What’s The Difference Between Public Liability Insurance & General Liability?

Tradesman Saver is one of the leading providers of liability insurance in the United Kingdom. We’re dedicated to ensuring that all the tradespeople we cover have the right insurance to protect them, whether they require product liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, public liability or general liability. If a member of the public makes a claim against you, it’s extremely important that your business insurance covers you completely.

But deciding on the right kind of insurance can be tricky. In this article, we break down the differences between general and public liability insurance policies.

Key Takeaways

Public liability insurance and general liability insurance are two types of liability coverage that businesses should consider.Public liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties, while general liability insurance covers a wider range of incidents, including bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury caused by business operations.Understanding the key differences between these policies is crucial in selecting the appropriate insurance for your business.Tradesman Saver can provide tailored insurance solutions to ensure comprehensive protection for your business.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance is a crucial aspect of business protection, especially for those who deal with the public. It covers the costs of legal fees, compensation claims, and other expenses related to any injury or damage caused to a third-party by the business operations. At Tradesman Saver, we understand that accidents can happen to anyone, which is why we suggest public liability insurance to all businesses to protect them from any unforeseeable events.

Public liability insurance provides coverage for accidental property damage or bodily injury, which can be caused by an employee, customer, or any other third party while they are on your business premises or while you are working on theirs. This type of insurance covers a wide range of accidents, from slips and falls to more serious injuries or even fatalities.

What does Public Liability Insurance cover?    What does Public Liability Insurance not cover?Accidental injury or death of a third-party  Intentional harm or damage caused by a businessDamage to property  Damage caused by natural disasters or acts of terrorismMedical expenses  Legal disputes not related to business operationsCompensation claims  Claims arising from the use of motor vehicles

Having public liability insurance ensures that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for any of the above expenses, which can be financially devastating for small businesses.

At Tradesman Saver, we know that every business is different and requires a unique insurance policy that meets their specific needs. That’s why we offer a range of public liability insurance coverage options that can be tailored according to your business size, industry, and level of interaction with the public. Our insurance experts can help you choose the best policy that suits your business needs and ensures comprehensive protection.

What is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance offers broader coverage than public liability insurance and is designed to protect businesses from a wide range of risks.

One of the key features of general liability insurance is its coverage of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury caused by the business operations. This type of coverage is critical for businesses that operate in industries where there are high risks of bodily injury, such as construction and manufacturing. It also covers property damage that occurs on the business premises, such as accidental damage to a customer’s property.

In addition to bodily injury and property damage, general liability insurance covers personal injury, such as libel, slander, and false advertising. This type of coverage is important for businesses that regularly interact with customers or clients and could be exposed to accusations of defamation or misleading advertising.

Overall, general liability insurance provides comprehensive coverage for businesses and is an essential component of risk management and business protection. At Tradesman Saver, we offer tailored general liability insurance solutions to meet the specific needs of your business.

Public Liability Vs General Liability Insurance

Now that we have a good understanding of what public liability and general liability insurance entail, let’s look at the key differences between these two types of coverage. While both policies provide liability coverage, there are significant differences in their scope and coverage.

Scope of Coverage:

The main difference between public liability and general liability insurance is the scope of coverage they provide. Public liability insurance covers claims for bodily injury and property damage caused by the business to third parties during its operations. In contrast, general liability insurance covers a broader range of risks, including bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury arising from various business operations.

General liability insurance may also offer additional coverage options, such as products liability and completed operations coverage, which are not typically included in public liability policies.

Target Audience:

Another significant difference between public liability and general liability insurance is their target audience. Public liability insurance is primarily designed for businesses that interact with the public, such as retail stores, restaurants, and service-based businesses. General liability insurance, on the other hand, is more suitable for businesses that operate in high-risk environments, such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation.

Here at Tradesman Saver, we provide various types of business insurance policies to help tradespeople across the UK protect themselves against legal claims of all kinds.

Specific Scenarios

Finally, public liability and general liability insurance are designed to address specific scenarios. Public liability insurance covers claims arising from accidents that occur on business premises or during business operations. In contrast, general liability insurance provides coverage for a broader range of claims, including accidents that occur off-premises, such as at a client’s site or in a public space.

Understanding the differences between public liability and general liability insurance is essential in determining which policy best suits your business needs. By working with our team at Tradesman Saver, we can help you find the right coverage for your business and ensure comprehensive protection from potential risks.

Choosing the Right Insurance to Protect Your Business

Now that you understand the differences between public liability and general liability insurance, it’s essential to choose the right coverage for your business. The right insurance can protect your business from financial risks and provide peace of mind for you and your employees.

When choosing the right insurance policy, there are several factors to consider:

The nature of your business: Depending on the type of business you operate, you may need more or less liability coverage. For example, if you run a construction business, you will need more coverage for property damage or injury claims than a business that operates mostly online.Your level of interaction with the public: If you regularly interact with clients or customers, you may require more coverage to protect against claims of bodily injury or property damage.Industry-specific requirements: Depending on your industry, there may be specific liability insurance requirements you need to meet. For example, contractors may be required to have a certain level of general liability coverage to work on certain projects.

It’s important to seek professional advice when choosing the right insurance coverage for your business. At Tradesman Saver, we can help you find tailored insurance solutions that provide comprehensive protection for your business. We’ll work closely with you to assess your needs and provide advice on the best insurance policy for your business.

For Comprehensive Liability Insurance, including Professional Indemnity Insurance, Public Liability & More, Make Sure it’s Tradesman Saver

As we wrap up, it’s clear that having appropriate insurance coverage is crucial for any business. Both public liability and general liability insurance policies offer different types of coverage for various scenarios. Understanding the differences between them is vital in picking the right option for your business’s needs.

At Tradesman Saver, we understand the importance of risk management for businesses. That is why we offer tailored insurance solutions that provide comprehensive protection against potential liability claims. Our professional advisors are always ready to help you choose the right insurance coverage for your business needs.

So, whether you are a sole trader or a large company, make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place to protect your business and yourself. With Tradesman Saver, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have the right protection for you and your livelihood.