Reference

Business insurance types explained

Insurance jargon is short but dense. This reference gives you the one-line definition of every policy you're likely to see on a supplier COI, plus when to require it.

4 min read Updated 1 July 2026

The main policies

PolicyCoversWhen to require
Public liabilityInjury / damage to third partiesAny customer-facing or on-site work
Employers' liabilityInjury / illness to employeesAny UK employer (usually mandatory)
Professional indemnityFinancial loss from advice / servicesConsultants, agencies, professional services
Product liabilityHarm caused by a productManufacturers, distributors
Cyber insuranceBreach costs, ransomware, business interruptionData-touching vendors
Motor / plantVehicles and heavy plantField services, construction
Directors & officersPersonal liability of directorsCorporate governance

Frequently asked questions

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