couriers, contractors, office-based businesses, online retailers, security guards
What is business insurance?
Business insurance combines cover for risks such as third party injury, business claims, and specific trade/equipment insurance. It provides peace of mind and is trusted by nearly a million small UK businesses.
- Compare business insurance quotes from trusted brands
- Flexible, tailored cover
- Peace of mind for business owners
What does small business insurance cover?
Covers a variety of risks including public liability, employers’ liability, and professional indemnity. Additional covers can be added for specific needs.
- Public liability insurance: protects if someone is injured or property is damaged due to your business
- Employers’ liability insurance: covers claims from employees injured or made ill by their work
- Professional indemnity insurance: covers claims for financial loss due to faulty advice
How much does business insurance cost?
Premiums depend on your business type, cover levels, and risk factors. Prices start from £5.64/month. Example quotes provided for different business types.
- Prices start from £5.64 per month
- Tailored quotes in 7 minutes
- Prices guaranteed for 30 days
How it works
Pick your cover, compare prices, buy online, and get documents the same day.
- Pick what goes into your policy
- Get prices from a range of insurers
- Buy online in minutes
Who needs business insurance?
Important for all types of businesses, especially those with staff, public interaction, or providing professional services. Over 1,500 trades covered.
- Builders, cleaners, couriers, contractors, office-based businesses, online retailers, security guards, self-employed, sole traders
- Can cover multiple trades under one policy
Your business insurance policy
Build your policy from a range of covers to suit your needs. Public liability and employers’ liability are key covers.
- Answer all questions accurately
- Choose a high enough level of cover
- Tailor your policy to your business
Benefits of business insurance (beyond protection)
Helps position your business as credible and professional, and may help win contracts.
- £68 million in claims paid out in 2024
- 76% of claims settled in 2024
What is the insurance claims process?
Contact claims partner, provide details, review claim, track progress, receive decision.
- Contact claims partner online or by phone
- Dedicated claims handler
- Track progress online
Business insurance FAQs
Answers to common questions about business insurance, legal requirements, cover levels, and more.
- What is business insurance for?
- Is business insurance a legal requirement?
- How much business insurance do I need?
- Can I get business insurance before registering my business?
- Can I get business insurance without a trade licence?
- What kind of excess should I expect?
- Does business insurance cover me for theft?
- Can I add cover for a different trade or profession?
- Is business insurance tax-deductible?
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Pricing Structure
Coverage Limits Options
Customization Flexibility
ProtectivityCompany Information
Protectivity is a provider of insurance for small businesses, event organisers, and landlords. They offer simple and affordable insurance solutions, including pet business insurance, personal trainer insurance, event insurance, therapy insurance, and more.
Keywords
Description
Protectivity is a provider of insurance for small businesses, event organisers, and landlords. Our policies include Pet Business Insurance, Personal Trainer Insurance, Event Insurance, Therapy Insurance, and Caterers Insurance. We focus on combining technology with customer service to deliver a simple and affordable insurance experience.
What They Do
Provide insurance solutions for small businesses, event organisers, and landlords.
Who They Serve
Small businesses, event organisers, landlords, and various professionals in need of specialized insurance.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Key Pages
Summary
Protectivity provides adaptable business insurance for sole traders, freelancers, and micro-SMEs, including public liability from £1-10 million to cover third-party injuries or property damage. Policies allow customization with extras like equipment cover and legal protection. Designed for multiple activities with flexible cover levels.
Key Features
- Public Liability Insurance (up to £10 million)
- Professional Indemnity Insurance (up to £1 million, higher on some policies)
- Employers’ Liability Insurance (up to £10 million, legal requirement if you employ staff)
- Equipment Cover (from £250 up to £30, 000, new-for-old for items under 3 years old)
- Loss of Keys Cover (up to £10, 000)
- Care, Custody & Control of Animals (up to £100, 000, £25, 000 per animal)
- Non-Negligent Cover for animals
- Close Family Extension (cover for close family members assisting in business)
- Loss of Money (up to £5, 000)
- Travel Expense Reimbursement (up to £1, 000 for pet owners)
- Legal Expenses (up to £100, 000 on some policies, 24-hour helpline)
- Personal Accident Cover (up to £25, 000, under 80 years old)
- Equipment Hire Cover
- Third Party Property Damage
Key Benefits
- Flexible, tailored cover for a wide range of business types and activities
- Instant online quotes and fast, easy purchase process
- Highly rated customer service and claims handling
- Policies start from just £3.14 a month
- Option to add or remove cover types as needed
- Legal compliance support (e.g., employers’ liability)
- Professional credibility for your business
Who Is It For
- Sole traders
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Pet care businesses
- Therapists
- Hairdressers and beauty professionals
- Personal trainers and fitness instructors
- Tradespeople (builders, electricians, carpenters, etc.)
