Making sure that your business has the right kind of protection is pretty important and, in some cases a legal requirement.

The vast majority of businesses will usually require some form of public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance cover, especially if they employ staff.

Let's take a look at the core liability policies that, as a business, you should consider:

Public Liability Insurance

Whilst public liability insurance is not required by law, if your business comes into regular contact with members of the public, such as passers-by and potential customers, then it could be vital protection for your business.

Public liability insurance could cover your business if a member of the public incurs some form of damage, such as injury, illness or even property damage as a result of your business operations.

Public liability protection can cover the cost of damages claimed, should the claimant win, however, it can also cover the costs of any legal fees associated with defending the case - up to a limit agreed with your insurance firm.

It is not a legal obligation to have public liability insurance; however, it does tend to be a policy that the vast majority of businesses look to take out. Did you know, for example, that a number of firms and even some individuals will not work with you if you don't have your own public liability protection? So it could mean the difference between getting a high-commission contract and being turned-away – can you afford not to have public liability?

Employers Liability Insurance

If your business employs any members of staff you are legally required to have an employers’ liability insurance policy in place. There are very few exceptions to this rule, however, if you solely employ family members then you may not be required to have employers liability – but it’s worth checking this with your insurance company first.

Employers’ liability insurance will cover your business should an employee or ex-employee get injured, become ill or even incur personal property damage as a result of your business operations whilst working for you.

Employers liability protection is essential as it will not only cover damages claimed but can also cover any legal fees incurred by your business whilst defending the claim, up to an agreed limit. So without employers’ liability insurance you could be subjected to substantial fines, along with the costs of having to repay any legal fees and damages incurred by the employee or ex-member of staff.

So whether it’s a public or employers liability claim – let’s face it, the cost of not having adequate liability cover could be detrimental to the long-term future of your business.