💼 Business insurance compared
PL: ~£104–120/yr · Landlord: ~£285/yr (2026)SDR users sign contracts and invoices all day — this is the cover that backs them. Public liability protects against third-party injury/damage claims; professional indemnity covers advice and errors.
Simply Business
- UK's biggest small-biz broker
- Compares multiple insurers for you
- 350k+ customers
- Landlord policies too
Hiscox
- Specialist in office/professional risks
- Strong PI reputation
- Contract-friendly documentation
- Cyber add-ons
Superscript
- Monthly rolling subscription cover
- Adjust cover as you grow
- Built for startups & freelancers
- Quick online quotes
Direct Line for Business
- Tailored trade packages
- Landlord insurance available
- UK-based claims teams
- Established brand
Alan Boswell
- Landlord specialist broker
- Rent guarantee options
- Malicious damage by tenants cover
- Portfolio policies
Quickest way to compare: run one quote and see multiple 💼 business insurers side by side.
Get an AXA business quoteWhat to compare before you buy
- Employers' liability (£5m) is legally required with any staff — even part-time or volunteers in many cases. Public liability, by contrast, is optional but often contractually required.
- Professional indemnity matters for anyone giving advice, designs or documents — claims arise from errors, not accidents.
- Landlords: standard home insurance does not cover tenanted property — you need landlord buildings cover, ideally with loss-of-rent.
- Rent guarantee and malicious-damage-by-tenant cover are the two add-ons landlords most regret skipping.
- Check whether tools/equipment cover applies in vehicles overnight — many claims fail there.
Frequently asked questions
Is public liability insurance legally required?
No — unlike employers' liability (legally required at £5m once you have staff), public liability is optional. But many client contracts and local-authority jobs require £1m–£5m PL before you can start work.
What does professional indemnity cover that public liability doesn't?
PL covers physical injury and property damage. PI covers financial loss from your work — wrong advice, design errors, missed deadlines, breach of confidentiality. If you sign contracts for services, you likely need PI.
Can I insure multiple rental properties on one policy?
Yes — portfolio landlord policies cover multiple properties with one renewal date and often discounted rates. Specialists like Alan Boswell arrange these.
Is employers' liability insurance a legal requirement?
Yes — if you employ anyone, including part-time or casual staff, you're legally required to hold at least £5 million of employers' liability cover, and fines can reach £2,500 a day without it. Public liability, by contrast, is optional but often demanded by contracts.
What's the difference between public liability and professional indemnity?
Public liability covers injury or property damage you cause to others — a client tripping over your equipment. Professional indemnity covers financial loss from your advice, designs or work being wrong. Advice-based businesses usually need both.