{"id":372,"date":"2023-08-17T08:58:49","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T08:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/what-type-of-business-insurance-do-i-need\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T12:54:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T12:54:07","slug":"what-type-of-business-insurance-do-i-need","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-type-of-business-insurance-do-i-need\/","title":{"rendered":"What type of business insurance do I need?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

What type of business insurance do I need?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When considering business insurance<\/a>, it\u2019s important to think about the covers you might need. Employers\u2019 liability cover is a legal requirement for most businesses with staff, public liability insurance is important if you\u2019re in contact with members of the public, and professional indemnity insurance is useful if your business offers advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need business insurance?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You need business insurance to protect you against the everyday risks that come with your normal business activities. Insurance can cover you against mistakes, accidents, theft, damage and legal fees, but the exact cover you need depends on the business you run and how you run it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need business insurance if I work from home?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You may need business insurance if you work from home, but what kind of insurance you need will be determined by your particular business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you welcome clients onto your premises, then you should consider public liability insurance<\/a>, in case a client suffers an injury while visiting you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you offer advice or a professional service, or if you handle client data or intellectual property, then professional indemnity insurance<\/a> could be important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need business insurance for an online business?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Online businesses face unique risks and challenges, and you need insurance that will meet your particular needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have stock that you sell online, you can protect it against theft and damage with stock cover<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, if you’d struggle to work without your specialised tools, then tool insurance<\/a> will keep those covered against theft and damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, on the other hand, you provide an online service rather than physical products, professional indemnity insurance<\/a> will protect you if a client suffers a financial loss because of your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need business insurance as a sole trader?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While you may not need employers’ liability insurance, there are other covers you need to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a tradesman, you can set up a tailored policy on our tradesman insurance<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wondering about your specific trade? You can check out our insurance by industry<\/a> list to find the cover that\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What type of insurance does my business I need?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Think about the kind of work you do and the risks you need to cover: could your business face a compensation claim from a disgruntled client because they believe you\u2019ve been negligent? Is there a chance a member of the public could be injured by your business and claim compensation? Do you have buildings, contents, business equipment, or stock to insure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popular trades we insure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At Simply Business we insure all kinds of trades like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n