Practical buying guidanceFollow the work beyond your own front door
List where staff work, who visits the premises and which property could be damaged. A small contract at a high-value location can create a different exposure from its fee. Explain work in occupied premises, shared areas and public events rather than describing only the usual office activity.
Read exclusions for property being worked on, things in your care, professional advice and specialist operations. Resulting damage, defective workmanship and the cost of replacing your own product can be treated differently. The policy needs to be compared with the actual allegation that could arise.
Public liability is not the same as a customer contract indemnity. Ask for clarification before agreeing to guarantees, waivers or uncapped obligations; obtain legal advice on the contract where appropriate. Cover remains subject to insurer terms, conditions and underwriting.
Compare the wording, not just the premium
Compare indemnity limits, defence costs, excesses, territorial scope and activity-specific exclusions, not just the premium.
A practical risk example
A business damages a customer's floor while moving equipment into a work area. The activity, property being worked on and contractual obligations should be compared with the wording. Resulting damage and the cost of redoing the business's own work are different exposures.
This is an illustrative scenario, not confirmation of cover. Insurer underwriting, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions determine the response.
For more detail, read Tanning Salon Insurance: what UK salons should consider, Products liability, design responsibility and recall: three manufacturing exposures and Tanning salon liability: staff, products and customer procedures to discuss.
