For companies with up to 20 employees, it’s usually possible to get a public and employers' liability insurance online quote in just a few minutes. That includes most trades, professionals, and startups. But once you go above that threshold, things start to get a bit more complex. If your team is larger or your business setup isn’t straightforward, you might be better off speaking with a broker who can source a tailored policy from the market.
Public liability and employers’ liability insurance: not the same thing
While many providers combine the two covers into a single package, it’s important to understand that public liability and employers' liability insurance are two separate products.
Public liability insurance covers your business if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your work. That could mean a customer tripping over your tools, a spillage damaging their floors, or a faulty product causing harm.
Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK if you have anyone working for you, including part-time staff, apprentices, freelancers or even volunteers under your supervision. It covers injury or illness claims from employees who believe your business was at fault.
Both are designed to protect your business financially if something goes wrong. Together, they form the foundation of risk protection for most UK employers.
Getting a public and employers' liability insurance quote online
For businesses with fewer than 20 employees, getting a public and employers' liability insurance online quote is usually fast and hassle-free. Most digital-first insurers will walk you through a short form to collect details like:
- What your business does
- Your industry
- How many people do you employ
- Your annual turnover
- Your wageroll
From there, you’ll be able to adjust the limits of cover and see how the price changes before you buy. If you’re only after the essentials, this process can take as little as five minutes.
Some platforms also allow you to include optional add-ons like tools and equipment cover, personal accident, or professional indemnity insurance, depending on your trade.
Public and employers' liability insurance cost
The public and employers' liability insurance cost will depend on the nature of your business, how many people you employ, the level of risk involved and the policy limits you select. For example:
- A self-employed graphic designer working from home will likely pay less than a construction firm with a team on-site.
- If you employ ten people in a low-risk environment, the cost may be calculated per employee.
- In higher-risk sectors or with larger teams, pricing may be based on wage roll or a combination of wage roll and headcount.
That’s why quotes can vary—and why it’s worth checking more than one provider to get a clear sense of the public and employers' liability insurance UK market.
When to consider a broker
If your business employs more than 20 people, operates across multiple locations, or carries out work that falls outside the usual risk profile, getting a quick quote online becomes less likely. That’s when it may be worth speaking to a broker who can:
- Navigate the insurer market on your behalf
- Recommend limits based on your specific needs
- Package different types of cover together
A broker can be especially helpful if your business is growing fast, undergoing change, or has a more complex structure than average.
Final thoughts
Getting an employers' liability and public liability insurance quote online is quick and convenient for most small businesses in the UK. While the two products cover different risks, they are often bought together and form the backbone of your business protection.
If you’ve got a team of under 20 and your setup is relatively straightforward, you can be insured in minutes. For bigger businesses or more specialised operations, a broker may be better placed to help.
Either way, taking the time to compare a few options will help you get the right cover at the right price, so you’re protected when it matters most.
