Employers' Liability Insurance

Employers' liability insurance could be a legal requirement for businesses in the UK that employ staff. It is designed to help cover compensation and legal costs if an employee suffers illness or injury as a result of the work they do. As a broker, we can help connect businesses with a wide range of insurers to find policies that suit their needs.
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Call us or complete our online quote form. We’ll collect a few key details about your business.

2

We’ll contact you to confirm everything, talk through your needs, and match you with the right level of cover.

3

We compare quotes from our panel of 20+ insurers, present your options, and explain the details before you buy.

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Why Compare Employers' Liability Insurance with Us?

Access to a wide panel of UK insurers
Expert guidance to help meet legal obligations
Options to combine with other business insurance products
Support from experienced UK-based advisers
Competitive pricing and multiple quote options
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What Is Employers' Liability Insurance?

Employers’ liability insurance is designed to protect businesses from the financial impact of claims made by employees who become injured or ill through their work. It can cover both legal expenses and compensation payouts, providing reassurance for employers across a wide variety of sectors.

A suitable policy could cover:

  • Workplace accidents
  • Long-term health issues related to work
  • Injuries caused by negligence
  • Legal defence costs

Businesses in the UK with one or more employees may be legally required to hold a minimum of £5 million in employers’ liability cover.

Is Employers’ Liability Insurance a Legal Requirement?

Yes, in most cases. Under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, most businesses in the UK that employ staff are required by law to have employers’ liability insurance. There are some exemptions, such as:

  • Companies employing only family members
  • Sole traders with no staff
  • Public organisations such as local authorities

Failing to hold a valid policy could result in daily fines of up to £2,500.

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What Does Employers' Liability Insurance Cover?

A typical policy may include cover for:

Workplace Accidents

If an employee suffers an injury while performing their job duties, a claim could be made. Employers’ liability insurance can help cover the cost of compensation.

Work-Related Illness

Should an employee develop a condition such as industrial deafness or repetitive strain injury due to their role, a suitable policy may cover the resulting claims.

Legal Expenses

Policies often include cover for the legal costs involved in defending a claim.

Associated Compensation

This could include loss of income, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs.

How Much Employers’ Liability Cover Do You Need?

While UK law requires a minimum of £5 million, many insurers provide policies with cover up to £10 million or more. The appropriate level of cover depends on factors such as:

  • Number of employees
  • Industry risks
  • Business turnover

We work with a wide panel of insurers to help businesses find tailored policies that match their risk profile and obligations.

 

FAQs

Yes. In the UK, if you employ anyone full-time, part-time, temporary, or even unpaid volunteers, you are legally required to have employers’ liability insurance.

Employers’ liability insurance covers employee injuries or illnesses that occur due to their work. It protects your business from the cost of compensation claims, legal fees, and medical costs arising from workplace accidents or long-term exposure risks.

Many providers offer same-day documentation, especially when arranged through an experienced broker.

The cost of employers’ liability insurance could depend on:

  • Number of employees
  • Nature of the work
  • Health and safety record
  • Claims history

Cover can often be combined with other forms of business insurance, such as public liability or professional indemnity, for comprehensive protection.

If your business requires employers’ liability insurance and you operate without it, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) may impose penalties, including:

  • Fines of £2,500 per day for not having valid cover
  • £1,000 fines for failing to display your insurance certificate

Employers’ liability insurance could be essential for businesses that:

  • Employ full-time or part-time staff
  • Use temporary workers, contractors, or volunteers
  • Operate in industries such as construction, retail, hospitality, care services, or professional services

Whether you manage a small office or run a multi-site operation, employers’ liability insurance could offer critical protection.

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Helpful Articles & Updates

Understand your legal obligations and explore helpful guides on employers’ liability insurance and staff protection.