Public Liability Insurance

Protect your business from claims with clear, straightforward insurance options.

Public liability insurance is one of the most important types of cover for contractors in Ireland. If your work involves dealing with clients, working on-site, or interacting with members of the public, this insurance helps protect you financially if something goes wrong.

This guide explains what public liability insurance is, who needs it, how much it costs, and how to get the right cover as a contractor.

What Is Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance protects contractors if they are held legally responsible for:

• Injury to a third party

• Damage to someone else’s property

For example, if a client trips over your equipment or you accidentally damage a customer’s property while working, public liability insurance can help cover legal costs and compensation claims.

It does not cover injuries to you or your employees — it is specifically for claims made by members of the public or clients.

Do Contractors Need Public Liability Insurance in Ireland?

While public liability insurance is not legally required by law, many contractors in Ireland must have it to work.

You will often need public liability insurance if:

• A client or company requires proof of insurance

• You work on construction sites or client premises

• You are self-employed or operate as a sole trader

• You provide professional services in person

• You interact with the public as part of your work

In practice, most contractors cannot secure work without it.

Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance is commonly needed by:

• Construction contractors

• Tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters)

• IT contractors working on client sites

• Consultants and engineers

• Freelancers working with clients in person

• Self-employed professionals

Even low-risk roles can face unexpected claims, which is why many contractors choose to be insured.

What Does Public Liability Insurance Cover?

A typical public liability policy may cover:

• Legal defence costs

• Compensation payments

• Medical expenses for injured third parties

• Property damage caused during your work

Policies vary, so it’s important to understand the level of cover and exclusions before choosing a policy.

What Is Not Covered?

Public liability insurance usually does not cover:

• Professional mistakes or advice (covered by professional indemnity insurance)

• Injuries to employees (covered by employer’s liability insurance)

• Damage to your own tools or equipment

• Intentional damage or negligence

Many contractors combine public liability insurance with other types of cover for full protection.

How Much Public Liability Insurance Do Contractors Need?

The amount of cover you need depends on:

• Your industry and risk level

• Client or contract requirements

• Where you work (on-site vs remote)

Common cover levels in Ireland include:

• €1 million

• €2.6 million

• €5 million

Some contracts specify a minimum level, so always check before choosing a policy.

Public Liability Insurance Cost in Ireland

The cost of public liability insurance for contractors in Ireland depends on several factors, including:

• Type of work you do

• Annual turnover

• Level of cover required

• Claims history

• Business structure (sole trader, limited company)

As a rough guide:

• Low-risk contractors may pay a few hundred euro per year

• Higher-risk trades may pay more

The best way to understand your actual cost is to compare quotes based on your specific situation.

Public Liability vs Professional Indemnity Insurance

Many contractors confuse these two types of insurance.

• Public liability insurance covers injury or property damage

• Professional indemnity insurance covers financial loss caused by professional advice or services

Depending on your work, you may need one or both.

How to Get Public Liability Insurance as a Contractor

The simplest way to get the right cover is to compare options through licensed Irish insurance brokers.

A broker can:

• Explain what level of cover you need

• Compare multiple insurers

• Help you avoid unnecessary costs

• Ensure your policy meets client requirements

Get a Free Public Liability Insurance Quote

If you’re a contractor or freelancer in Ireland, comparing quotes can help you find the right cover at the right price.

👉 Request a free, no-obligation quote and compare public liability insurance options from licensed Irish brokers.