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Make a claimWhat is public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance is designed to provide protection for you and your business in the event a customer, supplier or a member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged as a result of your business activities. It’s included with Business Liability cover, which comes as standard with our Small Business Insurance policy.
Do I need public liability insurance?
If you’re a business who deals with people, there's always a chance of an accident happening.
Whether you’re a tradie, in hospitality or retail, beauty or hairdressing, health and wellbeing, taking care of pets, or providing a professional service, you might be responsible if someone gets hurt or something gets damaged. Cover for public liability can help cover the costs of compensation and legal fees if this happens.
What’s included in QBE’s Business Liability cover?
Designed for businesses with fewer than 10 employees and under $2 million turnover, QBE’s Small Business Insurance automatically comes with Business Liability cover as standard. This includes cover for public liability insurance including third-party personal injury and property damage. It can help with legal and defence costs associated with a claim that’s covered by your policy.
The cover limits are flexible. You can choose either $5 million, $10 million or $20 million.
For larger businesses needing more cover, read more about QBE’s Business Packages or General Liability insurance.
Buying through a broker
If you can’t solve your insurance needs with our direct product, you can work with a trusted broker who can arrange insurance to meet your specific needs. Brokers can help you with your commercial motor, professional indemnity and workers compensation insurance and more.
If you don’t have a reliable recommendation, the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA)* can help you find an accredited broker. Or see our guide to finding the right broker.
*The brokers on this site are not employees or agents of QBE but are independent entities. QBE is not responsible for any advice provided to you by any broker on this site. Any such advice is the responsibility of the broker concerned.
What does public liability insurance cover me for?
Business Liability cover comes as standard with QBE Small Business Insurance. It includes public liability cover for:
- Accidental injury to third parties
- Damage to third-party property
- Legal fees and costs associated with defending a claim
- Compensation claims for negligence.
In addition, QBE’s Small Business Insurance offers a limited range of optional insurance covers to suit your business needs. You can find out more in the QBE Small Business Insurance Policy Wording.
Flexible payment options make payment easier
You can pay your insurance premium annually or monthly and there’s no extra cost if you decide to pay monthly.
Why small businesses choose QBE for public liability
Public liability is automatically included with QBE’s Small Business Insurance.
Flexible cover
Select a limit that is right for your business with options of $5 million, $10 million or $20 million.
Cover in minutes
Easy online quote. Get covered in minutes.
Claim online
You can claim online 24/7 or call us on 133 723.
What types of cover do small businesses need?
Our flexible Small Business Insurance allows you to select additional covers to meet your needs.
Glass
Cover for windows, shop fronts and signs against breakage or vandalism. If this occurs, cover includes temporary protection and shuttering.
Business buildings & contents
Cover for physical loss or damage to your business building and/or its contents.
Theft
Cover against actual or attempted theft.
Each of the covers listed above is subject to specific definitions, the basis of cover and specific exclusions. In addition, there are general definitions, exclusions and conditions that apply to all sections of the policy. Read the QBE Small Business Insurance Policy Wording to decide if the product is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re a contractor who deals with people, there’s always a chance of accidents happening. Each business should carry their own public liability insurance. If you engage contractors, they are responsible for their own public liability insurance.
It depends on a number of factors, including your type of business, where you operate, your expected turnover and how many employees you have. So, if your business turns over less than $2 million a year and has fewer than 10 employees, the best way to find out is to get a quote.
The amount of public liability insurance you need depends on various factors, including the nature of your business, the level of interaction with the public, and any contractual requirements. You can choose the limit of cover that’s right for your business; either $5 million, $10 million or $20 million.
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This advice is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. You must decide whether or not it is appropriate, in light of your own circumstances, to act on this advice. To decide if this product is right for you, please read the QBE Small Business Insurance Policy Wording (QM9264). Insurance issued and underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545).