The difference in one table
| Public liability | Professional indemnity | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Injury to people, damage to property | Financial loss caused by your advice, design or service |
| Example | A customer slips on a wet floor in your shop | A client loses money because of an error in your report |
| Basis | Usually occurrence | Usually claims-made |
| US name | General liability | Errors and omissions (E&O) |
Who needs both
Plenty of businesses do: an architect visiting building sites, an IT consultant installing equipment at a client’s office, a personal trainer giving programmes and coaching in person. If you both meet people and advise them, consider both covers, or a combined policy.
Check your contracts
Clients often specify one or both, with minimum limits. Read the insurance clause and the indemnity clause: agreeing to unlimited liability can expose you beyond your cover.
Last updated: 28 September 2026
