Public Liability Insurance

The Assumption

“Fully insured.”

It’s one of the most reassuring phrases you’ll hear when getting a quote. Most people take it to mean if something goes wrong, it’s covered.

It isn’t.

What Public Liability Insurance Actually Covers

Public liability insurance is there for injury to people and accidental damage to property. It’s designed for unexpected incidents.

What it does not cover is poor workmanship.

The Part Most People Don’t Realise

If something fails because it’s been installed incorrectly, it can be classed as poor workmanship.

When that happens, the damage may not be covered, the repair won’t be covered, and you’re left dealing with the fallout.

A Real Example

A fitting was installed on a high-pressure system in a large property.

On the outlet was a 22mm lever ball valve missing its original nut. It should never have been left like that. Another installer later connected into it using a generic nut from his kit.

It held for six weeks.

Then it failed.

Under pressure, the connection blew off and flooded the property, including a library and its contents. The damage ran to around £250,000.

It was assumed insurance would cover it.

It didn’t.

The investigation found the nut used wasn’t part of the original fitting. The failure was classed as poor workmanship. The claim was rejected.

This Isn’t Rare

Putting a 22mm push-fit stop end cap on an older 3/4” imperial pipe — it can blow off under pressure because imperial 3/4” pipe isn’t actually 22mm, it’s slightly smaller in diameter. The fitting won’t grip properly. Not insured.

Putting a push-fit stop end cap onto chrome pipe — it won’t grip properly. It will come off. Not insured.

Using the wrong fittings on a steam room installation — wrong materials, wrong ratings. Not insured.

These are everyday mistakes with serious consequences.

The Reality

£250,000 worth of damage. No payout. Because of one incorrect component.

Insurance is not a safety net for bad work. It doesn’t step in because something has failed. It steps in when something has gone wrong despite the work being done correctly.

That’s a big difference.

Choosing the Right Contractor

“Fully insured” means very little on its own.

What matters is how the work is carried out, the attention to detail, and the standards being followed. That’s what prevents problems in the first place.

Accountability Matters

Mistakes can happen. The difference is whether the person carrying out the work takes responsibility and puts it right.

If something goes wrong and the installer puts it right, that tells you everything about their character.

What You Should Be Asking

If you’re comparing quotes, don’t just ask if someone is insured.

Ask what happens if something fails due to the way it’s been installed, and who is responsible for putting it right.

Because that’s where the real risk sits.

Final Thought

Insurance doesn’t protect you from poor workmanship.

The only real protection is getting the job done properly in the first place.