Library Insurance

GET A QUOTE NOW

Complete Protection for Library Services

GET A QUOTE NOW

We compare quotes from leading insurers

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

Protect Your Libraries with Specialist Insurance Coverage

Comprehensive insurance solutions designed specifically for public libraries, academic libraries, and private collections across the UK, covering all aspects of library operations.

Comprehensive Library Insurance Coverage

Our library insurance provides complete protection for all aspects of library operations, from valuable book collections to public services and digital resources.

Book Collection Insurance


  • Rare and valuable book protection
  • General collection coverage
  • Fire and water damage protection
  • Theft and vandalism coverage
  • Transit and loan protection
  • Conservation and restoration costs

Public Liability Insurance


  • Visitor injury claims
  • Slip, trip, and fall accidents
  • Property damage to visitors
  • Event and program liability
  • Children's activity coverage
  • Legal defense and compensation

Employers Liability Insurance


  • Staff injury compensation
  • Volunteer accident coverage
  • Occupational health claims
  • Work-related stress coverage
  • Student placement protection
  • Legal representation costs

Property and Equipment Insurance


  • Building structure protection
  • Furniture and fittings coverage
  • Computer and IT equipment
  • Audio-visual equipment
  • Security systems protection
  • Office contents coverage

Cyber Liability Insurance


  • Data breach response
  • Library management system failures
  • Personal data protection
  • Cyber attack recovery
  • GDPR compliance support
  • Digital resource protection

Professional Indemnity Insurance


  • Information service errors
  • Research assistance liability
  • Copyright infringement claims
  • Cataloguing and classification errors
  • Advisory service mistakes
  • Professional negligence coverage

Library Risks We Cover

Collection and Property Risks


  • Fire damage to books and materials
  • Water damage from leaks or flooding
  • Theft of valuable books and equipment
  • Vandalism and deliberate damage
  • Environmental damage and deterioration
  • Transit risks during loans and transfers

Public Service Risks


  • Visitor accidents and injuries
  • Children's program incidents
  • Event and workshop liability
  • Public computer access issues
  • Accessibility and discrimination claims
  • Health and safety violations

Digital and Technology Risks


  • Library management system failures
  • Data breaches and cyber attacks
  • Digital collection corruption
  • Online service interruptions
  • Equipment breakdown and failures
  • Software licensing issues

Operational and Legal Risks


  • Copyright and intellectual property disputes
  • Information accuracy and liability
  • Staff and volunteer management issues
  • Funding and budget constraints
  • Regulatory compliance failures
  • Service delivery interruptions

Why Choose Insure24 for Library Insurance?


  • Library Sector Expertise - Specialized understanding of library operations, collection management, and public service challenges facing modern library services.
  • Comprehensive Coverage - Integrated insurance packages combining collection protection, liability coverage, cyber security, and professional indemnity tailored to library needs.
  • Collection Valuation - Expert assistance with book collection valuation, rare book assessment, and appropriate coverage limits for valuable library materials.
  • Public Service Focus - Specialized coverage for public-facing library services including events, programs, and community activities with appropriate liability protection.
  • Claims Support - Dedicated claims assistance with understanding of library operations and the importance of maintaining essential community services.
  • Risk Management - Guidance on collection preservation, security measures, and risk reduction strategies to help protect your library operations.

How to Get Library Insurance


  • 1. Library Assessment - Discuss your library type, collection size, public services, and specific insurance requirements with our library specialists.
  • 2. Risk Evaluation - We'll assess your library risks, collection values, visitor numbers, and coverage needs for comprehensive protection.
  • 3. Tailored Quotation - Receive a comprehensive quote covering all necessary insurance elements for your library operations and services.
  • 4. Policy Implementation - Once approved, we'll implement your coverage and provide ongoing support, annual reviews, and claims assistance.

Regulatory Compliance and Standards

Our library insurance policies ensure compliance with:


  • Public Libraries and Museums Act requirements
  • Health and Safety at Work Act provisions
  • Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR compliance
  • Equality Act 2010 accessibility requirements
  • Copyright, Designs and Patents Act obligations
  • Freedom of Information Act responsibilities
  • Local authority governance standards
Quote icon

I just bought an Insure24 library policy, for my business partner's and me, and saved £1205 a year! 

Mel Phelps , Maindee library 

Why Choose Insure24 for Library Insurance?


  • Specialist Knowledge - We understand the unique risks facing library operators
  • Comprehensive Coverage - Multiple insurance products designed to work together
  • Competitive Pricing - Tailored quotes based on your specific venue and operations
  • Expert Support - Dedicated team available when you need us most
  • Quick Claims - Fast response when incidents occur
  • FCA Regulated - Authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Protect Your Library Business with Specialist Insurance Coverage

Get Your Library Insurance Quote Today

Don't leave your library business exposed to unnecessary risks.

