Types of cover

>

Public and Product Liability insurance

image | filename

Public and Product Liability insurance

From third party personal injury to property damage, understanding and safeguarding against your potential business liabilities is important. Here's how Zest Insurance can help.
hero

What is Public and Product Liability (PPL) insurance?

Public and Product Liability (PPL) insurance is designed to cover businesses against claims for personal injury or property damage to third parties caused by your business activities. For covered claims, it is intended to support legal costs and compensation expenses.

Why do you need Public and Product Liability insurance?

Public and Product Liability insurance is an important business cover for small businesses in Australia. Claims for third party damages to people and property can be crippling if you’re found to be negligent. Public and Product Liability insurance offers a level of coverage for the legal costs associated expenses and compensation you may become liable for.

Many contracts you enter into with a client, and even your commercial lease, may include a requirement for Public and Product Liability insurance.

Why? Because your clients or landlord need reassurance that cover is in place should property be damaged or a person injured.

Third party claims can be costly, and damages can be far-reaching, making Public and Product Liability insurance incredibly important for all businesses. You may damage a client’s property when visiting, or a client may lodge a ‘slip and fall’ claim after a visit to your office. If you’re found to be negligent, your PPL policy can offer insurance coverage.

Explore insurance for your small business

image | filename

Key features of Public and Product Liability insurance from Zest Insurance

Public and Product Liability insurance from Zest Insurance includes coverage such as*:

image | filename

Our Public and Product Liability insurance policies allow you to select the level of cover for your business, providing the flexibility based on your business's potential risks and liabilities, or if a client or customer advises they require you to hold a particular level of cover.

* Please refer to the Zest Insurance policy documentation for full details of cover!

What to consider when deciding on Public and Product Liability insurance

There are a wide range of factors to consider when deciding upon the amount of PPL insurance you require to effectively cover your business. Read our Zest Insurance article to learn more:

19th June 2025

Public and Product Liability

At Zest Insurance, we understand that running your own business can be full of excitement and challenges. We also appreciate that one of those challenges can be understanding Public and Product Liability insurance! It may feel like you're wading through a sea of complex terms and conditions, but don't worry - we're here to simplify it for you.

Let's dive into the key points you need to know to make sure your business is well-protected.

Coverage Scope: Public and Product Liability insurance is your shield against claims from third parties who suffer bodily injury or property damage because of your business operations. This coverage extends to incidents on your business premises or anywhere your business activities take place.
Contracts and agreements: It is common for contracts and agreements with clients, providers and suppliers, even your commercial lease agreement, to list this insurance as a requirement to cover any potential accidents or damages to the premises.
Coverage limits: When arranging your Public and Product Liability insurance, it's crucial to think about the right coverage limits for your business. This depends on your business's risks and liabilities, influenced by your business size, operations, and the types of clients or customers you serve. At Zest Insurance, we understand choosing the right coverage limits can be daunting, so our online platform gives suggestions on the coverage limits most commonly chosen by businesses that are comparable to yours.
Exclusions and limitations: All insurance policies have their exclusions and limitations, and Public and Product Liability insurance is no exception. Common exclusions can include intentional acts, paid advice (which needs Professional Indemnity insurance), gradual pollution, and certain contractual liabilities. Make sure you thoroughly review your policy so you know exactly what's covered.
Cost factors: The price of Public and Product Liability insurance varies based on factors like your business size, location, operations, claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Risk management practices: Implementing good risk management practices can reduce the chances of incidents leading to public and product liability claims. This includes keeping your premises safe, using proper signage, training employees well, and regularly inspecting equipment and facilities.
Claims process: If an incident occurs, knowing your claims process is crucial. Report incidents to your insurer promptly and cooperate with their investigation. Timely reporting and thorough documentation help speed up claim resolutions and minimise business disruptions.
image | filename

Understanding these aspects of Public and Product Liability insurance helps you safeguard your small business against potential liabilities and ensures you have the right coverage in place. This way, you can focus more on growing your business and less on worrying about what could go wrong.

image | filenameimage | filename

Insure with Zest Insurance

Insure your business with Zest

Related posts

19th June 2025

Public and Product Liability

Running a small business means keeping an eye on many moving parts, from essential equipment to valuable inventory. Protecting and extending the life of these assets is crucial for smooth operations and financial stability. Here are six effective strategies to help you maintain and preserve your business contents.

1. Regular maintenance and upkeep

Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your business equipment and furnishings. Create a maintenance schedule for all critical assets, including machinery, computers, office furniture, and other equipment. Regular servicing can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. For example, keep office electronics like printers and computers clean and updated. Lubricate, calibrate, and inspect machinery for wear and tear. Keeping everything in top shape reduces the risk of unexpected failures and extends the lifespan of your assets.

2. Implement suitable storage solutions

How you store your business contents can significantly impact their longevity, so it’s well worth investing in proper storage solutions designed to protect your items from damage. Shelving units, climate-controlled storage rooms, and protective covers can help keep your inventory and equipment in good condition. It goes without saying that you should store perishable goods in appropriate refrigeration units, and keep delicate items in cushioned and stable environments to prevent damage. It’s easy for a busy office to get messy, so proper storage also includes organising your space to avoid clutter, which can lead to accidental damage or misplacement.

