Public Liability Insurance Certificate: What you need to know

Last updated: 13/12/2024

A Public Liability Insurance Certificate is a legal document which provides a summary of your Public Liability Insurance and serves as proof that the policy holder is covered by this type of insurance.

You’ll be sent a Public Liability Insurance Certificate once you take out a Public Liability Insurance Policy for your business. The certificate could be a digital document, or you may be sent a physical copy in the post. Most insurers will send you a downloadable copy that you can choose to print if you wish, or they will have an online portal that can be used to access your documentation.

What does a Public Liability Insurance Certificate Include?

A Public Liability Insurance Certificate for tradespeople is a summary document which may include the following details:

• The name of the policyholder
• The policy number
• The date of the commencement of the policy
• The date of the expiry of the policy
• The level of cover, aka the limit of indemnity. This is the maximum amount the insurer will pay in case of a claim
• A signature on behalf of the insurer
• The excesses you would have to pay in the event of a claim
• It will also include the logo of your insurer or their brokers.

Where Should I Put My Public Liability Insurance Certificate?

Although it is not a legal requirement, your Public Liability Insurance certificate should be on display in your work premises. Obviously, not all tradespeople have a head office or premises, so instead make sure to keep it easily accessible either inside your vehicle or keep a digital version of it on your mobile phone. Keeping it alongside other important documents, such as your Employer’s Liability Insurance certificate is beneficial, and most insurers will have an online portal where you can access these documents easily.

Making your Public Liability Insurance certificate easy for potential customers to view can help to give them reassurance that you take your work seriously, and that you have the coverage needed to handle any potential incidents. For example, it may be worth considering having a ‘Fully Insured’ checkmark on your website, work vehicle or social pages. Additional reassurance for customers can go a long way and can help you to win business whilst out and about!

The Importance of Public Liability Insurance for Tradespeople

Why is Public Liability Insurance so important for tradespeople? Here are the three main reasons:

Protection against unforeseen accidents and liabilities

Working with the public brings risks, no matter your line of work. There’s always the potential for things to go wrong, from causing injury to someone to damaging a property These risks are greatly increased for tradespeople, due to the hazards associated with working in this industry. Depending on the nature of your business, you could be working at height, using heat or gas, dealing with chemicals, working with electricity, or lifting pipes, bricks or tools. The potential for accidentally causing harm is unfortunately significant, no matter how careful you are, or how closely you follow health & safety regulations. It’s important for all tradespeople to have Public Liability Insurance in place, as the potential for things to go wrong is always present and can have disastrous results if something happens.

Even if your business is workshop-based –if you’re letting customers over the threshold and into your place of work – you need Public Liability Insurance.

Public Liability Insurance is a type of business insurance that will protect you financially if a customer or member of the public is injured, or their property gets damaged.

Building trust with customers and partners

When you’re self-employed, it’s vitally important to build a strong reputation for yourself. Your livelihood depends on customers trusting you, and having the correct insurance in place is the best place to start.

Covering the cost for injuries or damage caused to property can be financially crippling for customers. With growing awareness of rogue tradespeople, customers are increasingly cautious about the risks of hiring uninsured tradespeople. In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, where customers are having to watch what they spend, the potential financial consequences of an uninsured tradesperson causing harm or damage can weigh heavily on customers’ minds. In short, hiring a tradesperson without Public Liability Insurance in place just isn't worth the risk.

Don’t forget your suppliers and partners, too. If you’re receiving a delivery to your worksite and the supplier has an accident, they’ll be relying on you to produce your Public Liability Insurance certificate.

Regulatory and contractual obligations

Finally, many potential contractors or public organisations (such as local councils) set strict requirements for you to have Public Liability insurance in place before you can start work. A set level of cover is usually requested, depending on the risks associated with the work. Having the correct insurance can help you to land these contracts.

Rhino Trade Insurance: A Tradesman's Best Friend

Rhino Trade Insurance are amongst the best in the business when it comes to Public Liability Insurance. We’ve insured thousands of tradespeople, who sleep better at night knowing they’re covered should something go wrong on their next job.

Because Rhino works with hundreds of different trades – from plumbers to aerial installers and everything in between, we understand the unique risks faced by hardworking tradespeople in the UK. We make it simple to get your insurance documents – you could be displaying your Public Liability Insurance certificate by the end of your lunch hour.

How to Get Your Public Liability Insurance Certificate

Rhino make it hassle-free to get your Public Liability Insurance certificate. After giving us a few details about your business, we’ll give you a quote for your premium based on your individual circumstances. You can pay either monthly or annually depending on what is best for you.

Rhino’s Public Liability Insurance is low-cost, starting at £6.07 per month. Remember that your own quote will be unique to you, as all businesses are different. We offer £1 million, £2 million, and £5 million limits of indemnity, with £10 million available on request.

Once you’ve entered details about you and your business, we’ll send you your insurance documents, including that all-important Public Liability Insurance certificate, via email in just a few minutes.

Remember, Public Liability Insurance won’t cover injury where your own employees are concerned – you’ll need a separate policy called Employer’s Liability Insurance to cover those instances.

It makes sound business sense to get your Public Liability Insurance with Rhino. We’re the trade insurance experts, so every time you deal with us you know you’ll be speaking with someone who knows trade insurance like the back of their hand. We’ve got thousands of 5-star reviews, so you can buy insurance safe in the knowledge that plenty of other UK tradespeople have as well.