Get a quote for your business insurance today
Choose the category that best suits your business. We can accommodate sole traders, limited companies, freelancers, self employed individuals and small businesses for a range of services and activities.
Pet Business
Therapist
Hairdresser
Personal Trainer
Other business
What does business insurance cover?
Our business insurance offers the essential liability cover you need to protect against potential claims, ensuring you operate securely and avoid financial losses. Whether you operate a pet care business, work as a therapist or hairdresser, offer personal training or provide catering services and many other activities and services, we provide the protection you need.
With liability insurance included in all our business policies, you also have the option to add extras that are tailored to your specific business requirements. You can add equipment cover, employers’ liability cover, additonal legal protection and a wide range of other customised bolt-ons, tailored to the specific needs and size of your business.
We can provide cover for multiple activities offered by sole traders, freelancers and other small businesses; our policies are designed to be adaptable to the services you offer and the scale of your business so you pay for the best suited cover you need.
Make sure you have the correct insurance for your activities and be sure to check if any exclusions are relevant to what you have planned in policy documentation.
Public Liability
Professional Indemnity
Employers' Liability
Equipment
Public Liability
- Up to £10 million of cover available.
- Protection from claims by a third-party who sustains injuries or has their property damaged, whereby you or your business is responsible.
Loss of Keys
- Key Cover up to £10,000.
- Cover includes new keys and locks, the cost of re-setting intruder alarms and associated call-out costs if you were to lose them.
Care, Custody & Control of Animals
- Cover up to £100,000 – £25,000 limit for any one Animal.
- If an animal in your care (or your staff) is: Accidentally lost; Suffers an injury; Becomes ill; Suffers a fatality.
Equipment
- £250 of equipment included as standard.
- Increase up to £30,000 of equipment cover.
- Grooming, training and other business tools covered.
- Protection against theft, loss and accidental damage, allowing you to replace items to the value you select.
Non-Negligent Cover
- Similar to the Care, Custody and Control protection If an animal suffers during the course of service delivery through no fault of your business:
- Accidental loss, Injury & Illness, Death of an animal in your care.
Close Family Extension
- Close family members are covered within the Public Liability, to assist you with your business. This includes your husband, wife, son, daughter or other close family.
- You don’t need to take out Employers’ Liability with this extension.
Loss of Money
- Cover for losses up to £1,000 or £5,000 of physical money (coins or notes) obtained through your insured activities. This money is covered while at your business premises, your home, or the home of any partner, director, or authorised employee, as well as when in transit for business trips.
- Up to £1,000 of cover for losses due to dishonest acts by any employee. Claims must be made within 14 days of discovering the loss, and you should take all reasonable steps to prevent such losses.
Travel Expense Reimbursement
- If a pet in your care is accidentally killed, stolen, or goes missing for more than 48 hours, we’ll cover the owner’s extra travel expenses. So, if the owner has to cut their holiday short because of their pet’s death, for example, we’ll reimburse up to £1,000 of their extra costs.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims against employee incidents if someone suffers a work-related injury and brings a claim against you.
Legal Expenses
- Up to £10,000 indemnity for legal defence and tax protection.
- Access to 24-hour helpline, for legal, tax, or counselling, to support you in running your business.
Professional Indemnity
- Up to £1 million of cover
- This protects you from damages caused by your mistakes, errors, or negligence in your professional work, including those made by your employees.
Personal Accident
- Up to £25,000, subject to those insured being under eighty (80) years of age.
- This policy covers specified individuals for any accidents that may occur while conducting the insured business activities. It is a benefit policy that provides fixed amounts based on the type of injury sustained, including coverage for accidental death, loss of sight or limbs, and temporary total disablement.
- Dog walkers are limited to walk a maximum of 6 dogs at one time.
- Dogs or crossbreeds of dogs classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Refer to government websites for updates in the law.
- Pre-existing medical conditions in animals.
- Injuries to animals you own can occur during incidents that happen while caring for other animals or during your personal time.
- Caring for non-domestic animals.
- Your business operating without a licence when a licence is a mandatory requirement e.g. animal boarding.
For further information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Professional Indemnity and Professional Treatment
- From £1 million to £5 million of cover.
- Protection from claims by a third-party (client or member of the public) who sustains injuries or has their property damaged as a result of your actions or advice that you provide.
Third Party Property Damage
- Cover for any non-negligent loss or damage to others’ property that you may cause while providing your therapies.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims against employee incidents if someone suffers a work-related injury and brings a claim against you.
Equipment
- From £500 to £3000 worth of cover
- Cover is provided on a new for old basis for items under three years old, meaning that regardless of whether you have had the item for three months or three years, we will replace it with a brand-new equivalent if the damage is irreparable.
Equipment Hire
- From £750 worth of cover
Personal Accident
- Protection from workplace accidents.
- A selection of incidents can be claimed for under this benefit including accidental death, permanent total disablement and temporary total disablement.
Legal Expenses
- Access to a legal helpline and a counselling service in addition to legal defence costs.
- The cover can be upgraded further to include employment disputes, property disputes, health and safety disputes and more.
- Treatments you are not qualified to do.