Our specialist team will assess your venue's unique needs and provide a comprehensive insurance solution that protects your business, your customers, and your livelihood.

Call us now: 0330 127 2333

Or get an instant online quote at insure24.co.uk

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-

What types of libraries are covered?

We cover all types of libraries including public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, special libraries, private collections, and mobile library services.

+-

How are book collections valued for insurance?

Book collections can be valued using replacement cost, market value, or agreed value methods. We work with specialist valuers for rare books and provide guidance on appropriate coverage levels.

+-

What happens if books are damaged by water or fire?

Our policies cover fire and water damage to collections, including specialist restoration costs, replacement expenses, and temporary storage during recovery work.

+-

Are library events and programs covered?

Yes, public liability insurance covers library events, children's programs, author visits, workshops, and community activities held on library premises or off-site.

+-

What about cyber security for library systems?

Cyber liability insurance covers data breaches, system failures, ransomware attacks, and GDPR compliance issues affecting library management systems and patron data.

+-

Do volunteers need to be covered?

Yes, our policies include coverage for volunteers working in libraries, including personal accident insurance and liability protection for volunteer activities.

+-

What about copyright infringement claims?

Professional indemnity insurance covers copyright infringement claims arising from library services, including legal defense costs and compensation payments.

+-

Are mobile library services covered?

Yes, we provide coverage for mobile libraries including vehicle-based services, outreach programs, and book delivery services with appropriate transit protection.

+-

What happens if someone is injured in the library?

Public liability insurance covers visitor injuries, slip and fall accidents, and property damage claims, including legal defense and compensation costs.

+-

Do we need separate insurance for rare book collections?

Rare and valuable books may require additional coverage or separate fine art insurance depending on their value and the level of protection needed.

+-

What about coverage for IT equipment and computers?

Property insurance covers computers, servers, printers, and IT equipment against theft, fire, and accidental damage, including business interruption during replacement.

+-

Are there any exclusions we should be aware of?

Standard exclusions include deliberate damage, wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and criminal acts. Full exclusions are detailed in policy documentation provided during quotation.

+-

What documentation do we need for a quote?

We typically need details about your library type, collection size and value, visitor numbers, staff levels, building details, and any previous claims history.

+-

Do we need separate insurance for interlibrary loans?

Transit coverage protects books during interlibrary loans and transfers, covering loss, damage, or theft while materials are in transit between libraries.

+-

What happens if we need to make a claim?

Contact us immediately on 0330 127 2333. We provide rapid claims processing with specialists who understand library operations and the importance of maintaining public services.

+-

Are digital collections and databases covered?

Cyber liability insurance covers digital collections, online databases, and electronic resources against corruption, unauthorized access, and system failures.

+-

Do we need professional indemnity as a library?

Professional indemnity is recommended for libraries providing research assistance, information services, and professional advice that could result in financial loss claims.

+-

What about coverage for library renovations and building work?

Contract works insurance can cover renovation projects, while our standard policy may need adjustment during major building works to ensure continued protection.

+-

Are there payment options available for premiums?

We offer flexible payment terms including annual or monthly payment options to help manage insurance costs for library budgets and local authority requirements.

+-

What about coverage for special collections and archives?

Special collections, archives, and manuscripts may require enhanced coverage with specialist valuation, conservation-grade storage requirements, and restricted access provisions.

+-

How much does library insurance cost in the UK?

Library insurance costs typically range from £1,500-£4,000 annually for small public libraries, £4,000-£10,000 for medium academic libraries, and £10,000-£25,000+ for large university libraries with extensive collections. Costs depend on collection value, visitor numbers, building size, and coverage levels required.

+-

What insurance do public libraries need by law?

Public libraries with employees are legally required to have employers liability insurance. While public liability isn't legally mandatory, it's essential for visitor protection and most local authorities require comprehensive coverage for public-facing services.

+-

Do academic libraries need different insurance than public libraries?

Yes, academic libraries often need enhanced coverage for valuable research collections, student activities, international loans, and specialized equipment. They may also require higher professional indemnity limits for research support services.

+-

What insurance covers rare book collections in libraries?

Rare book collections require specialized fine art insurance or enhanced collection coverage with agreed values, conservation-grade storage requirements, and specialist restoration provisions. Standard book insurance may not provide adequate protection for valuable items.

+-

Are library insurance premiums tax deductible?

Yes, library insurance premiums are typically tax-deductible business expenses for private libraries and allowable costs for public sector libraries within their operational budgets and local authority accounting frameworks.

+-

What insurance do school libraries need?

