
In Singapore, public liability insurance is a must-have for businesses and individuals who interact with the public. This type of insurance protects you from financial losses in case you're sued for accidents or injuries caused to others.
The Singapore government requires certain professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, to have public liability insurance. This is to ensure that they can compensate their clients for any harm or loss caused during the course of their work.
If you're a business owner in Singapore, public liability insurance can help you avoid financial ruin in case of a lawsuit. You can choose from various insurance policies that cater to different business needs and budgets.
Public liability insurance premiums in Singapore can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year, depending on factors like the type of business and the level of coverage.
What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect businesses against claims of bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties due to business activities. This coverage is crucial for companies to safeguard against the financial implications of lawsuits and legal fees arising from accidents or negligence.
It ensures that businesses can operate without the constant worry of potential claims, providing financial security and peace of mind.
Key Concepts and Terminology
Public liability insurance policies in Singapore can be complex, but understanding key concepts and terminology can help you navigate them with ease.
The limit of indemnity is the maximum amount an insurer will pay out in the event of a claim, so it's essential to ensure this limit covers potential claims related to your business activities.
Excess is the amount you'll need to pay towards a claim, which can be a significant financial burden, so it's crucial to carefully review your policy.
A policy period is the time frame during which your insurance coverage is effective, and it's vital to renew your policy before the end of each period to maintain continuous coverage.
Exclusions describe what is not covered by your policy, so be sure to read these carefully to understand the full scope of your coverage.
In Singapore, public liability insurance policies often have specific exclusions, so it's essential to review your policy to ensure you're aware of what's not covered.
Business Coverage and Scope
Public liability insurance in Singapore typically covers a wide range of incidents, making it a crucial aspect of business protection.
Different business sectors face varying levels of risk, with retail and hospitality businesses often having high footfall, increasing the risk of accidents.
Construction businesses, on the other hand, have inherently risky operations that require high levels of coverage.
Public liability insurance does not cover injuries to employees or damage to your own property, so separate insurance policies are needed for these aspects.
Regular reviews of your insurance policy's coverage are essential, especially after a claim, to ensure that your public liability insurance remains up-to-date and fit-for-purpose.
Coverage and Scope
Public liability insurance in Singapore covers a wide range of incidents, including accidental property damage and bodily injury caused by your business's negligence.
This type of insurance is essential for businesses that interact with the public, as it provides protection against third-party claims. Public liability insurance typically covers damage to other people's property, such as buildings or vehicles, as well as medical fees incurred due to accidental bodily injury.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and public liability insurance covers incidents that occur off the insured's premises but are related to their business operations or activities. This means that if your business causes an accident at a client's office or in a public area, you're still protected.
Regular reviews of your insurance policy's coverage are crucial to ensure that it remains up-to-date and fit-for-purpose. This helps prevent gaps in coverage and ensures that your business has robust protection against third-party claims.
Public liability insurance also covers legal fees, costs, and expenses incurred in defending against claims. This can include the cost of claims and compensations your business is directed to pay in the event of a claim being upheld.
Off-Premises Liability Coverage
Public liability insurance covers accidents that occur off the insured's premises but are related to their business operations or activities. This means that even if a customer slips and falls outside your store, your insurance can still help cover the costs.
Businesses with physical premises, such as retail outlets, eateries, and boutique stores, are particularly vulnerable to claims stemming from slip-and-fall accidents or other injuries on-site. Public liability insurance is crucial for these businesses to cover potential legal fees and damages.
In the event of a claim, public liability insurance helps ensure business operations can continue uninterrupted by managing the financial and reputational risks associated with legal disputes. This protection supports your business's long-term stability and growth.
Companies operating on-site, such as construction and maintenance companies, face inherent risks due to the nature of their work, including potential damage to property or bystander injuries. Public liability insurance protects these businesses from claims that can arise from their operations.
