Public liability is a big deal. If a client visits your business or your employees visit client sites you are at risk of a third party claim – that claim may be for personal injury or property damage. For example, the instruction to dive into a swimming pool cost a swim school company $10 million. It is little wonder the Australian government strongly recommends most businesses have public liability insurance, and that many follow this advice.

But there are some limitations to public liability insurance:
Public Liability Insurance covers your business in the event of property damage or personal injury to a member of the public (including your clients) as a result of your business activities. This would include if that incident was caused by a member of your staff. It does not, however, cover injury to your staff. For this you need to consider workers compensation insurance.

What does Public Liability insurance cover?

Typically, public liability insurance will cover you for the following:

• Injury to someone else – for example, if someone trips over equipment at your business and injures themselves

• Damage to someone else’s property – for example, if you’re moving furniture for a customer and accidentally break their glass coffee table

• Legal costs
     – legal defence and compensation costs related to a claim against you
     – injury or damage caused by products – some policies cover products as well, such as if someone gets sick after eating undercooked seafood at your restaurant

• Damage to property in your control – for example, if you’re parking a customer’s car and accidentally scratch the side mirror.

  Public Liability generally includes cover for Products Liability, which is protecting you against claims caused by the products you supply, create or work on. For example, a restaurant is sued by their client for food poisoning. The product liability component will be claimed upon.

Public Liability Insurance plays an integral role in protecting you and your business. It’s important you get the correct advice, to ensure you have the right cover in place for any potential exposures. Ausure insurance brokers are specialists when it comes to assisting Business Owners with their Public Liability Insurance needs – speak to an Ausure broker today, or complete the form below to get a quote.