For many businesses and self-employed professionals in Northern Ireland, getting Public Liability Insurance shouldn’t be difficult, but it often is. While insurance is widely available across the UK, business owners in Northern Ireland frequently run into an issue, as many brokers simply don’t offer cover beyond the mainland. This gap in service creates a frustrating experience for those trying to protect their livelihood.
At Ashburnham Insurance, we believe Northern Ireland businesses deserve better. We’ve seen firsthand how underserved the region is when it comes to Public Liability Insurance, and we’ve made it our mission to help fill that gap. So why is Northern Ireland often excluded, and what makes Public Liability Insurance there different?
The Reality Behind the Problem
Public Liability Insurance is designed to protect businesses against claims made by members of the public for injury or property damage. It’s a contractual requirement in many situations, particularly if you’re operating in public spaces or bidding for local authority contracts. But despite its importance, many UK-based insurers quietly exclude Northern Ireland from their standard offerings. This can happen for a number of reasons.
Sometimes it’s down to licensing or regulation. Insurance providers might not be set up to operate in Northern Ireland due to the need for different authorisations or local representation. In other cases, it’s a matter of underwriting strategy: insurers perceive Northern Ireland as higher risk or less familiar territory, so they avoid it entirely rather than tailoring policies accordingly.
There’s also a business efficiency factor at play. Brokers and aggregators often rely on systems that are configured for mainland postcodes. If you enter a Northern Irish address, you might get no results at all, or worse, a quote that looks valid but isn’t, once you check the small print. As a result, many businesses in Northern Ireland are either left without cover or end up paying more than their mainland counterparts for the same level of protection.
Is NI Really That Different?
While Northern Ireland is part of the UK, it has its own legal system, which can affect how insurance claims are handled. The basic principles of liability law are similar to those in England and Wales, but there are differences in how cases proceed through the courts, the types of damages awarded, and the legal costs involved.
For insurers who aren’t familiar with this environment, or who don’t have legal partners in Northern Ireland, it can feel like a risk they’re not prepared to take. This leads to further hesitancy and fewer options for the people who need protection the most.
That said, there’s no practical reason why a reputable insurer can’t cover businesses in Northern Ireland. With the right underwriting support and the will to provide service across the whole of the UK, these barriers can be overcome.
What We Do Differently
At Ashburnham Insurance, we actively work with providers who are happy to offer Public Liability Insurance to businesses in Northern Ireland. We understand the frustration of being told, “Sorry, we don’t cover NI.” That’s why we’ve built relationships with insurers who do, and who understand the needs of local businesses. We treat it as a valuable part of the UK business landscape, one that’s full of hardworking professionals who deserve access to proper insurance, without jumping through unnecessary hoops.
Our team takes the time to understand the type of work you do, where you do it, and what kind of liability risks you face. We then match you with a policy that not only meets your legal obligations but also gives you peace of mind to get on with your work.
Why It Matters for Your Business
If you’re working with members of the public, Public Liability Insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Accidents can and do happen, and if you don’t have adequate cover, a single claim could cost thousands of pounds. In some industries, having the right policy is also a requirement for getting on site, securing a contract, or being approved by your local council.
For Northern Ireland businesses, the limited choice in the insurance market can lead to delays, additional costs, or even operating without proper insurance coverage. That’s a risk you don’t need to take. By choosing a broker, like Ashburnham Insurance, who understands the local insurance landscape and who works with providers that support NI, you can avoid the hassle and ensure your business is protected.
Let’s Get You Covered
We don’t just serve the UK, we serve the whole of the UK. That includes Northern Ireland. Whether you’re renewing your current policy or taking out Public Liability Insurance for the first time, we’re here to help you find the right cover at a fair price. No exclusions. No confusion. Just straightforward insurance from people who know how the system works.
If you’ve struggled to find Public Liability Insurance in Northern Ireland, or simply want to ensure you’re getting a good deal with proper protection, please give us a call on 0800 1696137 or request a quote online. Let’s make insurance one less thing to worry about, wherever your business is based.