Public liability insurance for driving instructors

As a driving instructor, you’ll know that lessons don’t always go according to plan, but having public liability insurance can help minimise your financial risk.

Here, we look at why public liability insurance is important for driving instructors and how much a policy might set you back.

• What is public liability insurance?
• What does public liability for driving instructors cover?
• Do driving instructors need public liability insurance?
• How much public liability cover do I need?
• How much does public liability for driving instructors cost?
• Driving instructor public liability insurance for peace of mind

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance helps cover costs if a member of the public decides to sue you because they believe you’ve been negligent.

Similar to landlord public liability insurance, policies vary by insurer but typically cover claims for injury (or death) and damage to property. This includes legal costs, compensation, and medical expenses.

What does public liability for driving instructors cover?

Insurance policies should always reflect your risks, and public liability for driving instructors is no different. For example, public liability could cover you for accidentally trapping your student’s hand in the car door as you close it, leaving them with broken bones.

Do driving instructors need public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance isn’t compulsory. That said, it’s strongly recommended as part of your overall driving instructor or driving school insurance. This can help ensure you have appropriate cover that reflects all the risks you face.

If you don’t have a policy in place and are taken to court, you could be held liable for any costs.

Is public liability insurance a legal requirement?

As a driving instructor, you don’t need public liability insurance by law. But bear in mind that court costs, legal advice, and medical bills can spiral into the thousands, and if you’re found negligent, those costs will likely fall on you to cover.

How much public liability cover do I need?

To work out what level of cover you need, insurers will consider the risks involved, the size of your business and how it’s run. Generally, £1 million worth of public liability is enough if you only have one learner or passenger at a time, but you can opt for more if your business is considered higher risk.

For example, if you own a medium to large driving school with a fleet of cars, the level of cover you need alongside your fleet insurance or commercial motor insurance will be very different compared to a small business with just one or two cars and instructors.

Insurers may also consider whether you’re an ADI (approved driving instructor) or trainee (PDI or potential driving instructor). Not only that, the type of driving you teach and who your students are can also affect what you might need. For instance, if you run off-road training activities or instruct previously banned or convicted drivers, the perceived risk is greater, which could mean you need a higher level of cover.

How much does public liability for driving instructors cost?

Policies reflect the risks your driving school business faces, so you can expect costs to vary. To give you a rough idea, annual policies with Alan Boswell Group start from:

• £25 for £1 million worth of public liability
• £35 for £2 million worth of public liability
• £45 for £5 million worth of public liability

(Prices correct as of 21/08/2024)

Read our article to find out more about the cost of driving instructor insurance.

Driving instructor public liability insurance for peace of mind

Accidents are unpredictable by nature, but public liability can help lower your financial risk if something goes wrong and a claim is made against you.

Although public liability cover is not required by law, it is considered an essential part of any driving instructor insurance policy.

For more information about how we can help you with driving instructor and public liability insurance, contact us or speak with an expert adviser at 01603 301770.