If you’ve been working as an entrepreneur for quite some time now – I’m sure you have heard about public liability insurance already. But, have you ever wondered…
What does it cover, really?
Is it just another expense or something that can genuinely protect you when things go wrong? Let’s dive into the world of public liability insurance and get to know more about it.
Understanding Public Liability Insurance
Before we learn about its shenanigans, I think we should, first, learn about the definition of public liability insurance. So, basically, it’s a type of insurance, which can offer coverage if an individual or a business is found responsible for –
- Causing injury to someone else or
- Damaging their property.
It almost works like a safety net which can protect you or your business from a hefty financial burden, especially during a mishap.
Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?
Whether you run a small coffee shop, a construction business, or even a yoga studio, public liability insurance is essential. Why? Because accidents can happen anywhere, anytime.
And, if something as such happens, I think it’s best to be prepared.
Let’s say, you own a cosy coffee shop, and a customer slips on a wet floor, sustaining injuries. If they sue you for that, there’s a high risk of you having to pay for their medical bill.
And, if you’re unlucky, you may have to reimburse for their legal fees as well. However, with insurance, you can breathe much easier knowing that you’re financially protected.
What Does It Cover?
Public liability insurance usually works a little differently than a more traditional option. So, it might be better for you to know more about what it covers properly.
1: Bodily Injury
If someone gets hurt on your property or due to your business activities, this insurance can cover the cost of their medical treatment and rehabilitation. It can even take care of the lost wages if they can’t work due to the injury.
2: Property Damage
Accidents happen, and sometimes they involve other people’s property. If your business is responsible for damaging someone else’s property, public liability insurance can help cover the repair or replacement costs.
3: Legal Expenses
Legal battles can be expensive, but public liability insurance can help cover your legal fees if someone decides to sue you for injury or property damage related to your business.
4: Product Liability
If your business sells products, this insurance can also cover you in case one of your products causes harm to someone. For example, if one of your customers claims that one of your faulty products has caused harm to them, your insurance can step in to cover the associated costs.
What’s Not Covered?
While public liability insurance is incredibly valuable, it’s not a magic shield that covers absolutely everything. Here are some common exclusions:
- Intentional Harm: If you intentionally harm someone or damage their property, your insurance won’t bail you out. It’s designed to cover accidents, not intentional acts.
- Employee Injuries: If any of your employees have gotten injured, that’ll be covered under workers’ compensation insurance, not public liability insurance.
- Professional Negligence: If your business offers professional services (like a doctor or lawyer), public liability insurance won’t cover errors or omissions in your work. You’d need professional indemnity insurance for that.
- Contractual Disputes: If you’re facing legal issues related to a contract or agreement, that’s a separate matter. Public liability insurance doesn’t generally cover contract disputes.
The Cost of Public Liability Insurance
So, now, it’s time for us to move forward and talk about something more important – money. How much does public liability insurance cost?
Well, that depends on several factors, including:
- Type of Business: As mentioned earlier, the nature of your business plays a significant role. Riskier businesses might pay higher premiums.
- Coverage Amount: The more coverage you need, the higher your premium will be.
- Location: Where your business is located can affect your premium. High-crime areas or regions prone to natural disasters might see higher rates.
- Claims History: If you’ve had previous claims, it can impact your premium
- Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim.
Benefits of Public Liability Insurance
Still not convinced that public liability insurance is worth it? Here are some benefits that might change your mind:
1: Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have financial protection in case of an accident can relieve stress and allow you to focus on growing your business.
2: Legal Protection
If you’re sued, the insurance company will handle the legal proceedings, sparing you the headache and cost of defending yourself in court.
3: Business Reputation
Having insurance can enhance your business’s reputation.
Customers and partners may feel more confident working with you if they know you’re responsible and prepared for unforeseen events.
Bonus: Legal Requirements
In some cases, public liability insurance may be a legal requirement. For example, contractors often need it to secure contracts with clients.
In Conclusion
Most people consider public liability insurance to be just another form of expense. But it’s not true. If you can file it accordingly, it can work as a vital safeguard for your business.
So, if you’re a business owner or planning to start one, make sure to explore your options and consult with insurance professionals to find the right coverage for your specific needs.
