Public and products liability insurance
If an accident or unforeseeable incident causes injury or damage to someone other than your employees, your business may be found legally liable for the costs.
Public liability insurance helps protect your business from the financial risk of liability claims, so you can trade with confidence. We arrange it for businesses Australia-wide.
What is products liability insurance?
No matter how careful your company is, mistakes can happen. You may design or sell a product that causes a customer harm. Even if you are not at fault, legal and court costs can do serious financial damage if a customer sues.
Products liability insurance is designed to protect your business if you are sued because a product you sell, assemble or supply has caused harm to a person or property.
Who should consider it?
Public and products liability insurance is not mandatory for most businesses, but it is recommended for all. Accidents are unpredictable and hard to prevent, and the costs of being sued can be extraordinarily high.
What it can cover
Public and products liability helps protect your legal liability to third parties, including clients, customers and the public, for injury or damage to their property caused by your business. It can even cover emotional distress or shock. It generally pays the costs of investigating, defending and settling claims, as well as compensation you are found legally liable to pay. Depending on your policy, it can cover:
Personal injury
Your liability to pay damages if somebody is wrongfully injured by your actions or your product.
Property damage
Your liability to pay damages if property is damaged by your actions or your product.
Advertising injury
Liability arising out of advertising carried out by or on behalf of your business.
What usually is not covered?
Exclusions, the excess you need to pay and limits of liability can vary greatly depending on your insurer. Policies generally will not cover:
- The cost of rectifying faulty workmanship
- Damage to your own product
- Claims by employees
- Claims arising from the use of a registered motor vehicle
- Claims related to asbestos
Related covers
Tradies can see our tradie insurance page. Builders can combine liability with contract works on our construction page. If you give advice for a fee, see professional indemnity.
How we work with you
Independent broking, Australia-wide, with one point of contact.
- We learn how your business runs: what you do, turnover, staff, premises and contracts.
- We compare cover across a range of insurers and explain the key inclusions, exclusions and limits in plain English.
- We help with certificates of currency for landlords, leases and contracts.
- We support you at renewal, when your business changes, and through the claims process.
Frequently asked questions
How much public liability cover do I need?
Common limits are $5 million, $10 million and $20 million. The right limit depends on your industry and the contracts, leases or venues you work with, as many specify a minimum. We help you choose a limit that meets those requirements.
Is public liability insurance compulsory?
It is not legally required for most businesses, but many landlords, councils, principal contractors and clients will not deal with you without it, and some licences require it.
What is a certificate of currency?
It is a document from the insurer confirming your policy is current, with the limit and period of cover. Clients and landlords often ask for one, and we can usually arrange it quickly.
Does public liability cover injuries to my employees?
No. Public liability covers your liability to third parties, such as clients, customers and the public. Injuries to your own employees are excluded and need to be dealt with separately.
Am I covered for work interstate?
Many policies cover work anywhere in Australia, but some restrict locations or exclude certain types of work. We check that your policy matches where you operate.
What is the excess on a public liability claim?
The excess is the amount you pay towards each claim, usually for property damage. It varies by insurer and policy, and choosing a higher excess may lower the premium.
Talk to us about your cover
We will check what your contracts, leases and venues require and talk through your options. Call us, email us or request a callback. We service businesses Australia-wide.
Get in touch
- Phone
- (03) 9078 6473
- info@mminsure.com.au
- Hours
- 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday
Find out more
Every business is different - which means you need an insurance solution that is tailored for you. For more information, contact us today.
Contact us