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Public liability insurance for small business
Public liability is the cover most small businesses are asked for first, by landlords, councils, clients and head contractors. Here is what it covers for a shop, a trade or a service business, how much to buy, what adds to it, and how to compare quotes online in one request.
- The cover leases, councils and contracts ask for
- Limits from $5 million to $20 million
- No phone number needed to request quotes
What public liability does for a small business
Public liability covers your legal liability for injury to people outside your business and damage to their property, plus the legal costs of defending a covered claim. Most Australian policies include products liability for goods you sell or supply. business.gov.au lists it among the main types of business insurance, and Service NSW notes that business owners are legally responsible for damage or injury to another person or their property. It doesn’t cover your employees, your own property or your advice.
Small businesses usually buy it one of two ways: as a standalone policy, common for trades and services, or as the liability section of a business pack that also covers premises, stock and glass.
Who asks a small business for public liability
| Who | What they usually ask for |
|---|---|
| Commercial landlords | Public liability, often $10 million or $20 million, before the lease starts |
| Councils | A certificate of currency for footpath dining, market stalls and events, commonly $10 million or $20 million |
| Head contractors and clients | $10 million or $20 million for trades and service contractors on site |
| Licensing bodies | Some licences require it, such as Victorian and Queensland electrical contractors at $5 million |
| Suppliers and platforms | Proof of cover before you can sell through a marketplace or stock a product |
Match the limit to the highest requirement you face. A higher limit usually costs less extra than people expect.
What changes the price
No prices on this page. Compare quotes for your own business in one request.
How to compare public liability for a small business
Public liability for small business: questions
Is public liability insurance compulsory for a small business?
No general law makes it compulsory, but leases, councils, contracts and some licences require it, so most small businesses can’t trade without it.
How much public liability does a small business need?
Enough to satisfy the highest requirement you face. $5 million suits small jobs, $10 million is the common ask, and $20 million is for councils and head contractors.
Does public liability cover my products?
Most Australian policies are public and products liability, so goods you sell or supply are covered for injury or damage they cause.
Should I buy a business pack instead?
If you have premises, stock or equipment, a business pack bundles public liability with property cover and can cost less than separate policies. Trades and mobile services often buy public liability on its own.
Can I compare public liability online?
Yes. Tell us what you do and the quote form compares our insurer panel. Some occupations are arranged by a broker.
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