3. Train employees on handling procedures

If you have employees, they can play a vital role in maintaining the condition of your business contents. Provide thorough training on the correct handling, operation, and storage of equipment and inventory to prevent unnecessary damage. Post signage near equipment to reinforce instructions about proper usage. Train employees to lift heavy items properly to avoid damage and injury. Ensure they know how to use machinery and tools correctly to prevent misuse that could lead to breakdowns. Regular training sessions and reminders given at team meetings can reinforce these practices, ensuring everyone contributes to preserving assets.

4. Invest in quality equipment and supplies

While it may be tempting to cut costs by purchasing cheaper equipment and supplies, this can lead to higher expenses in the long run due to frequent replacements and repairs. Investing in high-quality items may have a higher upfront cost, but they typically offer better durability and performance. For example, buying a reliable brand of computers for your office can save you from frequent breakdowns and replacements. You may also wish to consider if buying an extended warranty at the time of product purchase is a good option for you. Using high-quality packaging materials can better protect your inventory during storage and transportation, reducing the risk of damage.

5. Monitor and control environmental conditions

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting can affect the longevity of your business contents. Monitor and control these conditions to create an optimal environment for your assets. Excessive humidity can cause corrosion in machinery and mould growth in inventory, while extreme temperatures can damage electronic equipment. Use climate control systems like air conditioning, dehumidifiers, and proper ventilation to maintain a stable environment. Additionally, control lighting to prevent fading and deterioration of items exposed to light over long periods. environment.

6. Hold suitable Business Contents insurance

Even with the best preventive measures, unforeseen events like fire, theft, or natural disasters can occur. Holding Business Contents insurance is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring quick recovery from such incidents. This insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing damaged or stolen items, helping you avoid significant financial losses. It provides peace of mind, knowing your assets are protected against unexpected events. When choosing a policy, ensure it covers all critical contents of your business and consider specific risks associated with your industry or location.

image | filename

Protecting and extending the life of your business contents is vital for maintaining smooth operations and financial health. Regular maintenance, proper storage, employee training, investing in quality items, environmental control, and holding Business Contents insurance are essential strategies to safeguard your assets. Implementing these measures helps reduce the risk of damage, minimise costs, and ensure your business continues to thrive.

image | filenameimage | filename

Insure with Zest Insurance

Insure your business with Zest

19th June 2025

Public and Product Liability

Small business owners often assume that cyber criminals target corporate organisations, so you might be surprised to hear that

research shows

three quarters of ransomware attacks are directed at small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

With this in mind, let's chat about something of vital importance: covering your business from the financial, operational, and reputational fallout of cyber incidents. Here are six key things you should know about cyber risk and cyber insurance, to keep your business safe from the ever-growing impact of cyberattacks:

1.

Know what’s covered: Cyber insurance policies generally cover both first-party and third-party liabilities. First-party coverage handles things like IT security costs, system repairs, business interruption, reputational damage, and even cyber extortion. Third-party coverage kicks in for legal defences, settlements, and damages if someone sues you over a cyber incident. Make sure you understand both types of coverage.
2.
Focus on prevention: Insurers might want you to implement certain cybersecurity practices to qualify for coverage. This could include regular vulnerability assessments, employee cybersecurity training, multi-factor authentication, and data encryption. Not only do these steps reduce your risk, but they can also show insurers you're serious about cybersecurity, potentially lowering your premiums.
3.
Have a plan: A solid incident response plan is crucial. This plan should spell out exactly what to do if a cyber incident occurs, from notifying affected parties to containing and recovering from the breach. It should also include communication strategies and details on engaging legal and forensic experts. Insurers may require you to have this plan and might even help you develop it.
4.
Stay compliant: Be aware of data protection and privacy regulations. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and penalties if you suffer a data breach. Many cyber insurance policies cover fines and penalties for regulatory violations, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of your policy.
5.
Keep evaluating: Cyber risks are always changing, so regularly review and update your insurance coverage. Conduct periodic risk assessments, review your policy terms, and stay informed about new cyber threats. This ongoing evaluation ensures your coverage stays relevant and effective.
6.
Ensure it's customized: One size doesn’t necessarily fit all with cyber insurance. Make sure the policy you take out has been tailored to fit the specific needs of your business. This could mean adjusted coverage limits, adding endorsements for particular risks, or a policy that incorporates protections unique to your industry. Customisation is key to getting the right coverage.
image | filename

By getting a good grasp of these aspects of cyber risk and insurance, you can better shield your small business from the negative impacts of cyber incidents and technology-related risks. Stay safe out there!

image | filenameimage | filename

Insure with Zest Insurance

Insure your business with Zest

hero

With Zest Insurance, it's quick and simple to explore insurance options for your business

Consider the impact of an incident relating to public and product liability

Here are some examples of potential PPL claims that illustrate how easily incidents can impact small businesses**:

image | filename

Employment agency

A candidate visiting your office for an interview trips on a loose carpet edge and suffers injuries, leading to a claim for medical costs and damages.

image | filename

Bookkeeper

A delivery person trips and falls over boxes of client files left unattended in your office, leading to injuries and a claim for compensation.

image | filename

Marketing agency

During a seminar organised by your agency and facilitated in your office, a participant slips on a wet floor near the refreshment area and sustains injuries, resulting in a claim for medical expenses and damages.

** These examples are hypothetical, based on the types of scenarios that could potentially lead to a PPL insurance claim for a small business. All claims are assessed by Chubb on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of the Chubb Multipack Policy Wording.

image | filename

Explore insurance for your small business

Search for your business or occupation to view relevant Zest Insurance cover.

hero