Guide
Business insurance types quick reference
Quick-lookup reference of common business insurance types, showing which are legally required, recommended, or optional. Use this to identify gaps in your cover.
UK-wide
Check which types of insurance your business must have by law. Some are legally required, some are contractually needed, and others are recommended. Failing to have the right insurance can lead to fines or prosecution.
- Legally required if you employ anyone: Employers' Liability Insurance
- Minimum £5m cover for Employers' Liability
- £2,500 daily fine for no Employers' Liability Insurance
- Legally required for business vehicles: Motor Insurance
- Mandatory for regulated professions: Professional Indemnity
- Often required by clients: Public Liability Insurance
- Recommended for product sellers: Products Liability Insurance
- Keep Employers' Liability certificates for 40 years
- Display Employers' Liability certificate or face £1,000 fine
- Check if your business has all required insurance types
Use this table to identify which insurance types apply to your business. Mandatory insurance is a legal requirement; operating without it is a criminal offence.
| Insurance type | Legal status | What it covers | Who needs it | Typical cover level |
|---|
For guidance on choosing and purchasing cover, see Get business insurance.