- Event organisers and stallholders
- Creative professionals (photographers, designers, etc.)
- Online businesses
- Businesses operating from home
What does business insurance cover?
Protectivity business insurance offers essential liability cover and optional extras tailored to your business. Covers multiple activities for sole traders, freelancers, and small businesses. Policies are adaptable to your services and business scale.
- Public liability included in all policies
- Option to add equipment, employers’ liability, legal protection, and other bolt-ons
- Covers multiple activities and business types
What's covered?
Details of standard and optional covers, including public liability, professional indemnity, employers’ liability, equipment, loss of keys, care of animals, non-negligent cover, close family extension, loss of money, travel expense reimbursement, and more.
- Public Liability: Up to £10 million
- Professional Indemnity: Up to £1 million (higher on some policies)
- Employers’ Liability: Up to £10 million
- Equipment: £250 included, up to £30,000 available
- Loss of Keys: Up to £10,000
- Care, Custody & Control of Animals: Up to £100,000
- Non-Negligent Cover for animals
- Close Family Extension
- Loss of Money: Up to £5,000
- Travel Expense Reimbursement: Up to £1,000
Optional extras
Employers’ liability, legal expenses, professional indemnity, personal accident, equipment hire, overseas extension, and more.
- Employers’ Liability: Up to £10 million
- Legal Expenses: Up to £100,000
- Professional Indemnity: Up to £1 million or more
- Personal Accident: Up to £25,000
- Equipment Hire
- Overseas Extension: Up to 30 days/year
What’s not covered?
Key exclusions and limitations for different business types and activities.
- Dog walkers: max 6 dogs at once
- No cover for dangerous dog breeds
- No cover for pre-existing animal conditions
- No cover for non-domestic animals
- No cover for unlicensed businesses where a licence is required
- No cover for unqualified treatments/services
- No cover for overseas activities unless extension purchased
- No cover for certain equipment or participant vs participant injury in contact sports
How much does business insurance cost?
Policies start at £3.14 a month. Price depends on business type, size, cover limits, and other factors. Example: Therapy Insurance, £3.14/month, £1m public liability, £1m professional indemnity.
- Prices from £3.14 a month
- Tailored to your business needs
- Get a quote for accurate pricing
What types of businesses do we cover?
Wide range of policies for pet businesses, beauty, therapists, sports & fitness, trades, events, creatives, and more.
- Pet businesses: dog walkers, sitters, groomers, trainers, kennels, pet taxi
- Beauty: hairdressers, nail technicians, make-up artists
- Therapists: counsellors, psychotherapists, massage, reiki, holistic
- Sports & Fitness: personal trainers, instructors, coaches, gyms, martial arts
- Trades: builders, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, plasterers, decorators, gardeners
- Events: organisers, stallholders, performers, photographers, caterers
Why choose Protectivity for your business insurance policy?
Trusted by over 150,000 customers, over 30 years’ experience, highly rated reviews, efficient claims handling, UK-based support.
- Over 150,000 customers
- 30+ years’ experience
- 4.8/5 average rating from 3,897 reviews
- Efficient claims process
- UK-based customer support
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Pricing Structure
Coverage Limits Options
Customization Flexibility
Insurance Comparison Service
MoneySuperMarketCompany Information
Description
MoneySuperMarket is a leading price comparison website in the UK that helps users save on various services, including insurance, energy, and broadband. They offer a variety of products and tools to compare prices and find better deals.
What They Do
They provide a platform for users to compare prices on a variety of financial products, including insurance, loans, and utilities.
