Public liability insurance explained for wedding and event businesses

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance covers the legal costs for claims made against your business if you or your products cause injury to a person or people (including death) and loss or damage to third-party property.

What does a public liability claim look like?

Public liability claims come in various shapes and forms, depending on your trade. Here are a few examples you may be able to relate to:

Cake makers and caterers

Public liability covers any food poisoning claims, as this is a bodily injury claim caused by one of your products to a member of the public. We have also seen claims where wooden dowels used for stacking cake layers have caused splinters or more significant bodily injuries where the use of dowels has not been disclosed to a client and their face has been pushed into the cake.

Venue dressers

If you dress a venue, including hanging lights/chandeliers and they were not attached securely and consequently fell and caused bodily injury to a guest, public liability would cover the costs associated with a claim.

Florists

Public liability would cover you for any damage you may cause to any third-party property whilst installing large flowers walls or canopy flowers.

Wedding and Event Planner

As a professional planner, whether you’re working on a large event with hundreds of people, or a small affair with just a handful of guests, either way, you are working with the public. Public liability will cover the cost of compensation and legal expenses of any claims brought against your business, if a member of the public claims to have been injured, or their property damaged at one of your events.

Why does my wedding and event business require public liability insurance?

If you come into contact with members of the public, you will likely need public liability insurance. Public liability will protect your business from any compensation claims as a result of causing injury to someone or damage to third-party property.

Is it a legal requirement?

No. However, some venues or suppliers may stipulate within their contracts or terms of business that your business must hold a minimum limit of indemnity before you can work with them.

How much cover do I need?

This depends on your business activities and contracts. The lowest limit of indemnity available is £1,000,000 with the highest limit available being £10,000,000. Our experienced account handlers can help offer guidance and advice if you are unsure of which limit to go for and can offer multiple quotes with different limits for you.

How much does public liability insurance cost?

Rates are dependent on several factors such as turnover, business activities (hosting workshops, multiple business descriptions or working with animals could increase the premium), and the limit of indemnity required. Prices start from as little as £45 including Insurance Premium Tax. Call us for a free no-obligatory quote on 0121 550 2380.

Does public liability insurance cover employees or volunteers?

Public liability does include claims made against any employee or volunteer worker of yours if they cause bodily injury or property damage when they are acting on your behalf in any capacity. Bodily injury to employees is not covered under public liability, this is covered under an employers’ liability policy.

Does public liability insurance cover injury or damage caused by my products?

Yes. Our policy wording will cover you if any products that you sell or supply causes bodily injury or property damage.

How do I get quote?

Call 0121 550 2380 for a quick quote suited to your needs, or you can request a callback. We're open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.