Liability 

Running a business involves liability risks. A single lapse in attention, a faulty product or incorrect advice can lead to claims for damages that affect your cash flow and reputation. With appropriate liability insurance for your business (General Liability Insurance), you can protect your company, your employees and your personal assets. Hillewaere Insurance guides you through clear options for Business Interruption Liability, Post-Delivery Liability, Professional Liability and Directors’ Liability.

What types of liability insurance are available for your business?

Business Interruption Liability (Business Premises Liability)

Covers damage to third parties arising during your business activities, on your premises or at customers’ premises. Examples include a customer tripping over a cable, a water leak causing damage or an error made by an employee on site. Can be extended to include cover for goods in your care via the custody clause. Read more about Business Premises Liability for businesses.

Post-Delivery Liability (Products and Services Liability)

Protects you against damage arising after you have completed a project or delivered a product. Examples include a faulty component causing a fire, or a software update bringing systems to a standstill. Relevant for the construction, manufacturing, engineering, IT and hospitality sectors. Discover the options available with Post-Delivery Liability Insurance (Post-Delivery Liability).

Professional Liability

Covers financial loss resulting from professional errors, such as advisory or design errors, which cause financial loss to clients. For many regulated professions, this cover is compulsory or strongly recommended. Indispensable for the self-employed and SMEs in knowledge-intensive services. Read more about professional liability.

Directors’ Liability

Protects directors’ private assets when they are held personally liable for errors in the management of the company, such as negligence, poor investment decisions or late filings. Relevant for public limited companies (NV), private limited companies (BV) and non-profit organisations (vzw). More information on directors’ liability (also known internationally as D&O).

Compulsory insurance and legal context

Depending on your business activity, commercial liability insurance may be required. For premises open to the public, ‘Objective Third-Party Liability, Fire and Explosion Insurance’ often applies. For construction and renovation companies, there is also a statutory obligation to take out ten-year liability insurance (decennial liability insurance), as required by the Act of 31 May 2017. Employers must also take out employers’ liability insurance. Hillewaere helps you comply with all these obligations.

Legal expenses cover as a powerful addition

Legal expenses cover gives you access to legal experts when liability is disputed or when you wish to claim compensation from a third party. It provides support with your defence, the presentation of evidence and legal costs. By combining legal expenses cover with your general public liability insurance, you not only insure against damage but also secure the necessary legal clout to defend your position.

How much does liability insurance cost for your business?

The premium for business liability insurance is tailored to your specific needs. It depends on factors including:

• Activities and sector (construction, manufacturing, services, hospitality)
• Turnover, wage bill and number of employees
• Coverage and limits (Public Liability, Post-Delivery, Professional Indemnity, Directors’ Liability)
• Excess and clauses (such as the custody clause)
• Claims history and risk management

We analyse your risks and negotiate the appropriate cover and premium with leading insurers. Request a bespoke proposal for your business.

Frequently asked questions

Is liability insurance compulsory for businesses?

Not always. Occupational accident insurance is compulsory for employers. Objective Third-Party Liability Insurance for Fire and Explosion is required for premises open to the public. Professional Third-Party Liability may be compulsory depending on the sector. Business Premises Third-Party Liability is usually not a legal requirement, but it is crucial.

How much does liability insurance cost for businesses?

That depends on your activities, turnover/wage bill, desired cover limits, excess and claims history. There is no fixed price. A risk assessment will provide a suitable quote offering the best value for money.

Which insurance policies are compulsory for businesses?

At a minimum, employers’ accident insurance is compulsory. Depending on the activity: insurance against third-party liability for fire and explosion, and sometimes professional liability. Third-party liability insurance for motor vehicles is compulsory for company vehicles.

Which three types of insurance are compulsory?

Commonly mentioned: employers’ compensation insurance, objective third-party liability insurance for fire and explosion (where applicable), and motor third-party liability insurance for company vehicles. Depending on the sector, additional requirements may apply.