Who They Serve
Individuals in the UK looking to save money on various bills and services.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Summary
MoneySuperMarket compares public liability insurance quotes for UK sole traders and small businesses, covering legal costs for third-party injury, death, or property damage. Offers cover levels from £2-5 million suitable for tradespeople and retailers working in public spaces. Quick online quotes from multiple insurers.
Key Features
- Online comparison of multiple insurance providers
- Coverage for a broad range of insurance products (car, home, travel, life, pet, health, income protection, business, and more)
- Specialized insurance types (e.g., black box, gap, multi-car, short-term, over 50s, critical illness, etc.)
- Guides and expert tips for saving money and understanding insurance
- Access to insurance provider information and customer reviews
- Mobile app availability for on-the-go access
Key Benefits
- Compare insurance providers from across the market
- Access to tips and expert guidance to help find the best deal
- Get brand new quotes in minutes
- Potential to save significant amounts on insurance (e.g., up to £514 on car insurance, £193 on home insurance, £207 on pet insurance)
- Wide range of insurance types and subtypes covered
- User-friendly online quote process
Who Is It For
- Individuals seeking car, home, travel, life, pet, health, or income protection insurance
- Homeowners and renters
- Pet owners
- Drivers (including young, new, learner, convicted, and non-UK residents)
- Travelers (including those with pre-existing medical conditions, families, over 70s, business travelers)
- Landlords and tenants
- Students
- Business owners seeking business insurance
Compare quotes for all your insurance needs
Compare insurance providers from across the market. Tips and expert guidance to help you find the best deal. Get brand new quotes in minutes.
- Compare insurance providers from across the market
- Tips and expert guidance to help you find the best deal
- Get brand new quotes in minutes
This month’s top insurance deals
Highlighting top deals for home, pet, and car insurance with potential savings and direct links to start a quote.
- Super Save up to £193 on your home insurance
- Super Save up to £207 on your pet insurance
- Super save up to £514 on your car insurance
Insurance explained
Find out more about essential insurance policies, including what home insurance covers, tips for reducing car insurance costs, and when to buy travel insurance.
- What does home insurance cover?
- How to bring down the cost of your car insurance
- When should I buy travel insurance?
Compare all of our insurance products
Comprehensive list of insurance types available for comparison, including motoring, home & business, lifestyle cover, and guides.
- Motoring: Car, Young Drivers, Black Box, Gap, Cosmetic, Short Term, Multi-Car, Motorbike, Van, Taxi, Caravan, Motorhome, Breakdown, Warranty, Excess, Leasing
- Home & Business: Home, Contents, Buildings, Renters, Student, Bicycle, Jewellery, Non-Standard, Holiday Home, Mortgage Protection, Appliance Warranty, Landlord, Business, Public Liability, Indemnity
- Lifestyle Cover: Life, Critical Illness, Over 50s, Health, Funeral, Travel, Medical Travel, Annual, Single Trip, Boat, Pet, Multi Pet, Horse, Rabbit, Gadget, Wedding, Payment Protection, Income Protection, ASU
- Guides & Other Services: Insurance guides, provider information, help centre, news, insurance experts
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Pricing Structure
Coverage Limits Options
Customization Flexibility
Confused.comCompany Information
Description
Confused.com is a price comparison website that allows consumers to compare insurance, energy, finance, and other services to find the best deals. They aim to help customers save money by providing quotes from various providers in an efficient manner.
What They Do
Provide a platform for comparing insurance and various financial products to help users find the best prices.
Who They Serve
Consumers in the UK looking to save money on insurance and financial products.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Summary
Confused.com offers public liability insurance quotes powered by Simply Business for sole traders and micro-SMEs, protecting against third-party claims for injury or damage. Suitable for various business types with flexible cover amounts. Helps find affordable policies from authorized providers.
