Farm Insurance Australia :: Articles

Public Liability, Product Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance

What are public, product, and professional liability insurances?

Public Liability, Product Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance
Business liability insurance provides protection for your business against the cost of litigation and claims resulting from third party damages or bodily injuries caused due to negligence of your business. In this article we examine the three main types of business liability insurances and how they may apply to your business.

To protect aginst the liabilities that a business can face, the three main types of business liability insurances are

  • public liability insurance,
  • product liability insurance and
  • professional indemnity insurance.

The above mentioned business insurance types differ from one another, but each has it's own importance in protecting the business from liabilities.

Hence, it is very important for businesses to safeguard their investment and to consider the three policies based on the type and need of their business.

Before deciding on what to take you shoukd understand the differences between them.

Public liability insurance

Public liability insurance protects the insured business against the third party claims that could arise due to damage to property, bodily injury or death that have occurred because of operation of the business.

Public liability insurance covers expenses involved in litigation.

If your business happens to be the one involving a lot of customers coming to your business premises, then you should consider taking this insurance.

For instance, if a customer who visits your premises, unfortunately trips and falls at your premises and gets injured, then you will be legally liable to pay him the cost of his medical expenses.

Public liability will cover these costs. Thus, it is very important for your business to be covered under this policy.

Product liability insurance

Product liability insurance is associated with liability resulted due to bodily injury or loss that occurred from the use of a product (defective) you sold.

Thus, if your business is associated with manufacturing, supplying or selling of products, you should consider taking product liability insurance to stay protected against financial claims.

For example, if a toy manufactured by your company is defective and causes harm or injury to your customer, then he can claim compensation for the loss.

This insurance compensates for both legal expenses as well as medical expenses incurred by the insured.

Product liability is only applicable for products that are manufactured or sold, and not for services rendered.

Liabilities arising from services are covered by professional indemnity insurance.

Professional indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity insurance is a compulsory coverage (in many countries) for professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, accountants, architects, insurance brokers and financial advisers.

It covers the liabilities arising due to inadvertent negligence, errors, omissions or loss of data by employees while executing the profession.

It also covers factors which are beyond the control of the insured.

For instance, while processing the data of a client, a small fault made by the employee leads to loss of data. In such cases, having professional indemnity insurance bears the expenses to be incurred.

Deciding the right package of business insurance is quite hard.

You should, however, see to it that you purchase insurance to cover every aspect of the risk involved in your business.

The most common insurance cover includes product liability, public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

All three policies are different from each other, but they are intended to protect your business from different risks of claims and liabilities. Hence, ensure that you have proper cover for your business against possible liabilities.

Published: Wednesday, 18th Aug 2021
Author: 331


Farm Insurance Articles

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Insuring Your Farm Equipment
In the world of agriculture, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Farming is a high-risk industry that deals with unpredictable elements, and insuring your farm equipment can safeguard your livelihood. - read more
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
How to Safeguard Your Farm: A Guide for Australian Farmers
Farming is inherently risky. With factors like weather, pests, and market fluctuations affecting crops, it's crucial to manage these risks effectively. - read more
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
Understanding Farm Equipment Insurance: A Breakdown for Australian Farmers
In the dynamic world of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of farms. From tractors to harvesters, having the right machinery means managing your farm more efficiently. However, the high value of this equipment makes it essential to protect it adequately through insurance. - read more
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Proven Strategies for Australian Farmers to Reduce Farm Insurance Premiums
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Investment in Australia's Sustainable Future
Agroforestry is a transformative approach to land management that integrates trees into agricultural landscapes. In Australia, where farmers contend with variable climates and environmental challenges, agroforestry offers a resilient pathway to productivity and sustainability. - read more
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - read more

Insurance News

NSW and SA Initiate Trials for Increased Mass Limits on Zero-Emissions Trucks
NSW and SA Initiate Trials for Increased Mass Limits on Zero-Emissions Trucks
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards sustainable transport, New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) have commenced trials permitting higher mass limits for zero-emissions trucks. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly heavy vehicles by addressing existing regulatory constraints. - read more
Austroads Survey Uncovers Safety Concerns with Overseas Licensed Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Austroads Survey Uncovers Safety Concerns with Overseas Licensed Heavy Vehicle Drivers
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
A recent survey conducted by Austroads has brought to light significant safety concerns regarding overseas licensed heavy vehicle drivers operating in Australia. With over 1,900 respondents, the survey aims to inform potential policy changes to enhance road safety and driver competency. - read more
ICA Advocates for Government Reforms to Mitigate Rising Motor Insurance Premiums
ICA Advocates for Government Reforms to Mitigate Rising Motor Insurance Premiums
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has issued a call for urgent government action to address the escalating costs of motor insurance premiums. Highlighting a 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019, the ICA attributes this surge to various systemic cost drivers. - read more
Suncorp's Earnings Surge and Share Buyback Announcement
Suncorp's Earnings Surge and Share Buyback Announcement
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Suncorp, a prominent Australian insurer, has reported an 8% increase in full-year cash earnings, reaching A$1.49 billion for the year ending June 30, 2025. This performance exceeded analyst expectations and underscores the company's robust financial health. - read more
ASIC's Legal Action Against RACQ Insurance: What You Need to Know
ASIC's Legal Action Against RACQ Insurance: What You Need to Know
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against RACQ Insurance, alleging that the insurer misled more than 570,000 customers through deceptive premium comparison figures in renewal notices issued between September 2019 and December 2024. - read more
NTI Report Highlights Human Error as Primary Cause of Major Truck Crashes
NTI Report Highlights Human Error as Primary Cause of Major Truck Crashes
12 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
According to the latest report from the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC), human error remains the predominant cause of major truck crashes in Australia. The study, supported by National Transport Insurance (NTI), reveals that inattention and distraction are leading contributors to these incidents, accounting for nearly one-third of all human factor-related crashes. - read more
Queensland Aligns Heavy Vehicle Compliance with National Regulator
Queensland Aligns Heavy Vehicle Compliance with National Regulator
12 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards regulatory consistency, Queensland has transferred its heavy vehicle compliance responsibilities to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). This transition aligns Queensland with New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory, all of which have already integrated their heavy vehicle regulations under the NHVR's oversight. - read more
QBE Exceeds Profit Expectations with Strong Premium Growth
QBE Exceeds Profit Expectations with Strong Premium Growth
12 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Australian insurer QBE has reported a significant increase in net profit for the first half of fiscal 2025, reaching $997 million. This figure surpasses both the previous year's profit of $777 million and market estimates of $839.39 million. The impressive performance is attributed to robust premium growth in North America and international markets, coupled with lower-than-expected claims. - read more
Suncorp's Profit Rises by 8%, Plans A$400 Million Share Buyback
Suncorp's Profit Rises by 8%, Plans A$400 Million Share Buyback
12 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Suncorp, a leading Australian insurer, has reported an 8% increase in full-year cash earnings, reaching A$1.49 billion for the year ending June 30. This performance surpasses analyst expectations of A$1.47 billion and is attributed to improved underlying insurance margins and a 16% increase in net investment returns, totaling A$766 million. - read more
Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information
11 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant ruling, Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, have been fined a total of $16.8 million for providing misleading information about their travel insurance products. The Supreme Court of New South Wales found that between 2016 and 2018, the companies misrepresented the extent of coverage available to consumers, leading to potential misunderstandings about policy benefits. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Public Liability Insurance:
A very broad term for insurance covering liability exposures for individuals and business owners. It provides broad coverage, generally including all exposures for property damage and bodily injury.