Companies Operating On-Site
Companies operating on-site, such as construction and maintenance companies, face inherent risks due to the nature of their work.
These risks include potential damage to property or bystander injuries, which can lead to costly claims.
Public liability insurance protects these businesses from claims that can arise from their operations, offering a safety net that allows them to focus on their projects with peace of mind.
According to the MAS, all insurance companies in Singapore are approved, so you can choose a reputable insurer for your business.
Construction companies may need a higher coverage due to the high-risk nature of their operations, while a freelance graphic designer might require less.
To choose the right insurance company, check if your organization meets the eligibility criteria set by insurance companies, compare the plan cost, and choose the one that fits into your company budget.
Here are some key points to consider when selecting a public liability insurance firm:
- Eligibility: Check if your organization meets the eligibility criteria set by insurance companies
- Cost: Compare the plan cost and choose the one that fits into your company budget
- Coverage: It’s wise to pick the insurance company that provides maximum coverage for uncertain losses such as business interruption, product liability, third party liability, employee injury compensation, transit coverage, machinery breakdown and more
Types of Incidents and Exclusions
Public liability insurance in Singapore covers a range of incidents, including bodily injuries and property damage caused by your business activities. If a customer or supplier sustains an injury on your premises or due to your business activities, your policy will cover the associated legal and compensation costs.
The policy will also cover repair or replacement costs if your business activities result in damage to third-party property. This is a crucial aspect of public liability insurance, as it can help prevent financial losses for your business.
Some incidents, however, are excluded from public liability insurance coverage. These include damage to own property, damage to property in your care, custody, or control, and employment practices liability. Additionally, the policy does not cover claims related to the use of motor vehicles, intentional acts of damage, or professional errors.
Here are some specific exclusions of Public Liability insurance:
- Aircraft and watercraft
- Asbestos
- Assumed liability
- Damage to own property
- Damage to property in your care, custody or control
- Employment practices liability
- Fines and penalties
- Known or suspected product defect
- Loss of use
- Nuclear risks
- Pollution
- Professional Indemnity
- War and terrorism
Types of Incidents
Bodily injuries can occur on your premises or due to your business activities, resulting in associated legal and compensation costs that public liability insurance can cover.
Property damage caused by your business activities can be costly, but your policy will cover repair or replacement costs for third-party property.
If a third party makes a claim against your business, the policy will cover the legal fees involved in defending the claim, as well as any settlement or compensation you might have to pay.
Public liability insurance covers claims made against your business by third parties for bodily injury or property damage occurring due to your business operations.
The insurer may conduct an investigation into the claim to verify the details of the incident and assess the extent of liability, so it's essential to cooperate fully with their investigation.
In the event of a claim, the insurer will review the submitted claim to determine whether it's covered under the policy, and if so, the extent of coverage and any applicable deductibles or limits.
Exclusions
Public liability insurance has its limitations, and it's essential to understand what's not covered under this policy. Some exclusions include damage to property in your care, custody, or control, and damage to your own property.
Aircraft and watercraft are also excluded from public liability insurance coverage. This means that if your business is involved in an incident related to these types of vehicles, you won't be able to claim under this policy.
Asbestos, assumed liability, and employment practices liability are also excluded. These exclusions can leave your business vulnerable to costly claims.
Fines and penalties are not covered under public liability insurance, so you'll need to have a separate policy to protect against these types of losses.
The following list outlines some of the key exclusions of public liability insurance:
- Aircraft and watercraft
- Asbestos
- Assumed liability
- Damage to own property
- Damage to property in your care, custody or control
- Employment practices liability
- Fines and penalties
- Known or suspected product defect
- Loss of use
- Nuclear risks
- Pollution
- Professional Indemnity
- War and terrorism
It's also worth noting that public liability insurance typically doesn't cover employee injuries, which are usually covered by worker's compensation insurance. Intentional acts of damage and contractual liabilities are also excluded.
