Public Liability Insurance for Sole Traders
Low-cost Public Liability cover for sole traders, designed to protect both your business and your personal finances.
If you’re self-employed and work directly with clients or the public, a single accident could result in a claim against you - which, as a sole trader, you would be personally responsible for. Our cover helps safeguard your livelihood, your income and your assets, so you can focus on the work you do best.
Benefits of Public Liability insurance for sole traders
As a sole trader, there’s no legal separation between you and your business, meaning you are personally liable if something goes wrong.
Public Liability insurance protects you if your work accidentally injures or damages the property of your client or a member of the public — covering compensation, legal fees and associated costs.
While not a legal requirement, clients, homeowners, landlords, event organisers and local authorities may ask sole traders to provide proof of insurance before work begins.
Typical risk scenarios for sole traders
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You spill paint, dye or chemicals on a client’s flooring during a job
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You scratch or damage a client’s car or furniture while loading or carrying tools
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A leak caused during plumbing or repair work damages property below
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A product you supplied or installed later causes injury or damage (for which you would need to have products liability coverage)
Without insurance, the cost of a claim could affect not just your business - but also your savings, home or personal assets.
What does Public Liability insurance for sole traders cover?
Public Liability insurance helps protect self-employed workers from claims of accidental injury or property damage caused during business activities - whether you’re visiting a client or operating from a mobile workspace.
What’s covered
- Accidental injury to clients, customers or members of the public
- Damage to property while working in homes or client premises
- Legal defence costs and investigation expenses
- Compensation pay-outs, including medical fees and loss of earnings
- Incidents involving your tools, materials or equipment - provided you have the correct cover in place
- Damage caused by products you’ve supplied, installed or repaired (with Product Liability)
- Cover for work carried out in public spaces, markets, shared areas or events
What’s not covered
- Injury to anyone you employ (covered by Employers’ Liability insurance)
- Damage to your own tools, vehicle or business equipment
- Poor workmanship that doesn’t lead to injury or damage
- Contractual disputes or late-payment issues
- High-risk activities not declared in your policy
- Deliberate or unsafe working practices
Why choose Trade Direct?
At Trade Direct Insurance, we understand the pressures of running a business alone. Our Public Liability cover is built for sole traders who want dependable protection without unnecessary complexity.
Why sole traders choose Trade Direct
- Underwritten by Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
- Rated 4.8* by customers
- Save 10% with B&Q TradePoint
- Specialist sole trader, contractor, and trades insurance since 1989
- UK-based expert support Monday - Friday
- Two-Year Price Freeze on eligible policies
- Instant access to documents for client or site checks
Your cover options
Essentials
Our Essentials package offers core Public Liability protection for sole traders who need dependable, affordable cover.
- Public Liability insurance up to £5 million
- Third Party Financial Loss up to £100,000
- Employers' Liability insurance up to £10 million available
Classic
Our Classic package builds on Essentials with additional cover designed for sole traders who carry equipment or work on more complex jobs.
- Public Liability insurance up to £5 million
- Professional Indemnity cover up to £100,000
- Third Party Financial Loss up to £100,000
- Capital Death Benefit
- Tools cover: first £1,000 included (can be increased to £15,000)
- Employers' Liability insurance up to £10 million available
Plus
Our most comprehensive package, designed for sole traders who rely heavily on their income.
- Public Liability insurance up to £5 million
- Professional Indemnity cover up to £100,000
- Third Party Financial Loss up to £100,000
- Capital Death Benefit
- Tools cover: first £1,000 included (can be increased to £15,000)
- Temporary Total Disablement Benefit up to £600 per week per person
- Employers' Liability insurance up to £10 million available
Optional Extras for Sole Traders
Tailor your cover with optional extras:
- Contract Works – covers work in progress on site against fire, flood, theft or accidental damage.
- Owned Plant – protection for machinery, equipment and plant you own.
- Hired-in Plant – covers hired equipment if it’s stolen or damaged — often required by hire companies.
- Tools Cover (from £1,000 to £15,000) – protects hand tools and power tools, including equipment kept in your van overnight (policy terms apply).
- Jury Service Cover – compensates you if jury duty means you cannot work.
FAQs
Related products and resources
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