Public Liability Insurance Cost Calculator UK

How much does public liability insurance cost in the UK?

Most UK sole traders pay between £95 and £330 a year for £1m–£5m of public liability cover, and small teams typically pay £180 to £990 a year. Higher-risk trades price very differently: roofing starts nearer £560 and scaffolding nearer £780 for a sole trader. Premiums are driven by five factors — trade, annual turnover, number of people in the business, limit of indemnity and claims history.

Indicative annual cost by trade at £5m cover

• Office or consultant — £95 to £160 (sole trader), £420 to £780 (established)
• Shop or retailer — £130 to £220 (sole trader), £560 to £980 (established)
• Electrician — £175 to £300 (sole trader), £790 to £1,480 (established)
• Plumber or heating engineer — £190 to £330 (sole trader), £850 to £1,600 (established)
• Builder — £290 to £500 (sole trader), £1,300 to £2,600 (established)
• Restaurant or takeaway — £380 to £650 (sole trader), £1,650 to £3,200 (established)
• Roofer — £560 to £980 (sole trader), £2,500 to £4,900 (established)

Increasing the limit of indemnity from £1m to £5m typically adds only 25 to 30 per cent to the premium, because most claims settle well below £1m. That is why £5m is usually better value once a contract requires it. Two liability claims in five years typically add around 45 per cent.

If you employ anyone — including part-time staff, labour-only subcontractors and volunteers — employers' liability insurance of at least £5m is a legal requirement, with fines of up to £2,500 for each day trading uninsured. See also our public liability insurance page and the employers' liability checker.