Benefits and Importance
Public liability insurance in Singapore offers a wide range of coverage for various incidents.
Having this insurance shields your business from significant financial losses by covering legal fees and compensation costs associated with third-party claims of injury or property damage.
This protection allows you to focus on your business operations and growth opportunities, secure in the knowledge that potential liabilities are well managed, ultimately enhancing revenue protection.
Benefits of Insurance Removal

Having public liability insurance offers several benefits for your business, but what about when you decide to remove it? The benefits of insurance removal are just as important to consider.
Removing public liability insurance can save you money on premiums, which can be a significant cost for small businesses.
By not having public liability insurance, you may appear more vulnerable to potential clients and partners, which can harm your business reputation.
On the other hand, not having public liability insurance can also give you more control over your finances, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere in your business.
However, without public liability insurance, you'll have to bear the full financial burden of any legal expenses and potential compensation claims, which can be a significant risk.
Here are some key points to consider when weighing the benefits of insurance removal:
Why Get Corporate Cover
Having public liability insurance is crucial for businesses to protect themselves from significant financial losses. This type of insurance shields your business from financial burdens by covering legal fees and compensation costs associated with third-party claims of injury or property damage.
Accidents can happen at any time, and having public liability insurance ensures that a single incident doesn't jeopardize your business's financial health. By having this insurance, you demonstrate to your clients that you are a responsible business owner who takes their safety and security seriously.
Public liability insurance provides coverage for legal expenses and potential compensation claims, saving you from bearing the full financial burden yourself. This financial protection allows you to focus on your business operations and growth opportunities, secure in the knowledge that potential liabilities are well managed.
Here are some key benefits of public liability insurance:
- Financial protection
- Client peace of mind
- Enhanced business reputation
Different business sectors face varying levels of risk, and this is reflected in the extent of coverage required. For instance, retail and hospitality businesses often have high footfall, increasing the risk of accidents, hence a high level of coverage may be necessary.
Choosing and Purchasing a Policy
Choosing a public liability insurance policy that suits your needs involves considering several factors.
Business activities should be evaluated to ensure the policy covers all relevant activities. This is crucial to avoid any gaps in coverage.
Policy limits should be checked to ensure they align with your potential liabilities. You should also understand the exclusions and limitations of the policy to avoid any surprises when making a claim.
It's essential to research the reputation and efficiency of the insurance company's claims process to ensure smooth and hassle-free claim settlements when needed.
Here are some key evaluation points for choosing the right public liability insurance firm:
- Eligibility: Check if your organization meets the eligibility criteria set by insurance companies
- Cost: Compare the plan cost and choose the one that fits into your company budget
- Coverage: It’s wise to pick the insurance company that provides maximum coverage for uncertain losses such as business interruption, product liability, third party liability, employee injury compensation, transit coverage, machinery breakdown and more
You can also purchase public liability insurance online in Singapore via Corporate Cover’s partners, allowing you to easily compare quotes and secure insurance efficiently.
What Provide?
Public liability insurance provides coverage for specific types of incidents, including property damage to a third party's property, bodily injury, and legal costs. These are the core benefits you can expect from a standard policy.
The policy typically covers property damage, which means if your business causes damage to someone else's property, the insurer will help pay for the repairs or replacement.
Bodily injury is also covered, which includes medical expenses and other related costs if someone is injured due to your business activities.
Legal costs are also covered, which can be a significant relief if you're involved in a lawsuit related to your business.
Here are the key types of incidents covered by public liability insurance:
- Property damage to a third party's property
- Bodily injury
- Legal costs
Keep in mind that this coverage is only valid for your business property, not for incidents that occur outside of your business premises.
Choosing and Purchasing a Policy
Choosing and purchasing a public liability insurance policy can be a daunting task, but understanding the key terminology and factors to consider can make the process much smoother.
The policy period is the time frame during which your insurance coverage is effective, so be sure to renew your policy before the end of each period to maintain continuous coverage.
