Public liability insurance for a sole trader?

stevetuk

Hi, can anyone give me advice about whether I need public liability insurance of some kind as a sole trader? I am producing goods for consumption...so technically someone could choke or something and sue me? Am I best protecting myself against any sort of legal action like that?

Thanks,

Steve

Charityworker

Yes you do. All businesses need it!

martindow

Ywa and product liability insurance as you are manufacturing. I would contact some local brokers who could suggest something suitable.

ashburnham

Hi Steve,

It is not compulsory by law but most traders have such cover (and all should have it really).

Public liability insurance covers you for any injury or damage you cause while performing your work. Most public liability insurance policies also include products liability (but some specifically exclude it so do not assume it is covered). Products liability covers you for any injury or damage caused the products you are making.

Contacting a liability insurance broker is certainly the best option. Perhaps Google "public liability insurance for I]insert trade here[/I" to find someone who can help for your trade.

stevetuk

Ok, thanks for these replies I really appreciate it. Sounds like it will be product liability insurance rather than public liability as I won't be running events or hosting customers etc. They'll just be consuming my goods. I had no idea product liability insurance even existed! I'll check it out. Does anyone have any recommendations for insurers?

ashburnham

stevetuk wrote: »

Does anyone have any recommendations for insurers?

It really does depend on your trade. There may be a trade body for your occupation that has a specialist scheme or maybe try a Google search as per my previous post and compare a few companies that you find on there.