- Treatments that are not listed on your proposal form and subsequent schedule of insurance.
- Any services provided overseas.
- Prescription or supply of medicines and other pharmaceutical.
- The use of non-proprietary products to aid your therapy.
For further information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Public Liability for Professional Treatment
- From £2 million to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims by a third-party who gets injured during an appointment or has their property damaged.
- Cover for the professional treatments you provide including protection if a treatment you perform causes injury or damage, such as harm to a client’s hair or an adverse reaction to a product.
Equipment & Stock
- Up to £250 of cover included, with a £75 excess.
- Add up to £12,000 worth of cover at additional rates.
- Cover is provided on a new for old basis for items under three years old, meaning that regardless of whether you have had the item for three months or three years, we will replace it with a brand-new equivalent if the damage is irreparable.
Equipment Hire
- Cover for the cost of temporarily hiring equipment, if you make a valid claim under the Equipment and Stock section of your policy.
- This will occur whilst your items are being repaired or until your claim is settled, whichever happens first.
Third Party Property Damage
- Cover for any non-negligent loss or damage to others’ property that you may cause while providing your barber services.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims against employee incidents if someone suffers a work-related injury and brings a claim against you.
Personal Accident
- Protection from workplace accidents.
- A selection of incidents can be claimed for under this benefit including accidental death, permanent total disablement and temporary total disablement.
Legal Expenses
- Access to a legal helpline and a counselling service in addition to legal defence costs.
- The cover can be upgraded further to include employment disputes, property disputes, health and safety disputes and more.
- Treatments you are not qualified to do.
- If a customer dislikes their cut or treatment.
- Damage to electrical equipment, mobile phones and computer equipment used to support your business.
- Any liability cover for a premise used for the provision of the business.
- Injury to customers resulting from the use of substances, unless a sensitivity patch test has been done on those customers, at least 24 hours before you use it.
- Treatments and activities performed overseas.
For further information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Public Liability
- From £1 million to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims by a third-party who sustains injuries or has their property damaged as a result of your actions.
Professional Indemnity
- From £1 million to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims by a third-party who sustains injuries or has their property damaged as a result of advice that you provide.
Equipment
- £500 worth of equipment included.
- Add up to £30,000 of equipment cover.
- Protecting equipment, you need for your business from loss, damage and theft.
Employers’ Liability
- £10 million worth of cover.
- Protection against liability allegations made by Employee’s and includes cover for damages rewarded and defence costs.
Personal Accident Cover
- Protection if you’re injured whilst performing work related services.
- A selection of incidents can be claimed for under this benefit including accidental death, permanent total disablement and temporary total disablement.
Overseas Extension
- Work abroad for up to 30 days a year.
Select Europe or Worldwide (excluding the USA).
Legal Expenses
- Cover for up to £100,000 of cover for Legal Defence, tax protection and access to specialist help-lines.
- Option to include cover for employment, property and contract disputes, as well as health and safety appeals, jury service, court attendance and licence protection.
- Coaching any activity without the relevant qualification.
- Equipment left visible and/or in an unlocked vehicle and where the vehicle doesn’t have evidence of damage by forcible and violent means.
- Any pre-existing medical condition unless specifically agreed by us.
- Participant vs Participant – Contact Sports, we do not include cover for injury and/or damage suffered by one Participant and caused by another Participant whilst engaged in Contact Sports.
- Property owners / occupiers’ liability, we do not provide cover connected to operating and managing a premise, fitness studio or gym. This cover is for instruction / coaching only.
For further information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Why do you need business public liability insurance?
Business insurance is a proactive and responsible approach to managing risks. It not only helps comply with legal requirements but also safeguards your business, employees, and assets, providing the necessary support to navigate unexpected challenges.
Whilst your business may have the best of intention sometime things go wrong. Our specialist Business Insurance is designed to protect you against claims that may arise from unexpected incidents. These are some instances where claims might come about:
Public Liability
Public liability protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your work.
Imagine a client tripping over your equipment, or an accidental scratch on a customer’s furniture. Even small mishaps can lead to substantial compensation claims and legal costs. Public liability cover ensures you’re protected against these financial risks, safeguarding both your business and your reputation.
Employers' Liability
If you employ staff, even part-time, temporary, or casual workers, this cover is a legal requirement.
Employees may face accidents or illnesses at work and could hold you responsible. Employers’ liability insurance protects you from claims and helps cover associated costs. Without it, you face not only the risk of large compensation payouts but also fines of £2,500 per day for failing to comply with the law.
Professional Indemnity
If your business provides advice, designs, training, or services, mistakes can be costly.
A client could suffer financial loss if your guidance or work falls short, leading them to claim compensation. Professional indemnity insurance covers these risks, protecting your business against claims of negligence, mistakes, or poor advice that could otherwise be financially devastating.
Equipment cover
Your tools, kit, or stock are often essential for earning a living.
Whether you’re working on-site, travelling, or storing equipment, items can be stolen, damaged, or lost. Replacing them is expensive, and being without them can disrupt your work and income. Equipment insurance ensures you can quickly recover from these setbacks, keeping your business running smoothly.
Our experts explain why...