Key Features
- Personalised business insurance quotes
- Comparison of multiple insurance providers
- Ability to tailor cover to business needs
- Option to add extra cover (e.g., tool insurance, business equipment insurance, personal accident insurance)
- Guidance and support throughout the process
- Free service with impartial and independent comparison
Key Benefits
- Protects against financial losses from unforeseen circumstances
- Covers legal fees, compensation claims, and medical expenses
- Helps meet legal and regulatory requirements
- Builds trust with customers and employees
- Can be tailored to specific business needs
- Supports business continuity and growth
- Peace of mind for business owners
Who Is It For
- Sole traders
- Start-ups
- Longstanding businesses
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Service providers (e.g., hairdressers, plumbers, window cleaners)
- Shop owners
- Tradespeople
- Digital professionals (e.g., software engineers, marketing consultants, investment advisors)
- Self-employed individuals
- Businesses with employees
- Businesses working from home
Get your personalised business insurance quote today
Fill in your business’ details, find the cover you need in minutes, and choose the right quote for you.
- Fill in your business’ details
- Find the cover you need in minutes
- Choose the right quote for you
What is business insurance?
Business insurance helps protect businesses from potential losses due to unforeseen circumstances such as property damage, operational hazards, business interruption, or employee sickness. It minimises risks and provides peace of mind by covering costs like legal fees or compensation claims.
How can we help?
Confused.com, in partnership with Simply Business, provides tailored business insurance quotes for sole traders, start-ups, and established businesses, helping safeguard against unexpected events.
What business insurance cover can I get?
Various types of business insurance are available, including employers' liability, public liability, professional indemnity, self-employed, and start-up insurance.
- Employers' liability insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Self-employed insurance
- Start up insurance
What else can business insurance cover?
Optional extras can be added to your policy, such as tool insurance, business equipment insurance, and personal accident insurance.
- Tool insurance
- Business equipment insurance
- Personal accident insurance
Is business insurance a legal requirement?
Employers’ liability insurance is legally required for most businesses with employees. Other types may be required by regulators or contracts.
- Helps if you’re sued
- May be required by regulators or trade bodies
- Contracts might ask for it
- Gives peace of mind
How could insurance benefit my business?
Business insurance can help cover costs from claims and protect against business interruptions, equipment loss, and more. Examples are provided for service providers, shop owners, tradespeople, and digital professionals.
- Service providers: covers claims from public interactions
- Shop owners: covers slips, trips, and employee/customer injuries
- Tradesperson: covers accidents, tool/equipment loss
- Digital professionals: covers claims for financial harm or negligence
How much does business insurance cost?
Cost depends on business type, size, nature, location, and required cover. Personalised quotes ensure appropriate coverage.
Who's Simply Business?
Simply Business is a leading UK business insurance provider, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and partners with Confused.com to provide tailored quotes.
Need more help with business insurance?
FAQs cover working from home, getting insurance before registering a business, legal requirements, tax deductibility, and claims support.
- Business insurance can protect home workers against negligence, injury, and employee claims
- Insurance available before business registration
- Employers’ liability insurance is mandatory for most employers
- Business insurance is generally tax deductible
- Insurers provide claims support
Resources
Detailed Comparison
Pricing Structure
Coverage Limits Options
Customization Flexibility
Business Product Comparison Platform
money.co.ukCompany Information
Description
money.co.uk is a comparison platform that helps individuals and businesses find the best financial products and services based on their needs. The platform is free to use and provides insights, guides, and tools to make confident financial decisions.
What They Do
They provide a comparison platform for financial products and services to help users make informed financial decisions.
Who They Serve
Individuals and businesses looking for financial products such as loans, insurance, savings accounts, and credit cards.
Key Value Propositions
Target Customers
Industries Served
Contact Information
Summary
money.co.uk provides public liability insurance for UK sole traders and micro-SMEs, covering legal costs and compensation for claims of injury or property damage caused by the business. Ideal for small businesses interacting with the public. Comparison service for competitive quotes.
Key Features
- Comparison of business bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, energy, and business software
- Step-by-step product recommendation journey: tell about your business, get matched with products, choose and apply
- Direct links to apply for or open accounts with providers
- Top picks and featured products for each business stage
- Access to business resources, guides, and case studies
- Newsletter for business deals and insights
Key Benefits
- Free to use for all businesses
- Quickly find and compare a wide range of business financial products
- Personalized product recommendations based on business needs
- Access to competitive rates from top UK brands
- Expert-written guides, insights, and case studies
- No admin fees or payment required to use the service
- Inclusive and impartial platform
Who Is It For
- Startups
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Established businesses
- Sole traders
- Limited companies
- Business owners in the UK
Find financial products for your business quickly
Quick access to compare business credit cards, current accounts, savings accounts, loans, insurance, and card payment solutions.