School libraries need public liability for student safety, collection insurance for books and resources, employers liability for staff, and enhanced coverage for children's activities and educational programs.

+-

Do libraries need insurance for computer and internet access?

Yes, libraries providing public computer access need cyber liability insurance for data breaches, public liability for equipment-related injuries, and professional indemnity for internet safety and content filtering responsibilities.

+-

What insurance covers library theft and vandalism?

Property insurance covers theft of books, equipment, and furnishings, while public liability covers vandalism damage. Enhanced security measures may reduce premiums and improve coverage terms for high-risk locations.

+-

Can libraries get insurance for author events and literary festivals?

Yes, public liability insurance covers author events, book launches, and literary festivals. Large events may require additional event insurance with enhanced coverage for performers, equipment, and increased visitor numbers.

+-

What insurance do university libraries need?

University libraries need comprehensive coverage including valuable collection insurance, public liability for students and researchers, professional indemnity for research support, and cyber liability for digital resources and databases.

+-

Do libraries need insurance for GDPR and data protection?

Yes, cyber liability insurance covers GDPR fines, data breach response costs, and privacy violation claims arising from library patron databases, borrowing records, and digital service usage data.

+-

What insurance covers library building damage from floods or fires?

Buildings insurance covers structural damage from floods and fires, while contents insurance protects collections and equipment. Business interruption insurance covers service closure costs and alternative premises expenses during repairs.

+-

Can libraries get insurance for children's programs and storytimes?

Yes, public liability insurance covers children's activities including storytimes, craft sessions, and educational programs. Enhanced child protection coverage may be needed for regular children's services and holiday programs.

+-

What insurance do private libraries and collectors need?

Private libraries need specialized collection insurance with agreed values, fine art coverage for rare items, public liability if offering access, and professional indemnity for appraisal or advisory services.

+-

Do libraries need insurance for digital lending and e-books?

Yes, cyber liability insurance covers digital lending platforms, e-book licensing disputes, system failures, and data breaches affecting digital borrowing services and patron privacy.

+-

What insurance covers library staff working alone or out of hours?

Employers liability covers staff injuries during solo working, while personal accident insurance can provide additional protection. Enhanced security measures and lone working policies may be required for coverage.

+-

Can libraries get insurance for community outreach programs?

Yes, public liability insurance covers outreach activities including home visits, community center programs, and mobile library services. Transit coverage protects books and equipment during transportation.

+-

What insurance do law libraries and legal collections need?

Legal libraries need enhanced professional indemnity for legal research support, valuable collection coverage for law reports and statutes, and cyber liability for legal database access and confidential information.

+-

Do libraries need insurance for volunteer programs?

Yes, volunteer insurance covers unpaid helpers including personal accident protection, public liability for volunteer activities, and management liability for volunteer coordination and training responsibilities.

+-

What insurance covers library renovation and refurbishment projects?

Contract works insurance covers renovation projects, while existing policies may need adjustment during building work. Collection storage and protection during construction requires specialized transit and temporary storage coverage.

+-

Can libraries get insurance for research misconduct claims?

Professional indemnity insurance can cover research support errors and information accuracy claims. Academic libraries may need enhanced coverage for research integrity issues and scholarly communication responsibilities.

+-

What insurance do medical libraries and health collections need?

Medical libraries need enhanced professional indemnity for clinical information support, specialized collection coverage for medical texts, and cyber liability for health database access and patient information security.

+-

Do libraries need insurance for accessibility and disability discrimination?

Yes, public liability and management liability insurance cover disability discrimination claims, accessibility failures, and reasonable adjustment disputes under the Equality Act 2010 requirements.

+-

What insurance covers library closure due to pandemic or health emergencies?

Business interruption insurance can cover closure costs during health emergencies, while cyber liability supports increased digital service demands. Pandemic coverage may require specific policy extensions.

+-

Can libraries get insurance for social media and online reputation?

Cyber liability insurance covers social media liability, online defamation claims, and digital reputation management costs arising from library social media activities and online community engagement.

+-

What insurance do archive and manuscript collections need?

Archives require specialized fine art insurance with conservation-grade storage requirements, environmental controls, restricted access provisions, and expert valuation for irreplaceable historical documents and manuscripts.

+-

Do libraries need insurance for interlibrary loan disputes?

Professional indemnity insurance covers interlibrary loan errors, lost item disputes, and copyright infringement claims arising from document delivery and resource sharing services between libraries.

+-

What happens if a library insurance claim is declined?

We provide claims advocacy support and can arrange independent loss adjusters or legal representation. Our policies may include legal expenses coverage for insurance disputes, helping challenge declined claims through proper appeals processes.

Related Blogs