“Our business insurance offers essential protection against a wide range of potential risks, from liability allegations, third party financial losses and more specific business situations. Without adequate coverage, such incidents could lead to severe financial repercussions. We’ve focused our Business Insurance to ensure that you can focus on running your organisation with the confidence that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances.”
Chris Trotman, Protectivity Underwriting Manager

How much does business insurance cost?
At Protectivity policies start at just £3.14* a month.
The cost of business insurance can vary depending on several factors, for example, if you employ staff then your policy will need additional cover in employers’ liability, at a higher cost.
Investing in specialist business insurance is not just about protecting you from financial losses. It’s a small price to pay to provide additional, professional credibility that you take your business operations seriously. We recognise that all small businesses operate in a unique way and therefore our policies are designed to pay for what you need.
Prices from
£3.14* a month
Explainer quote
Policy cost
£3.14* a month
Policy type
Therapy Insurance
Duration
Annual
Turnover
£50,000
Public Liability
£1,000,000
Professional Indemnity
£1,000,000
Third Party Property Damage
£750
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 06/10/2025. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. The quote you receive will reflect the information you share about your event. The quoted price may vary from those displayed here.
What types of businessses do we cover?
We have a wide range of different policies for different activities we offer. Select the closest type of business then choose your activity when you get a quote.
Pet Businesses
Beauty Businesses
Therapists
Sports & Fitness
Trades
Have a question?
For further information on your policy, renewals, making a claim and contacting us, you’ll find an extensive list of FAQs on our Help & Support page.
Why choose Protectivity for your business insurance policy?
Let the reviews of over 3,500 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 150,000 customers.
Experienced insurance providers for over 30 years.

Over 3,500 highly rated reviews.
Proof of our excellent customer service.


Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.

UK Based Customer Support
Our UK sales team are here to help.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is business insurance for?
Business insurance is designed to protect your business from unexpected risks, such as accidents, legal claims, theft, or property damage, so that you don’t have to bear the full financial cost yourself.
Is business insurance a legal requirement in the UK?
The only legally required cover for most businesses is employers’ liability insurance if you employ staff. Other types (such as public liability insurance) are not legally required but may be strongly recommended or contractually required.
What can affect the price of my business insurance policy?
The cost depends on factors like:
- Type of business and industry risk level
- Size of the business (turnover, staff numbers)
- Coverage limits and policy type
- Claims history
- Location
How much business insurance do I need?
It varies by business type. You should consider the value of your assets, potential legal claims, and industry requirements. Some industries have minimum cover levels set by regulators or client contracts.
Do I need business insurance to work from home?
Yes, if you’re running a business from home, your standard home insurance usually won’t cover business-related risks. Business insurance can cover equipment, client claims, or liability if a customer visits your home office, likewise, if you visit a client.
Do I need business insurance for an online business?
Yes—online businesses face risks too. Depending on the services you offer, you may need different types of cover, such as:
Product liability – protection if a product you sell causes injury or damage
Equipment cover – to safeguard the tools and technology you rely on
Professional indemnity – in case advice or services you provide lead to a claim
Public liability – to cover accidents involving customers or the public
The right business insurance can help protect you from these potential financial losses.
What is business insurance for?
Business insurance is designed to protect your business from unexpected risks, such as accidents, legal claims, theft, or property damage, so that you don’t have to bear the full financial cost yourself.
Is business insurance a legal requirement in the UK?
The only legally required cover for most businesses is employers’ liability insurance if you employ staff. Other types (such as public liability insurance) are not legally required but may be strongly recommended or contractually required.
Do I need business insurance for an online business?
Yes—online businesses face risks too. Depending on the services you offer, you may need different types of cover, such as:
Product liability – protection if a product you sell causes injury or damage
Equipment cover – to safeguard the tools and technology you rely on
Professional indemnity – in case advice or services you provide lead to a claim
Public liability – to cover accidents involving customers or the public
The right business insurance can help protect you from these potential financial losses.
Do I need business insurance to work from home?
Yes, if you’re running a business from home, your standard home insurance usually won’t cover business-related risks. Business insurance can cover equipment, client claims, or liability if a customer visits your home office, likewise, if you visit a client.
What can affect the price of my business insurance policy?
The cost depends on a variety of factors, the main ones being:
- Type of business and industry risk level
- Size of the business (turnover, staff numbers)
- Coverage limits and policy type
- Claims history
- Location
How much business insurance do I need?
It varies by business type. You should consider the value of your assets, potential legal claims, and industry requirements. At Protectivity our policies will allow you to choose different levels of cover so you can tailor it to your requirements.
Discover more from Protectivity
This page content has been created for general information and should not be taken as advice.
*Prices quoted refer to a quote raised from our website 06/10/2025. Prices will differ depending on requirements. Make sure you have the correct level of cover for what you need. For the most accurate pricing, please get a quote and for full details on what is covered refer to our policy documentation with your quote.
** Based on Protectivity sales data from 2007 to Sep 2024
ˆ10% discount for policies bought online and applies only to the first-year of your policy premium. Protectivity reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Available to UK residents only.
¹Based on live Feefo data