Public liability calculator
Think through how much public liability cover your business might need for contracts and example claim scenarios. Note: employers' liability insurance is a separate legal requirement for most UK employers.
Illustrative — e.g. a significant personal injury or property damage claim.
Assumptions and methodology
Shows contractual minimum cover requirements and compares example claim amounts against common PL cover limits. Does not risk-score the business or produce a premium estimate — those require individual underwriting. A broker should confirm the appropriate limit for your business.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕Confusing public liability (third-party claims) with employers' liability (employee claims).
- ✕Setting a cover limit below contractual requirements from clients or venues.
- ✕Assuming the minimum legal cover for EL (£5 million) is sufficient for all purposes.
Frequently asked questions
No — public liability is not a statutory requirement. However, it is often required contractually. Employers' liability insurance (minimum £5 million) is a legal requirement for most UK employers.
Public liability covers claims from your activities. Product liability covers claims from defective products you manufacture, supply, or sell. Both are often included in a combined business policy.
Common contractual requirements are £2 million, £5 million, and £10 million. Many public sector contracts and larger commercial clients require a minimum of £5 million or £10 million. Check your contracts.
Related calculators
Sources
- gov.uk — Employers' liability insurance legal minimum (£5 million statutory minimum) (verified April 2026)
Disclaimer
This is a simplified estimate based on the assumptions shown above. It isn't a quote, and a real insurer may arrive at a different figure. Use it as a starting point, then check the details with your insurer or adviser.