Public Liability insurance is designed to provide protection for you and your business in the event a customer, supplier or a member of the public is injured or sustains property damage as a result of your negligent business activities.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are 118,344 small businesses in Adelaide, with about 1,100 additional new businesses registered in FY 22-23.1
The main employing industry is Healthcare and Social Assistance, employing 16.4% of the population. Professional Scientific and Technical Services employ 16.3% of the population and Accommodation and Food Services employs 6.6% of the population.
In 2024, the sector with the largest number of businesses registered is Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services with 2,506 businesses registered. The industry with the second largest number of businesses is Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, with 2,398 businesses. The industry with the third largest number of businesses is Financial and Insurance services, with 1,210 registered businesses.
Like many small business owners, businesses in Adelaide have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps for the safety of their customers, suppliers and the community and for their property.
Most Public Liability policies also extend to cover Product Liability. If you sell, supply or deliver goods, even in the form of repair or service, you may need cover for negligence claims against you where your product has caused injury, death or damage.
Even the most careful businesses run the risk of injuring someone or damaging something during their operations. Chances are, like many other small businesses in Adelaide, if you were faced with a public liability claim, the financial impact of paying the claim and associated legal fees (including defence costs) could potentially send you out of business. That’s why you could consider Public Liability insurance to provide the financial protection your business deserves.
What does Public Liability insurance cover?
Public Liability insurance covers claims for personal injury suffered by a third party (such as a customer, supplier or member of the public) due to your negligent business activities. It also covers claims for damage to property owned by a third party as a result of your negligent business activities. It’s clear that the legal costs of a public liability claim could pose a financial burden to a small business. Public Liability Insurance gives you peace of mind by picking up the reasonable legal and defence costs associated with a covered claim.
The following activities are typically not covered by a Public Liability insurance policy:
- Injuries to your employees
- Damage to your own property
- Costs of rectifying faulty workmanship
- Professional negligence
- Contractual liability
- Motor vehicle claims
- Events occurring before or after the policy period
“I was filling in the online form, got stuck and just rang to find out how to sort that and the wonderful lady just sorted everything. I was so pleased as I am already busy in the role and needed insurance sorted. THANKS”
Jillian C.
Business Owner
How much does Public Liability insurance cost for Adelaide businesses?
On average, small businesses pay around 39* per month for a Public Liability insurance policy with BizCover. Public Liability insurance is one of the most popular types of insurance for businesses. In fact, it is likely to be very important for almost every kind of business, from those that operate in the trades and service industries, to businesses that are predominantly office-based, such as consultancy occupations.
Given the various industries and occupations Public Liability insurance can cover, the cost of it can vary greatly. This is due to several factors including:
- The type and nature of your business
- Your business turnover and size
- The amount of insurance cover your business needs
*Customer Average Monthly Payment Report is based on 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 and presented as a guide only. It may not reflect pricing for your particular business, as individual criteria will apply.
1 This data is sourced from the ABS. https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/small-business-data-portal/location-australias-small-businesses-state-and-territory/south-australia