It's essential to evaluate the nature of your business and the associated risks to ensure that the policy covers all relevant activities. Consider the exclusions and limitations of the policy to avoid any surprises when making a claim.
The limit of indemnity refers to the maximum amount that an insurer will pay out in the event of a claim, so it's crucial to ensure this limit adequately covers potential claims related to your business activities.
You can purchase public liability insurance online in Singapore via Corporate Cover's partners, which allows you to easily compare quotes, understand coverage details, and secure insurance efficiently.
Here are some key points to consider when choosing an insurance company:
- Eligibility: Check if your organization meets the eligibility criteria set by insurance companies.
- Cost: Compare the plan cost and choose the one that fits into your company budget.
- Coverage: It's wise to pick the insurance company that provides maximum coverage for uncertain losses such as business interruption, product liability, third party liability, employee injury compensation, transit coverage, machinery breakdown, and more.
By considering these factors and understanding the key terminology, you can make an informed decision and choose the right public liability insurance policy for your business.
Policy Process and Procedures
In Singapore, filing a public liability insurance claim requires a structured approach. You should make a report first, especially if the police are involved, and then notify your insurance provider.
Notifying your insurance provider too quickly can be a mistake. This is because you may inadvertently admit to liability, which can affect your claim.
To submit a liability claim, you'll need specific documents. These typically include the incident report, police report if applicable, clear photographic evidence, CCTV footage, repair quotations, purchase invoice of damaged property, and third-party claimant's legal documents.
Understanding the necessary documents can help you prepare and avoid delays. It's also a good idea to keep these documents organized and easily accessible.
Here are some common types of insurance policies that may be relevant to public liability insurance in Singapore:
- General liability insurance
- Workplace injury compensation insurance
- Professional Indemnity insurance
- Personal data protection for startups
Costs and Premiums
The cost of public liability insurance can vary depending on the size and nature of your business, the coverage limits required, and the level of risk associated with your activities.
Factors that may affect the premiums include your claims history, the level of risk management practices in place, and any additional coverage options you choose.
You should get quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare prices and coverage options.
Public liability insurance cost is not fixed, and different insurance companies have different price plans and policy packages.
It is best to come up with a few options and then compare them with each other to get the best value for your money.
In times of crises or in the event of a global pandemic, many companies look for ways to reduce their insurance costs by cutting additional features of an insurance policy package.
The cost of public liability insurance in Singapore can start as low as $9 per month for $500,000 in coverage.
Identifying the cheapest public liability insurance in Singapore involves comparing various insurers, as rates can fluctuate based on coverage needs and business specifics.
Special Considerations and Industries
Public liability insurance is crucial for businesses across all industries and sizes, but the coverage requirements can vary depending on the type of business and the industry.
Construction companies may need a higher coverage due to the high-risk nature of their operations. Retail and hospitality businesses often have high footfall, increasing the risk of accidents.
Professional services, while they may not have the same physical risks, still require coverage for scenarios like a client tripping over a computer cord in their office. Businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors often have high footfall, increasing the risk of accidents.
Different business sectors face varying levels of risk, and this is reflected in the extent of coverage required. Construction sites are inherently risky, requiring public liability insurance to cover potential damages to the property or neighbouring properties, as well as injuries to subcontractors or visitors.
Public liability insurance does not cover injuries to your employees or damage to your own property; you would need separate insurance policies to cover these aspects.
Regulatory Compliance and Business Continuity
In Singapore, many industries require businesses to carry public liability insurance to operate legally. This is a crucial aspect of regulatory compliance.
Having public liability insurance can also enhance trust with clients and partners, showcasing your commitment to professional responsibility and safety. This is especially important in industries where trust is paramount.
Public liability insurance helps ensure business operations can continue uninterrupted by managing the financial and reputational risks associated with legal disputes. This protection supports your business's long-term stability and growth.
