Public & Third-Party Liability Insurance

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Essential liability insurance for construction and engineering businesses operating on site and in public spaces

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GET A QUOTE NOW

We compare quotes from leading construction insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING

Why Public Liability Insurance Matters

Construction and engineering businesses regularly work on client premises, public highways and shared sites. Public & third-party liability insurance protects you if your work causes injury to a member of the public or damage to third-party property.

What Public Liability Insurance Covers

Core protection against claims made by third parties.


  • Injury to members of the public caused by your work
  • Damage to client or third-party property
  • Legal defence costs and compensation payments
  • Claims arising from site operations and activities
  • Cover for temporary works and site setups
  • Optional cover for subcontractor activities

Typical Third-Party Risks on Construction Sites


  • Trips, slips and falls involving the public
  • Damage to neighbouring buildings or structures
  • Falling tools, debris or materials
  • Vehicle and plant-related third-party incidents
  • Damage to underground services and utilities
  • Claims arising from subcontractor negligence
  • Highway and footpath obstruction incidents
  • Noise, vibration and dust-related claims

Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?


  • Main contractors and principal contractors
  • Civil engineering and infrastructure firms
  • Groundworks, demolition and piling contractors
  • Trades working on client or public sites
  • Contractors operating on highways or shared spaces
  • Engineering and specialist construction firms

Why Choose Insure24


  • Construction-focused liability insurance specialists
  • Flexible limits to meet contract requirements
  • Fast documentation for tenders and site access
  • Support with subcontractor and contractual liability

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is public & third-party liability insurance?

Public liability insurance protects construction and engineering businesses if a third party is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your work, covering legal defence costs and compensation.

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Is public liability insurance legally required?

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is often required by clients, developers, local authorities and principal contractors before work can begin.

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Does public liability cover subcontractors?

Cover depends on how subcontractors are engaged and the policy wording. Some policies extend cover, while others require subcontractors to carry their own insurance.

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What limit of indemnity do I need?

Limits vary depending on contract requirements and risk exposure. Many construction contracts require £5 million or £10 million public liability cover.

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How quickly can I get proof of public liability insurance?

In many cases, documentation can be issued quickly once cover is arranged, making it suitable for tenders, site access and client onboarding.

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