- Business credit cards
- Business current accounts
- Business savings accounts
- Business loans
- Business insurance
- Card payment solutions
Everything your startup business needs to grow
Step-by-step journey to match business needs with suitable products.
- Step 1: Tell us about your business
- Step 2: We'll figure out which products you might need
- Step 3: You choose your products
Discover the right products for your business milestones
Guidance and top product picks for businesses at different stages: starting, scaling, and maintaining success.
- 0-12 months: Focus on business bank accounts (Zempler Bank)
- 1-4 years: Focus on business credit cards (Capital on Tap)
- 5 years+: Focus on business loans (iwoca)
Get to know money.co.uk
Background on the platform, its free and inclusive nature, competitive rates, and expert resources.
- Founded in 2008
- Completely free platform
- Competitive rates from top UK brands
- Hundreds of expert guides and case studies
Essential resources
Free information and guides to support businesses at every stage.
- What is a business plan?
- Where can I get funding?
- Do I need a business savings account?
Business success stories
Case studies from UK business founders sharing their journeys and lessons learned.
- Ask Silver: AI scam checker
- CCU International: Carbon capture technology
- Hoopsy: Eco-friendly pregnancy tests
Business guides
Guides and reports to help businesses start, grow, and succeed.
- Latest UK Small Business Statistics Report (2025)
- 55 trending business ideas for 2025 and beyond
- 10 steps to running a successful business
Resources
Supporting Resources
Detailed Comparison
Pricing Structure
Coverage Limits Options
Customization Flexibility
Our Ranking Methodology
How we rank these offerings
We ranked these Public liability cover providers for UK sole traders and micro-SMEs based on three key factors: Coverage Limits Options (40% weight), Customization Flexibility (35% weight), and Pricing Structure (25% weight). Business Insurance scored highest due to its extensive coverage range, high customization flexibility, and competitive pricing. Business insurance also performed well with tailored options but lacked slightly in pricing competitiveness.
Ranking Criteria Weights:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the typical costs and pricing models for public liability insurance for UK sole traders?
- Public liability insurance costs vary based on the level of coverage required, type of business, and risk associated with the trade. Simply Business and Protectivity offer affordable premiums tailored to specific trades, starting from basic cover extending up to £10 million. Factors like business size, location, and claims history can affect the premium amount, making it crucial for sole traders to compare quotes using platforms like MoneySuperMarket or money.co.uk for competitive pricing.
- What key factors should UK sole traders consider when selecting public liability insurance?
- Sole traders should consider the extent of coverage, including policy limits for third-party injury or damage, and additional features such as professional indemnity. Simply Business and Protectivity provide options for custom coverage amounts and additional protections like legal cover. It's important to assess the nature of business interactions with the public to ensure sufficient coverage; comparison sites like Confused.com can aid in evaluating policies across various insurers.
- Are there industry standards or compliance requirements for public liability insurance in the UK?
- While public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for sole traders in the UK, many clients or contracts may require it as part of compliance or industry standards. Businesses should align with safety protocols and risk management practices to minimize potential liabilities. Using comparison services like MoneySuperMarket helps ensure that policies meet the standards demanded by specific industries and clients.
- What are the common challenges in implementing public liability insurance for micro-SMEs in the UK, and how can they be addressed?
- Challenges include understanding the complex policy terms, calculating adequate coverage, and managing costs. Micro-SMEs can leverage solutions like tailored quotes from Simply Business and flexible covers from Protectivity, designed specifically for varied business activities. Utilizing thorough comparison from MoneySuperMarket can alleviate the complexity by offering clear, competitive options.
- How can public liability insurance deliver ROI and value to sole traders and micro-SMEs?
- Public liability insurance provides financial protection against unforeseen third-party claims, thus safeguarding the business's financial health. It enhances business credibility and can be a prerequisite for securing contracts. Affordable and customizable policies from Simply Business and Protectivity enable sole traders and micro-SMEs to select the appropriate risk cover, leading to long-term cost savings and added peace of mind.
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