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What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability Insurance protects businesses against financial losses from claims made by third parties for personal injury, property damage, or death that occurs in connection with your business activities. This essential form of business insurance covers legal fees and compensation payments if your business is found liable.

All businesses need a public liability insurance policy to protect themselves in the event they’re held legally liable for injury or property damage during the course of their work.

It’s not a legal requirement to have public liability insurance, but it’s strongly recommended because mishaps are so common. At best they’re relatively minor, at worst you’ll be bound by the financial shackles of a hefty bill for many years.

What Does Public Liability Insurance Cover?

Injury to, or death of, someone on your premises
Loss of, or damage to, someone else’s property on your premises
The legal costs incurred in the instance of (or in defence of) a claim
Other workers acting on behalf of your business, who may have had an incident resulting in a claim against them

What's Not Covered by Public Liability Insurance?

Injuries to your employees (this requires Workers Compensation Insurance)
Professional advice or services – Fee for service (requires Professional Indemnity Insurance)
Intentional damage or criminal acts
Product defects (requires Products Liability Insurance) – dependent on the policy
Damage to property owned by you
Claims arising from asbestos exposure
Contractual liabilities outside standard business operations

Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?

While not legally mandatory in Australia, Public Liability Insurance is essential for any business that interacts with the public. This includes business owners operating from physical business premises where customers visit, such as retail shops and cafes, as well as contractors and tradespersons who work on client sites. Professional service providers who meet clients in person, event organisers, venue operators, and hospitality businesses also require this coverage.

Even home-based businesses that have clients visit or conduct business activities in public spaces should consider Public Liability Insurance to protect against potential claims. The key consideration is not the size of your business, but rather the level of interaction with the public and the associated risks of causing injury or property damage.

Common Claim Scenarios

In everyday life, claims are common for all sorts of businesses:

A commercial tenant of a leased premises causes a fire, damaging the landlord’s building. Public Liability insurance covers the damages liable from a letter of demand.
At a shopping centre, a cleaner leaves a wet floor without proper warning signs. A shopper slips and suffers a serious back injury requiring surgery. The cleaning company’s Public Liability Insurance covers the medical expenses and compensation claim.
A plumber working on a bathroom renovation accidentally damages the water main, causing flooding throughout the house. The resulting water damage affects the carpets, walls, and furniture. Public Liability Insurance would cover the cost of repairs and restoration.
During a busy period at a café, a barista spills hot coffee on a customer, causing second-degree burns. The customer requires medical treatment and time off work. The café’s Public Liability Insurance covers the medical expenses and lost income claim.
A small café serves iced coffee to a customer using milk that, unknown to the staff, had spoiled due to a temporary refrigeration malfunction. The customer develops severe food poisoning. Public Liability Insurance in this scenario would cover medical expenses, pay compensation, and legal fees.
A tree lopper working on a property has a branch fall onto a neighbour’s roof, causing structural damage. The insurance covers the cost of repairs and any temporary accommodation required during the repair work.

Highly recommend Bruce Insurance. I have been dealing with Bruce for 4 years now. Janet and the team know about insurance and respond quickly to all communications. It is a huge time saver being able to have such a knowledgeable team look after all our business insurance needs in the one place.

Angela Vagos

Choosing the Right Insurance Provider

We’ve worked hard at building genuine, long-term relationships with our valued clients and insurance partners.

It’s this strength of trust that has positioned Bruce Insurance Group as one of Australia’s leading public liability insurance providers. With over 30 years of industry knowledge and experience, we understand that every business faces unique risks. Our experienced brokers work with you to ensure your Public Liability Insurance provides the right protection at the right price. We provide dedicated account managers, a streamlined claims process, and access to over 150 insurance partners.

We’re as precise with our process as we are with your cover and handle your business insurance policy matters with commitment and care.

We also offer support and advice when you change from your existing insurance provider.

Go for infallible. Our kind of reliability isn’t easy to find. Contact Bruce Insurance today for a customised Public Liability Insurance quote.

FAQs

Why do I need Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability Insurance will protect you from any commercial legal costs or liability claims that may be made by a third party against your business due to negligent business activities.
Is Public Liability Insurance mandatory?

While not legally required in most cases, many contracts, leases, and industry associations require it. It’s considered essential for business risk management.
What is the difference between Public and Personal Liability?

Personal liability insurance protects individuals from injury or damage claims made by a third party, whereas public liability insurance covers negligence of injury or damage compensation costs against a business.
Do I need Public Liability Insurance as a sole trader?

Although it is not a legal requirement, it is recommended for all types of business owners who are operating. No matter the size of your business, insurance is crucial to minimise business risks and financial loss.
Does Public Liability Insurance cover accidental damage?

Public liability covers a person, event and contractors from injury and damage claims, including third-party accidental damage due to negligence of a business.
Is Public Liability Insurance tax-deductible?

Public Liability Insurance can generally be tax-deductible as a business expense that protects your income. Consult the Australian Tax Office or your registered tax professional for specific advice.
How much does Public Liability Insurance cost?

This depends on many different factors: the size of your business, the business’s operations, turnover and current risks of liabilities. Your business location and the coverage you select will also impact pricing. Contact us or get an instant quote for an accurate assessment.
What happens if I don't have public liability insurance?

Without having public liability insurance, your business and you as a business owner are at risk of paying significant legal costs if the business is found liable by third parties, whether a small or a large business. All organisations are impacted by risk exposures and substantial legal fees.
Does Public Liability Insurance cover personal injury?

Public Liability Insurance protects you from claims made against your business by members of the public. Although this includes personal injuries and damage, it does not cover any deliberate harm, illegal activities or employees injured at work (refer to Workers Compensation Insurance).
How much Public Liability Insurance do I need?

Coverage requirements vary the industry your business is in, as well as the size and risk exposure of your business. Common and recommended coverage levels are $10 million, and $20 million. Bruce Insurance offers these flexible limits to choose from and other options if required.
How do I make a Public Liability Claim?

When making a Public Liability claim, firstly, “without prejudice”, do not admit fault. You will generally need a detailed incident report and supporting documents. This can include a letter of demand, witness statements (if applicable), photographs of the incident scene or damage, medical reports (for injury claims), repair quotes or invoices (for property damage), and any other relevant correspondence.

From there, you would submit your claim via our online portal or contact your account manager. We’ll assess and process your claim. For urgent claims, we provide emergency assistance and expedited processing.

Public Liability Insurance. Done Right.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

What Does Public Liability Insurance Cover?

What's Not Covered by Public Liability Insurance?

Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?

Common Claim Scenarios

Choosing the Right Insurance Provider

FAQs

Why do I need Public Liability Insurance?

Is Public Liability Insurance mandatory?

What is the difference between Public and Personal Liability?

Do I need Public Liability Insurance as a sole trader?

Does Public Liability Insurance cover accidental damage?

Is Public Liability Insurance tax-deductible?

How much does Public Liability Insurance cost?

What happens if I don't have public liability insurance?

Does Public Liability Insurance cover personal injury?

How much Public Liability Insurance do I need?

How do I make a Public Liability Claim?

We help you navigate public liability insurance with the right advice.