Product Liability Insurance

If you supply products to the general public you have a responsibility to make sure that they are safe. The heaviest burden of responsibility lies with the manufacturer of the goods, but retailers and wholesalers that distribute the products also have legal responsibilities.

What is product liability insurance?

Primarily you have to make sure that your goods are safe – if you fail to do so, you can end up facing legal action. You can even find yourself being sued by anyone who has been injured or had their property damaged by your goods.

Health and safety law

Many goods are regulated by health and safety and product safety laws. If you are manufacturing or selling any goods, it is vital that you ensure that you are complying with these laws. For instance, furniture manufacturers may find their products fall under The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Other goods may fall under International Standards Organisation (ISO) rules.

The Business Link website provides detailed information on product liability including the main regulations, how to work out your liability and what to do should anyone decide to sue you should they be harmed by a product.

People can sue for compensation for death or injury. They can also sue for damage or loss of private property of at least £275 in value (correct in March 2008). The amount they can claim will depend on the harm they have suffered. There is no fixed upper limit.

We offer a range of business insurance policies, and our tradesman, commercial property, shop and office policies offer up to £2m-worth of product liability cover depending on the policy. You can also increase the level of cover if you need to.

Employers Liability

Employers Liability Insurance covers the costs of compensation and legal fees for employees who are injured or made ill at work through the fault of the employer.
Do I need employers liability?

Public Liability

Public Liability Insurance covers any awards given to a member of the public due to an injury or damage to their property caused by yourself or your business.
More about public liability