Do you need public liability insurance?

Public Liability insurance covers you and your rescue group for losses or damage a third party suffers (or claims to have suffered) as a result of your rescuing activities.

The insurance provides protection against legal and court costs (i.e. legal liability) in the event that someone is injured, or has their property damaged while you are providing a service to them. This type of insurance covers incidents that occur not only at your premises, but also at events you attend at external locations.

Why do I need it?

In every single line of work, there is always the potential for something to go wrong – dogs chew, cats scratch, basically accidents happen and when they do, you or your business can be held liable.

Public Liability claims can be incredibly costly, and even if you are not at fault, you may still incur considerable legal costs while defending yourself. Even if your rescue group is very small, Public Liability insurance is recommended to protect you and your volunteers from any potential costs.

Who is covered by my Public Liability insurance policy?

A Public Liability insurance policy should cover:

• Your business, including any subsidiary companies, and
• Your staff, including any principal, employee, director, partner or employee whilst they are acting within the scope of their duties.

Will a public liability insurance policy cover our performance/special event?

Public Liability insurance will cover external events provided they are within the scope of your normal business activities. If you are unsure contact your insurance provider for further information or to arrange additional cover.

Examples of cases where Public Liability insurance would apply:

During a visit to a foster carers house, an adopter trips and breaks their arm. Public Liability insurance would cover your rescue group and your volunteer if the individual claimed for injuries sustained as a result of an unsafe meeting place.

A happy puppy knocks over a display at an event and breaks a window. Public liability would cover any claim by the location on you for damages.

How much cover do I need?

The most appropriate level of cover will differ greatly depending on the kind of rescue work you do and events you run, so it is important to discuss your individual needs with a financial advisor or broker and getting advice is free.

How to find an insurance company

We've got access to an exclusive insurance deal for PetRescue members. Find out more here.