Employers' Liability Insurance
Compare employers' liability quotes from across the market
- One short form, then live quotes online
- Quotes from a panel of UK business insurers
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How comparing works
With so many insurers vying for your attention, comparing providers side by side is the simplest way to see whether you are paying over the odds for your policy.Employers' liability cover in 3 steps
Complete the form
Tell us about your business and the staff you employ in one short quote form.
Compare quotes
See live quotes online from a panel of UK business insurers and tailor the cover to your requirements.
Purchase cover
Buy your policy directly from the insurance provider you choose.
What is employers' liability insurance?
Employers' liability insurance protects your business if an employee or ex-employee claims against you because they suffered an injury or illness as a result of their work. Almost all UK companies with staff are required by law to hold it in order to operate legally.
If a claim is made, the policy covers the compensation costs your company incurs and the expenses paid out in your legal defence. Without cover, a successful claim could mean paying out large sums from your own pocket and could put the future of your business in jeopardy.
Liability cover is relevant to businesses of all sizes and types, because you never know when a claim might be filed. Even if you feel a claim is unlikely, the policy is the backup every employer needs to operate with confidence.
How much does employers' liability insurance cost?
There is no single price for employers' liability insurance. A range of factors determines the cost of a policy, including the nature of your business, the number of people you employ and the level of cover you choose.
Small businesses face rising costs in almost every area, and many companies do not realise they are paying more than they need to for insurance. Comparing quotes through Quote Goat lets you see live prices from a panel of UK business insurers and choose the exact policy that suits your requirements.
What does employers' liability insurance cover?
An employers' liability policy is built around two main areas of protection, plus the level of cover you select.
Compensation costs
Covers the compensation your company has to pay if an employee or ex-employee is injured or falls ill because of their work and successfully claims against you.
Legal defence costs
Covers the expenses paid out in defending a claim or lawsuit brought by a current or former employee.
Level of cover
The recommended level of cover is at least £5 million. Your quote will show the cover limit so you can check it meets this recommendation.
Tips for buying employers' liability insurance
A few practical checks before you compare quotes.
Check whether you count as an employer
If you deduct National Insurance and Income Tax from staff pay, provide most of the equipment and materials, control where, when and how people work, or have the right to the profit they make, you need cover by law.
Part-time staff count too
The legal requirement applies to almost any business with at least one member of staff, whether they work full or part-time.
Know the exemptions
A business may be exempt if the only people it employs are close family members and the company is not incorporated. There are also exemptions where independent contractors are hired through another organisation.
Aim for at least £5 million of cover
This is the recommended minimum level of cover for employers' liability insurance.
Do not go without cover
Operating without employers' liability insurance can lead to fines of up to £2,500 per day, as well as leaving you exposed to the full cost of any claim.
Compare rather than renew blindly
Many companies do not realise they are paying over the odds. Comparing providers is the easiest way to check.
What details do I need to get a quote?
Have these to hand before you start.
Your business
What your company does and whether it is incorporated.
Your staff
How many people you employ, including full and part-time workers, and whether any are close family members or contractors hired through another organisation.
Level of cover
The cover limit you want, bearing in mind the recommended minimum of £5 million.
Who is exempt from employers' liability insurance?
There are limited exceptions to the legal requirement. A public organisation or business may be exempt if the only people in its employment are close family members and the company is not incorporated. Businesses that hire independent contractors through another organisation may also be exempt in respect of those contractors. If you are unsure, it is safer to assume you need cover.
What happens if I do not have employers' liability insurance?
Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement for almost every UK business with staff. Without it, your company can face fines of up to £2,500 per day. You would also have to meet any compensation and legal defence costs yourself if an employee or ex-employee claimed against you, which could put the future of your business at risk.
Ready to compare employers' liability insurance quotes?
One short form, then live quotes to compare online.
Frequently asked questions
Is employers' liability insurance a legal requirement?
Yes. Almost any UK business that employs at least one member of staff, full or part-time, is required by law to hold employers' liability insurance.
What does employers' liability insurance cover?
It covers the compensation costs your company incurs if an employee or ex-employee claims for an injury or illness caused by their work, along with the expenses paid out in your legal defence.
How much employers' liability cover do I need?
The recommended level of cover is at least £5 million.
What is the fine for not having employers' liability insurance?
A company without employers' liability insurance can face fines of up to £2,500 per day.
How do I know if my company needs employers' liability insurance?
You need it by law if your company deducts National Insurance contributions and Income Tax from employees' pay, provides most of the equipment and materials they use, controls where, when and how they work, or has the right to claim the profit they make.
Are any businesses exempt?
A business may be exempt if the only people it employs are close family members and the company is not incorporated. There are also exemptions for businesses that hire independent contractors through another organisation.
Do I need cover for part-time staff?
Yes. The legal requirement applies to almost any business with at least one member of staff, whether they are employed full or part-time.
How does comparing employers' liability insurance through Quote Goat work?
You complete one short form and then see live quotes online from a panel of UK business insurers. You can tailor the cover to your requirements and buy directly from the provider you choose.
Written by Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Founder of Quote Goat, with over 20 years' experience in finance and insurance. He has appeared on TV and in Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro.
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Quote Goat provides access to a business insurance comparison service operated by Seopa Ltd. This page is general information, not advice. Always check the policy documents to make sure the cover meets your needs.