Public Liability Insurance
Businesses that interact with the public—on job sites, at storefronts, or during service calls—face real risks every day. A single accident involving a customer, vendor, or bystander can lead to costly legal claims and financial setbacks.
Public liability insurance helps cover the costs of third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by your business operations. This coverage is essential for businesses of all sizes, from general contractors on busy job sites to self-employed consultants meeting clients in public spaces.
At KASE Insurance, we help clients across Ontario secure tailored public liability insurance coverage that meets their business’s risk profile and industry needs.
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What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance is a type of business insurance that covers legal fees and compensation costs if your business causes injury to a third party or damages their property. This insurance is essential if your business interacts with clients, customers, or the general public.
In Canada, public liability insurance is often included as part of a broader commercial general liability insurance (CGL) policy, but it focuses specifically on risks to the public—not your employees or business partners.
Having this coverage ensures that your duty of care to the public is backed by protection. While it covers accidents and unintentional harm, it does not extend to damages resulting from deliberate misconduct or gross negligence.
Why Is Public Liability Insurance Important?
No matter how careful your operations are, accidents can happen, and even a single claim could result in significant financial losses. A tailored public liability insurance policy ensures you’re covered from the fallout, securing continuous business operations and your bottom line.
• Protects Against Lawsuits: One injury claim or property damage incident can result in thousands in legal and medical costs. Public liability insurance covers those expenses, so you don’t have to.
• Builds Client Confidence: Clients are more likely to hire businesses that are insured. Having coverage shows you take safety, responsibility, and your reputation seriously.
• Essential for Small Businesses & Self-Employed Professionals: For small business owners and self-employed workers, one claim can be financially devastating. Public liabilities insurance keeps your operation running, even if the unexpected happens.
• Meets Industry & Contract Requirements: Many job sites, municipalities, and clients won’t work with uninsured professionals. A valid public liability insurance policy helps you meet legal or contractual requirements without delay.
What Does Public Liability Insurance Cover?
Public liability insurance coverage is designed to protect against a wide range of third-party risks.
✓ Third-Party Bodily Injury: If a customer slips on a wet floor and requires medical attention, your policy can help cover hospital bills and related legal costs.
✓ Property Damage: If your equipment damages a client’s flooring or a falling object breaks someone’s window, your insurance helps pay for repairs or replacements.
✓ Legal Costs: Coverage includes legal fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments from covered claims.
✓ On-Premises Incidents: Protects against injuries or damage occurring at your business property or job site.
Public Liability Insurance vs Commercial General Liability (CGL)
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Public Liability Insurance |
Commercial General Liability Insurance |
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Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage as well as resulting legal fees, medical expenses, etc. |
Covers everything public liability does, plus product liability, tenant legal liability, personal and advertising injury, and more |
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Typically excludes employees and product-related claims |
Broader and more comprehensive coverage, often required by contracts or regulations |
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Older term still used in the U.K., Australia, and in simplified consumer language |
Standard term in Canadian and North American commercial insurance policies |
Other Types of Business Insurance to Consider
While public liability coverage is comprehensive in protecting against bodily injury liability or property damage, most businesses require a combination of policies to fully protect their operations. At KASE Insurance, we help business owners build tailored insurance packages that fit their industry and risk profile.
Commercial General Liability Insurance
Offering broader coverage, general liability insurance policies may include product liability, tenants’ legal liability, and more.
Professional Liability Insurance
Also known as errors and omissions insurance, professional liability insurance coverage protects individuals from claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver professional services as promised.
Commercial Property Insurance
Protects your business property, contents, equipment, and inventory against risks like fire, theft, and vandalism—whether you own or lease your workspace.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If you drive for business purposes—whether delivering goods or moving between job sites—commercial auto coverage protects your vehicle from damages and third-party liability.
Business Interruption Insurance
Business insurance helps recover lost income and operating expenses if an event forces your business to shut down temporarily.
Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?
Whether you’re hosting events, building homes, or running a solo trade business, public liability insurance is essential. Here are the top professions and industries that rely on it:
Construction Companies
Construction sites are full of risk, from falling materials to unprotected walkways. Construction public liability insurance is essential to cover your base operations and see it until completion.
Independent Contractors & Tradespeople
From electricians and roofers to HVAC and plumbing professionals, tradesman public liability insurance covers on-site risks, tools, and third-party claims.
Common roles include:
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Carpenters
• Roofers
• HVAC Technicians
• General Contractors
Event Organizers
Event venues often require one day public liability insurance to book space. Whether you’re organizing a wedding, festival, or pop-up market, coverage helps protect against injury or property damage claims during short-term operations.
Self-Employed Professionals
From consultants to photographers, anyone interacting with clients in public or private spaces should have a self employed public liability insurance policy in place to protect them from unique liabilities.
Short-Term Contractors
Need temporary coverage? Short term public liability insurance provides temporary yet critical protection during your project’s timeline.
Understanding Public Liability Insurance Cost
Public liability insurance in Ontario typically costs between $300 and $2,500+ per year, depending on your business type, size, and risk exposure. Several factors influence your premium, including:
• Industry and type of work (e.g. consultant vs. contractor)
• Annual revenue and number of employees
• Job site locations and common hazards
• Previous claims history
• Desired coverage limits
For example, a self-employed consultant may pay around $300–$500/year, while a contractor managing multiple sites could pay $1,500–$2,500+ annually for a more comprehensive policy.
At KASE Insurance, we compare quotes from leading Canadian insurers to help you secure the best rate for your coverage needs without compromising protection.
Why Choose KASE Insurance for Public Liability Insurance Ontario
At KASE Insurance, we’re more than just a broker; we’re your advocate. Our team structures tailored business insurance and public liability insurance programs designed around your industry, operations, and growth stage. We don’t push generic policies. We dig deep and understand your business, identify your risks, and build coverage that actually protects you.
As an award-winning independent broker, we’re not tied to any insurer. That means we work for you. Negotiating premiums, advocating during claims, and ensuring your business stays protected and competitive.
• We push for fast, fair claim settlements
• We provide hands-on risk analysis, not one-size-fits-all advice
• We champion your success at every stage of growth
• We’ll never take your business for granted
Ready to protect your business with confidence? Contact our team for a free public liability insurance quote and discover how we make risk management simpler, smarter, and built for you.
Read what clients have to say about KASE
By far the most professional and trustworthy insurance brokerage I have known. We have been working with this firm for number of years now and I have nothing but good to say about their team and services. Stan and his team won't stop until we are fully satisfied. They are always on top of things, super fast in their assistance and very professional. I highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking for great insurance brokerage to work with. Big Thank You to Stan and Kase Insurance for many many years of great service!
Reviewer: Alex K
out of 5 stars
Stan and is team at KASE Insurance have been fantastic in explaining what insurance we needed for our business. Very hands on approach and detailed. I work highly recommend KASE Insurance for any business owner looking for great service.
Reviewer: Kyle Grooms
5 out of 5 stars
The KASE team is very easy to work with. They answer your questions quickly, walk you through the process patiently, and find you great rates. We've been working with them for a few years and we haven't felt the need to shop elsewhere because of their customer service.
Reviewer: Sasha Boersma
5 out of 5 stars