Will I be able to get public liability Insurance?

[Goo154]

Hi I’m not sure where to post this but hopefully it is okay here.

Right so I self taught myself how to weld a few years ago. No qualifications etc. when lockdown hit I started making fitness equipment such as gym machines for myself and others. I turned into a sole trader a few years ago but tbh I have no clue on the business side of things. I don’t have public liability or as I said any qualifications etc. everything has been fine so far and iv made some cool stuff. I’m starting to think of getting public liability incase anything does go wrong with anything I make. Will I be able to get public liability since I am self taught? Is there anything else I am also missing and should be doing? Would anyone have any idea of costs? I only do this on a small scale from home.

 

[Munkul]

If you're careful with your scope when you get prices, it should only be a few hundred quid.

 

[skotl]

Have a look at Hiscox - they have an easy to follow online quote system

 

[Goo154]

Have a look at Hiscox - they have an easy to follow online quote system

Thank you il have a look

 

[skotl]

Thank you il have a look

No worries - welcome to the forum, by the way

There's an intros section over here - https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/forums/introductions.8/ - if you'd like to tell us a little about yourself. Moving from an amateur to a professional setup is probably something a lot of people have gone through and/or are interested in.

 

[Goo154]

No worries - welcome to the forum, by the way

There's an intros section over here - https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/forums/introductions.8/ - if you'd like to tell us a little about yourself. Moving from an amateur to a professional setup is probably something a lot of people have gone through and/or are interested in.

Thank you I tried another website as this one wouldn’t give me a quote for some reason.

would there be any other requirements I would need as some of the things I am building are going into commercial gyms? Don’t want to be braking any laws or anything as I am not certified I am just a self taught fabricator. Just abit worried as I’m enjoying doing this sort of work but don’t want to get into any sorts of troubles.

 

[Goo154]

I am currently researching but can’t really find anything set in stone so it would be interesting if anyone has any experience making anything similar and knows the answer to that

 

[Screwdriver]

On the business side I would suggest you find yourself a good accountant. A good one will be able to help with more than just the financials. I imagine they would also be best placed to advise you on insurance.

 

[My Old Landy]

I would have thought professional indemnity insurance would be required and the equipment to made to whatever standard is relevant.
My experience is in electrical systems but I would assume something that has stresses applied by the public would fall under some standards.

 

[Goo154]

On the business side I would suggest you find yourself a good accountant. A good one will be able to help with more than just the financials. I imagine they would also be best placed to advise you on insurance.

Thanks yeah good idea, Il probably have to seek advice from someone

 

[Agroshield]

Stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before you.

Find other suppliers of gym equipment and see what recognised standards they make their products to.

Be sneaky. Pose as a potential buyer of these and pretend you are ultra-conservative on safety. Ask potential suppliers to send you the certification that proves their products are made to the standards they quote.

Put 'gym equipment product standards' into a google and see what it tells you.

Standards and certifications in gym equipment - Sport Tech UK

Standards and certifications in gym equipment When it comes to offering quality equipment for a gym, it is essential to ensure that each machine complies with the gym equipment regulations and the necessary certifications to guarantee product safety and durability. In addition to ensuring user...

sporttechuk.co.uk

Fitness Product Regulations in the European Union: An Overview

A practical guide to GPSD, Machinery Directive, REACH, lab testing, and certification for fitness products to the European Union.

www.compliancegate.com

You need to know about these things if only to satisfy yourself that what you are doing does _not_ fall within their scope.

I would think that it would be difficult to get meaningful insurance if you cannot show the insurers your products meet those standards.

There would be at least three aspects to the product assurance: design, materials and manufacture.

 

[xillent]

commercial insurance broker based in motherwell, scotland - WH&R McCartney Insurance Brokers

commercial insurance broker based in motherwell, scotland, experts in professional indemnity insurance

www.whrmccartney.com

can probably help

 

[angellonewolf]

would the insurance be a bit pointless as if it failed due to incompetence in any type of fabrication does that mean they pay out and that leaves you in the clear ?

id would have thought insurance would cover a tube braking at a week point due to a manufacture of the tube but not if your welds where sub standard

has there ever been any testing done of any equpitment load tests etc as id say any on the market shoud have ?

 

[bourbon]

As above, find out what standards are applicable to the equipment first. I would have thought UKCA at least. Then find out what testing is required and do it to a piece. You may find out that after all of that, you are selling your products too cheap.

 

[8ob]

I would have thought a product liability insurance would be more appropriate.

Bob

Edit

How it Differs from Public Liability Insurance

Product liability is often sold as part of a combined policy with public liability insurance, but they cover different risks.

• Public liability insurance covers claims for injury or property damage caused by your business activities or operations (e.g., a customer tripping over a loose cable in your shop).
• Product liability insurance specifically covers claims arising from the products themselves after they have left your possession.

 

[aesmith]

I would have thought professional indemnity insurance would be required and the equipment to made to whatever standard is relevant.
My experience is in electrical systems but I would assume something that has stresses applied by the public would fall under some standards.

Not that I'm 100% on the scope of various types of cover, but doesn’t Professional Indemnity cover specifically claims made by your customers?

 

[My Old Landy]

Not that I'm 100% on the scope of various types of cover, but doesn’t Professional Indemnity cover specifically claims made by your customers?

Indeed, it also helps with legal expenses should someone get injured or die using something designed by you.

 

[My Old Landy]

It doesn't absolve you if there is a problem, you still need the calculations and design files but it does help with the costs.