Regulatory Compliance
Many industries require businesses to carry public liability insurance to operate legally. This is especially true for construction companies, which often need a higher coverage due to the high-risk nature of their operations.
Businesses that fail to meet these regulatory requirements can face serious consequences, including fines and even closure. For example, a freelance graphic designer might require less coverage, but still needs to ensure they have the necessary insurance to operate.
Having public liability insurance can also enhance trust with clients and partners, showcasing your commitment to professional responsibility and safety. This is a crucial aspect of building strong relationships with other businesses.
Business Continuity
Business Continuity is crucial for any business to ensure long-term stability and growth. Public liability insurance helps manage financial and reputational risks associated with legal disputes, allowing business operations to continue uninterrupted.
This protection is especially important for businesses that operate in high-risk environments or have a history of legal disputes.
In the event of a claim, public liability insurance helps ensure business operations can continue uninterrupted by managing the financial and reputational risks associated with legal disputes. This protection supports your business's long-term stability and growth.
Who Needs It?
In Singapore, public liability insurance is not strictly regulated, but it's a common practice among businesses to have it as a baseline cover for peace of mind.
Businesses with high public traffic flow into their premises should consider getting public liability insurance.
If you're dealing with contracting, renovations, A&A, construction, commercial affairs, or private residential properties, public liability insurance is mandatory.
Event organizers and managers need event liability insurance to protect themselves from lawsuits and claims related to accidental bodily injury or property damage.
Venue operators will require proof of event liability insurance before allowing an event to take place at their premises.
Landlords often require their tenants to take up a public liability insurance policy that protects both the property owner and the tenant.
Here's a list of businesses that need public liability insurance:
- Contracting
- Renovations
- A&A
- Construction
- Commercial affairs
- Private residential properties
- Event organizers/ managers
- Landlords (commercial leases)
What If I Don't Have It?
Not having public liability insurance in Singapore can be a significant risk for businesses. There are no legal penalties for being uninsured.

You'll be responsible for paying all legal fees and costs if someone sues your company and you don't have insurance. This can be a heavy financial burden.
If the claim against your business is successful, you'll also have to pay a hefty settlement, in addition to the legal fees and solicitor fees.
Insurance Providers and Plans
In Singapore, public liability insurance is offered by several insurance providers, including NTUC Income and AIG.
NTUC Income offers a range of public liability insurance plans, including the NTUC Income Public Liability Insurance, which covers businesses against third-party claims.
AIG, on the other hand, offers the AIG Public Liability Insurance, which provides coverage for businesses against third-party claims, including bodily injury and property damage.
Singapore Plans
Singapore has a well-regulated insurance industry with a wide range of plans available to consumers.
One of the most popular types of insurance plans in Singapore is the Integrated Shield Plan (IP), which provides additional coverage beyond the basic MediShield Life plan.

These plans can be purchased from private insurance companies such as Aviva, AXA, and Great Eastern.
The IP plans offer a range of benefits, including higher claim limits and access to private hospitals.
Consumers can choose from various riders to customize their coverage to suit their needs.
Some IP plans also offer a range of premium payment options, including paying a one-time premium or paying premiums annually or biennially.
MSIG
MSIG offers public liability insurance, which our partners can help you obtain by getting quotations from the respective insurers and comparing them based on price, features, and suitability.
Their approach ensures you get the right coverage for your needs without much hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is general liability insurance Singapore?
General liability insurance in Singapore protects businesses from third-party claims for injury or damage to others' property, but not their own. It covers bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage to others.
Sources
- https://osome.com/sg/blog/what-is-public-liability-insurance-singapore/
- https://www.eazy.com.sg/business-insurance/public-liability-insurance
- https://sleek.com/sg/resources/public-liability-insurance-singapore/
- https://svalinn.sg/business/public-liability/
- https://corporatecover.sg/best-public-liability-insurance-singapore/
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