Cover the risks that matter to your business
The best business insurance isn't the most cover — it's the right cover for how you operate. A consultant, a tradesperson and a shop owner need very different policies. Some cover is legally required; the rest depends on your risks. Here are the essentials.
1. Public liability insurance
Covers claims if your business injures someone or damages their property. Best for any business that interacts with the public, clients or their premises — often the foundation policy, and sometimes required by clients or contracts.
2. Professional indemnity insurance
Covers claims that your advice or services caused a client financial loss. Best for consultants, contractors, designers and anyone giving professional advice — often mandatory in professional sectors.
3. Employers' liability insurance
Legally required if you employ anyone (with very limited exceptions). Covers claims from staff who are injured or fall ill through work. Best — and compulsory — for any business with employees; fines apply for not having it.
4. Combined business insurance / business owner's policy
Bundles common covers (liability, contents, stock, business interruption) into one policy. Best for shops, offices and premises-based businesses wanting broad protection efficiently in a single package.
5. Sector-specific and add-on cover
Tools cover for tradespeople, cyber insurance, stock, equipment, and business interruption fill specific gaps. Best chosen selectively based on your real exposures — don't pay for what you don't need.
What does your business need?
- Employ staff: employers' liability (legally required)
- Deal with public/clients: public liability
- Give advice/services: professional indemnity
- Premises-based: a combined policy
- Specific risks: add tools, cyber or business interruption cover
How to find the best business insurance
A specialist broker can assess your risks and assemble the right cover at the best price — without over-insuring. Find a business insurance specialist through Nesto — free, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What business insurance is legally required?
Employers' liability insurance is legally required if you employ staff (with limited exceptions). Other cover is optional but often essential.
Do I need public liability insurance?
If your business interacts with the public, clients or their property, it's strongly recommended and sometimes required by contracts.
What's professional indemnity for?
It covers claims that your professional advice or services caused a client financial loss — essential for consultants and advisers.
Should I get a combined policy?
For premises-based businesses, a combined policy bundles common covers efficiently. Service businesses may prefer separate liability and indemnity cover.
How do I avoid over-insuring?
Match cover to your actual risks. A broker will identify what you genuinely need rather than selling you everything.