🟢 Introduction
If you’re a private tutor in the UK — whether you teach maths, music, or science — you might be wondering:
Do I really need public liability insurance?
You’re not alone — many part-time and full-time freelancers have the same question. We also covered this in our guide for part-time freelancers.
While it’s not legally required, in many cases, having insurance can protect you from costly claims and help build trust with parents and students. In this guide, we’ll break down what it covers, when it’s needed, and how to choose the right policy.
🔍 What Is Public Liability Insurance (and What Does It Cover)?
Public liability insurance protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged due to your work. For example:
- A student trips over your bag during a lesson and breaks their wrist
- You spill coffee on a client’s laptop
- A parent slips on your front step after dropping off their child
If you’re sued, public liability insurance can cover legal fees, compensation, and court costs — often up to £1 million or more.
🧑🏫 Do Tutors Actually Need It in the UK?
Legally? No, it’s not a requirement to have public liability insurance as a tutor.
But in practice? Often yes, especially if:
- You teach in a student’s home, your home, or a rented space
- You run group sessions or tutor in schools
- You want to work with local authorities or agencies (they often require it)
Even self-employed, part-time tutors can be held liable if something goes wrong — and without insurance, you could be paying out of pocket.
Other client-facing professions like dog walkers and mobile hairdressers face similar risks and also benefit from public liability insurance.
✅ Benefits of Having Public Liability Insurance as a Tutor
- Peace of mind — no stressing about accidental damage or injury
- Professional credibility — looks more serious on your CV or website
- More opportunities — some agencies and venues require proof of cover
💼 Best Insurance Providers for Tutors in the UK (2025)
Here are top picks based on affordability, freelancer focus, and ease of setup:
1. PolicyBee
- ✅ Covers tutors, trainers, and coaches
- Cover from ~£50/year
- Includes optional professional indemnity (if you give advice)
- Friendly UK support team
- 👉 Get a quote
2. Simply Business
- ✔️ Quick online quote system
- Covers public liability + professional indemnity + business contents
- Lets you compare multiple insurers at once
- 👉 Get a quote
3. Superscript
- 🧾 Modern, monthly subscription model
- Ideal for part-time or flexible tutors
- Online quote in under 5 mins
- 👉 Try Superscript
Need help deciding between providers? Check out our full PolicyBee vs Simply Business comparison.
📊 Comparison Table
| Provider | Starting Price | Dog Specific Cover |
|---|---|---|
| PolicyBee | ~ £50 a year | ✅ Yes |
| Simply Business | Varies | ✅ Yes |
| Superscript | Monthly Plans | ✅ Yes |
❓ FAQs
Q: Is insurance mandatory for tutors in the UK?
No, but it’s highly recommended — especially if you teach in-person.
Q: Does it cover online tutoring?
Public liability does not apply to online risks — but professional indemnity insurance is available if your advice or content leads to loss or harm.
Q: Can I get insured as a part-time tutor?
Yes — most insurers offer cover for part-time and sole trader tutors.
🧠 Final Thoughts
You might not need public liability insurance by law, but if you tutor in person, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make. One accident could lead to a costly claim — but with insurance, you’re protected and professional.
Whether you’re tutoring GCSE maths once a week or running full-time music sessions, having cover gives you one less thing to worry about.
We’ve also written about insurance for part-time freelancers if you’re just starting out or only tutor occasionally.