Public Liability Insurance Certificate – Everything You Need To Know
If you are self-employed or running a small business, the chances are you have been asked to provide a Public Liability Insurance (PLI) Certificate when bidding for certain jobs or projects.
If you are not familiar with Public Liability insurance, the term might sound a little confusing if you're not familiar with it. But don’t worry – below we walk you through exactly what a Public Liability Insurance Certificate is, why it’s important, and how you can get one.
Without a Public Liability insurance policy in place, you could be personally liable for any damage or injury that occurs as a result of your work - which can lead to costly legal fees and compensation payouts.
For example, if a customer is injured on your premises or their property is damaged due to your actions, you could be forced to cover these expenses out of pocket, potentially putting your business at risk. In addition, not having the proper cover can damage your reputation, as clients may be hesitant to work with you if they see you don’t have insurance in place. This could result in lost business opportunities, making it harder to grow and sustain your freelance or small business.
Ultimately, the financial consequences of not having Public Liability insurance could be disastrous, leaving you vulnerable to claims that could force your business to shut down.
At Mode Insurance, we offer Public Liability insurance with the option to choose your own cover limit of £1m, £2m, £3m or £5m – depending on your needs. We also offer short-term Public Liability insurance so freelancers and creatives can get temporary cover for specific jobs, projects or events and only pay for the cover duration they need.
What is Public Liability Insurance?
Public Liability insurance (PLI) is a type of business insurance that protects your business in case a third party (e.g, a customer, supplier or member of the public) suffers injury, property damage or financial loss as a result of your business activities.
This could include a customer tripping over equipment, a delivery driver being injured while on-site or property damage caused during the course of your work.
Public Liability insurance covers the legal fees and compensation costs if your business is found legally liable for any damage or injury. In the UK, it is not a legal requirement, but many freelancers and small businesses benefit from the peace of mind it can bring.
To learn more, read our guide: Public Liability Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
What is a Public Liability Insurance Certificate?
A Public Liability Insurance Certificate (also known as a PLI Certificate) is a formal document that proves your business has the necessary Public Liability insurance coverage. It is typically issued by the insurance provider once you've purchased a policy.
The certificate includes the key details of your policy, including:
- The level of cover you have (e.g. £1 million, £5 million, etc.)
- The start and end dates of the policy
- The name of your business
- The insurance provider’s details
- The policy number
Having a Public Liability Insurance Certificate means that you can demonstrate to clients, contractors or potential customers that your business is protected from the financial risk of third-party claims.
Why Do You Need a Public Liability Insurance Certificate?
A PLI Certificate is often requested by clients, customers or other businesses before they hire you for a job or enter into a contract.
This is particularly common in industries where there is a risk of damage to property or injury to people, such as events and exhibitions.
Here’s why you might be asked to show your certificate
1. To Prove You’re Insured
Clients and business partners want to make sure you are covered in case there is an accident while you're working. By showing them your PLI Certificate, you're demonstrating that you have insurance in place to handle such risks.
2. To Win Contracts or Jobs
Many businesses or organisations require contractors to have PLI before they can quote for certain projects. Having a certificate increases your chances of winning the contract, as it shows you are a professional with the appropriate safeguards in place.
3. For Compliance Purposes
Some industries require businesses to have Public Liability insurance as part of their health and safety compliance. It helps companies adhere to regulatory standards and protects employees and the public.
4. To Build Trust with Clients
Providing proof of insurance can increase your credibility in the eyes of potential clients. It shows that you take your responsibilities seriously and are prepared for any unexpected incidents, creating a sense of trust and reliability.
When you buy Public Liability from Mode Insurance, you will get instant access to your Public Liability Insurance Certificate, so you can send it to whoever needs to see it straight away.
How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Cost?
The cost of Public Liability insurance can vary depending on several factors. As mentioned, the size of your business, the industry you work in and the level of coverage you need all play a role in determining your premium.
For small businesses, the cost might range from £100 to £500 per year for basic coverage. However, higher-risk businesses can expect to pay more. It's essential to shop around and compare policies to get the best deal but our team is here to answer any questions you have.
To learn more, read our guide: How Much Is Public Liability Insurance for the Self-Employed?
Any views or opinions expressed above are for guidance only and are expressed in generic terms. They are not intended as a substitute for readers taking appropriate professional advice relevant to individual circumstances.
Written by
Richa Patel
Digital Marketing Exec
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