UK 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.
AXA Business Insurance
- Direct insurer, 5-star Feefo service
- PL, PI, employers' liability, tools
- Landlord insurance under same roof
- Flexible monthly payment
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
Freelancer, contractor or landlord? Compare tailored covers in minutes.
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.
Business insurance for US visitors
For visitors in the United States — typical costs shown are US national averages (Bankrate, NerdWallet, KFF, NAPHIA and similar, as of 2026). Links may be affiliate links. US small-business general liability averages about $45/month (~$542/yr) for $1M cover (Insureon, 2025).
Hiscox (US)
- Small-business specialist
- GL, PI and BOP policies
- Quote online in minutes
NEXT Insurance
- 100% online, instant certificates
- Tailored by profession
- Bundle discounts
Liberty Mutual
- Established carrier
- BOP, GL, commercial auto
- Agent support available
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.