What is the Difference Between Employers’ and Public Liability Insurance?
If you're self-employed, run a creative business, or work with others on shoots, gigs or projects, insurance can feel like a bit of a minefield.
Two of the most important policies you'll hear about are Employers’ Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance - but what's the actual difference?
In this guide, we'll break it down in simple terms, explain who needs what, and help you figure out what cover is right for you.
Employers’ Liability vs Public Liability – What’s the Key Difference?
It all comes down to who might make a claim against your business.
Employers’ Liability Insurance protects you if an employee, freelancer or volunteer suffers an injury or illness because of the work they’ve done for you.
Public Liability Insurance protects you if a member of the public, client, venue or supplier is injured or has their property damaged as a result of your business activity.
Let’s break that down with examples:
- A freelance assistant trips over cables on your set and injures their ankle → Employers’ Liability claim.
- A client slips on a wet floor during a studio visit → Public Liability claim.
- You accidentally drop a light on a venue’s wooden floor and damage it → Public Liability claim.
- A volunteer develops repetitive strain injury from their work → Employers’ Liability claim.
Do I Need Both Types of Insurance?
It depends on your setup. Here's a quick guide:
| Situation | Employers’ Liability Needed? | Public Liability Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Working totally alone | ❌ Not needed | ✅ Recommended |
| Hiring freelancers under your direction | ✅ Likely required | ✅ Recommended |
| Running an event open to the public | ✅ If you have help | ✅ Essential |
| Hiring volunteers or work experience staff | ✅ Required | ✅ Recommended |
| Working from home with occasional clients visiting | ❌ Not always | ✅ Recommended |
Employers’ Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK if you employ anyone, even freelancers, volunteers or part-time helpers, unless they’re close family or you’re the only employee who owns over 50% of your limited company.
Public Liability Insurance is not a legal requirement, but many venues, councils, clients and event organisers will insist on it before you’re allowed to work with them.
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Your craft deserves the best protection. With Mode Insurance, you're not just getting coverage - you're gaining a partner who understands and supports your creative journey.
Employers’ Liability vs Public Liability – What’s the Key Difference?
What Do These Policies Cover?
Employers’ Liability Insurance:
✔️ Legal costs and compensation if an employee or helper is injured or falls ill
✔️ Covers freelancers, volunteers, trainees and PAYE staff
✔️ £10 million cover limit as standard with Mode Insurance
✔️ Required by law for most businesses
Public Liability Insurance:
✔️ Claims from the public or clients for injury or property damage
✔️ Covers accidents in studios, on location or at events
✔️ Flexible cover from £1m to £5m with Mode Insurance
✔️ Essential for creative work in public or shared spaces
What Happens If I Don’t Have the Right Cover?
Missing Employers’ Liability when you need it could mean a £2,500 fine for every day you’re not insured, and you'll be responsible for any legal costs or compensation.
Skipping Public Liability could leave you on the hook for expensive claims, especially if a client or venue contract requires it. Even a small mishap can turn into a costly claim.
What Does It Cost?
At Mode Insurance, we offer tailored quotes based on your profession, how you work, and who you work with. You only pay for the cover you need, and we won’t make you wade through jargon to get it.
✅ Public Liability from 1 to 180 days or annual cover.
✅ Employers’ Liability with £10 million standard limit.
✅ Self-employed, freelancer and creative-friendly.
Get a quote in minutes and keep your business protected.
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Your craft deserves the best protection. With Mode Insurance, you're not just getting coverage - you're gaining a partner who understands and supports your creative journey.
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
Josh Dumelow
Marketing & Insights Associate
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