Public Liability Insurance
Cover if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your business.
What is it?
What is public liability insurance?
Running a business comes with risks, and the last thing you want is to be left unsure about whether you're protected when something goes wrong.
Public Liability Insurance can help protect your business if you're held legally responsible for injury to someone else or damage to their property in connection with your business activities, subject to the policy terms and conditions. At JLA Insurance Brokers, we'll take the time to understand your business, explain your options in plain English and help you find cover suited to your needs. And if you ever need to make a claim, we'll be there to help you through the process.
We want our clients to feel confident that they have the right people looking after them, not just a policy sitting in a drawer.
What it can cover
What public liability can cover
Every policy is different. These are the main areas public liability can protect you against, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.
Injury to other people
Customers, visitors or members of the public injured because of your business activities.
Damage to other people's property
Accidental damage to a client's home, premises or belongings while you work.
Legal costs
The cost of defending a claim made against you, as well as any compensation you're found liable for.
Products liability
Injury or damage caused by goods you sell, supply or install, where included in your policy.
Who needs it
Who needs public liability?
If your business deals with the public, visits client sites or has people on your premises, public liability is one of the most important covers you can hold.
- Tradies and contractors
- Retail shops
- Cafes and restaurants
- Cleaners
- Market stalls and events
- Consultants who visit clients
- Landlords with commercial tenants
- Sporting and community clubs
What it usually doesn't cover
- Injuries to your own employeesThat's what workers' compensation is for.
- Damage to your own property, tools or vehiclesLook at business, tools of trade or commercial motor cover.
- Mistakes in professional adviceProfessional indemnity covers financial loss from advice or services.
- Deliberate or reckless actsInsurance is there for accidents, not intentional damage.
Not sure which covers you need? Ask us and we'll put the right mix together.
Is public liability insurance compulsory?
It isn't a legal requirement for most businesses in Queensland, but it's often required in practice. Councils, landlords, head contractors and event organisers commonly ask to see a certificate of currency before you can start work or sign a lease.
How much cover do I need?
Common limits are $5 million, $10 million and $20 million. The right amount depends on your work and what your contracts require. We'll check the requirements you're working to and recommend a limit that fits.
Am I covered when I'm working at a client's home or site?
Generally yes, if the work is part of the business activities listed on your policy. That's why it's important your policy describes what you actually do. We'll make sure it does.
Does public liability cover my tools and equipment?
No. Public liability covers your legal responsibility to other people. Your own tools and equipment need tools of trade or plant and machinery cover, which we can arrange alongside it.
What's the difference between public and products liability?
Public liability covers injury or damage caused by your business activities. Products liability covers injury or damage caused by goods you sell, supply or install. Many policies combine the two.
Get a quote
Talk to us about public liability
Tell us what your business does and the limit your contracts ask for. We'll compare options from our panel of insurers and come back to you with cover that fits.
- Certificates of currency sent when you need them
- Combine with tools, vehicles and other business cover
- Help with every claim
Get a public liability quote
We'll be in touch to talk through your business and the cover you need.