Bizstartup.ie - NewsLow-cost public liability insurance online

Second-generation family business Sean Burke Insurances has introduced the site, Publicliability.ie, serving 100 different non-hazardous professions.

Seeing a niche in the market

“Nobody else was doing something like this in Ireland so we saw a niche in the market. There’s a certain amount of public liability that can be bought as a commoditised product, where you don’t need to go into a lot of detail or provide advice,” says Burke.

The website is aimed at small firms and start-ups. Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement in Ireland, but Burke notes that increasingly businesses are finding that cover is required when they go for a contract or tender and they’re losing out to firms that have policies in place.

Public liability insurance for businesses

Statistics released by Injuriesboard.ie show that in 2009 there were 8,645 personal injury claims lodged, which amounted to compensation of €200m. These figures are set to rise in the future, according to Burke.

“In today’s litigious society, public liability insurance is crucial for any business or individual. Accidents can occur, no matter how conscientious and prepared you are and public liability insurance is the best form of protection. No matter what occupation you’re in, you’re always at risk of a third-party claim.”

Photo: Sean Burke of Sean Burke Insurance, which has just launched a new website – Publicliability.ie – to fill a niche in the marketplace for public liability insurance for businesses