Small Business Insurance to Protect Your Business and Assets
Protect your small business from unexpected risks with insurance tailored to your needs. Whether you’re self-employed or managing a team, we offer flexible cover options to safeguard your business, assets, and people.
Insurance made for trades, not suits.
What is Small Business Insurance?
Small business insurance is a combination of policies designed to protect your business from everyday risks.
That can include:
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Legal claims from customers or members of the public
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Employee injuries
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Damage to your tools, stock, or equipment
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Property damage to your premises
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Loss of income after an insured event
In simple terms, it helps protect your finances and your reputation if something goes wrong.
Small business insurance in the UK is designed for:
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Sole traders
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Contractors
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Partnerships
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Limited companies with employees
You can choose individual policies, such as small business liability insurance, or select a package that combines several covers into one straightforward policy.
Types of small business insurance you may need
Every business is different. The cover you need depends on what you do, where you work, and whether you employ staff.
Here are some of the most common types of liability insurance for small business owners:
Public Liability Insurance
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Covers third-party injury or property damage caused by your business activities.
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A customer slips in your shop
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You damage a client’s property while working on-site
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This is often essential for businesses that deal with the public, work on client premises, or operate on construction sites.
Employers' Liability Insurance
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If you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is usually a legal requirement in the UK (with limited exceptions).
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It covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill because of their work.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
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Professional indemnity insurance covers claims linked to negligence, errors, or mistakes in advice or design.
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If your business provides:
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Consultancy
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Design work
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Technical advice
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Specifications or sign-off services
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PI cover protects against financial loss claims from clients.
Business Contents/Equipment Insurance
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Protects your tools, stock, and equipment against risks such as:
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Theft
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Fire
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Accidental damage
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If you rely on specialist equipment to do your job, this cover helps keep you operational.
If you own your premises, you may also want to look at Commercial Premises Insurance for protection against risks such as fire, storm, or subsidence.
Business Interruption Insurance
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If an insured event like a fire or flood stops you trading, business interruption insurance can cover loss of income during downtime.
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It’s designed to help your business stay afloat while you get back on your feet.
Product Liability Insurance
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If your business sells, installs, or supplies products, product liability insurance covers injury or damage caused by those products.
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For example, if a supplied product fails and causes damage, this cover can help with legal costs and compensation.
Cyber Insurance
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Small businesses are increasingly exposed to digital risks.
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Cyber insurance can help cover:
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Data breaches
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Hacking incidents
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Loss of sensitive customer information
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For businesses storing customer details or taking online payments, this can be an important consideration.
Why choose small business insurance?
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Legal Requirements: Some cover, such as employers’ liability insurance, is required by law if you have employees. However, there are some exceptions to this rule for sole directors and family-run businesses.
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Client Contracts: Many clients ask for proof of public liability and professional indemnity insurance before awarding work. Having the right cover in place can help you win contracts.
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Financial Protection: Without insurance, legal claims, compensation costs, or property damage could put serious strain on your business finances. Small business liability insurance helps protect you from those risks.
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Peace of Mind: Running a business comes with enough pressure. Having the right cover in place means you can focus on the job, knowing you’re protected if something unexpected happens.
What does small business insurance cover?
What's covered
✔ Accidental Injury to Clients or the Public: Covered under public liability insurance.
✔ Damage to Business Property or Equipment: Covered under contents or equipment insurance.
✔ Legal Costs and Compensation Claims: Covered under public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance, depending on the claim.
✔ Loss of Income Due to Business Interruption: Covered under business interruption insurance following an insured event.
✔ Employee Injuries or Illnesses: Covered under employers’ liability insurance.
What's not covered
✘ Intentional Damage or Fraud: Deliberate acts aren’t covered.
✘ Wear and Tear: Gradual deterioration or routine maintenance issues aren’t included.
✘ Professional Negligence Under Public Liability: Claims linked to professional advice or design errors require professional indemnity insurance. They aren’t covered by small business public liability insurance.
✘ Uninsured or Undisclosed Work: Projects outside the scope of your policy may not be covered. It’s important to ensure your business activities are accurately declared.
Your small business insurance cover options
We offer flexible packages designed for small businesses and contractors
Essentials
A straightforward package for self-employed contractors or small businesses with less than 15 employees.
✔ Public Liability Insurance (away from your business premises)
✔ Optional Employers’ Liability (if required)
✔ Legal defence cover for insured claims
✘ No Professional Indemnity cover
Ideal For:
Sole traders and small businesses that don’t provide professional advice or design services.
Classic
A more comprehensive package that includes professional indemnity insurance.
✔ £100,000 Professional Indemnity Insurance
✔ Public Liability Insurance (away from your business premises)
✔ Employers’ Liability Insurance (if required)
✔ Legal defence and compensation cover
Ideal For:
Businesses offering professional services, consultancy, design, or technical advice.
Plus
Includes everything in Classic, with added income protection.
Key Features:
✔ £100,000 Professional Indemnity cover
✔ Public Liability Insurance (away from your business premises)
✔ Optional Employers’ Liability Insurance (if required)
✔ Temporary Total Disablement Benefit (weekly benefit, subject to terms)
Ideal For: Businesses wanting core liability protection plus additional support if injury prevents you from working.
Optional Extras for Tradespeople
Additional standalone policies are available, including:
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Specialist risk cover
Why choose Trade Direct for your small business cover?
Tailored for trades and small businesses
We understand tradespeople, contractors, and growing businesses. Our cover is designed around real-world risks.
Over 40 years' experience
We’ve supported UK tradespeople and small businesses for decades. We work with leading insurers, including Zurich Insurance Co Ltd, to provide reliable protection.
UK-based expert support
Our UK-based customer support team understands trades, and will take the time to understand you.
Fast and simple quotes
Our digital-first system means you can get a small business insurance quote in minutes.
Sorted in minutes. Backed for years.
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