What insurance do you need as a tradesman?

Public liability is the cover almost every tradesperson needs first: it pays compensation and legal costs if your work injures someone or damages their property, and clients ask to see the certificate before you start. Employers liability is compulsory the moment you employ anyone, including apprentices and labour-only subcontractors. Tools cover, personal accident, contract works and, for those who design or specify, professional indemnity are the usual additions.

How much is tradesman insurance?

There is no standard figure. Advertised monthly prices are the cheapest possible case. Insurers rate on your trade (roofing, scaffolding and anything involving heat or height cost more than decorating), turnover, the number of people working, the liability limit, the value of tools insured, contract works, the premises you work in, and claims history.

Can I be sued as a sole trader?

Yes. There is no legal separation between a sole trader and the business, so a claim is a claim against you personally and a judgment can be enforced against your savings, van and home. That is the practical reason public liability matters more to a sole trader. A limited company limits what a claimant can reach but does not remove the need for cover.

What insurance does a self-employed tradesman need?

The same core as any tradesperson, minus employers liability until you take someone on: public liability at the limit your clients and sites require, tools cover, and personal accident. Van insurance must carry business use or carriage of own goods. Main contractors often require 5 million pounds of public liability as a minimum.

What insurance does a handyman need in the UK?

A handyman needs public liability for damage and injury caused by the work, employers liability if anyone works for them, and tools cover. Insurers rate by activity and handyman work spans many trades, so declare everything you do, especially heat, height, gas, electrics or roofing, because undeclared activities are the commonest reason a claim is declined.

Is tradesman insurance the same as public liability?

No. Public liability is usually the core section of a tradesman policy, but tradesman insurance is the wider package built around it. Public liability on its own pays claims from other people for injury or damage your work causes; it does not pay for stolen tools, an injured employee, work in progress lost to a fire, or your own lost income. A tradesman policy adds those sections as you need them.

What does tradesman public liability insurance cover?

It pays compensation and legal costs if your work injures a client or member of the public, or damages their property. Most trade policies also include products and completed-work cover for claims that arise after you leave the job. It does not pay to put your own faulty workmanship right, and it does not cover your own injuries, your tools or your employees. Heat work, work at height and commercial sites must be declared.

Is it illegal to work as a tradesman without public liability insurance?

No. Public liability is not required by law in the UK. The law requires employers liability once you employ anyone, including apprentices and most labour-only subcontractors, and motor insurance for your van. In practice most clients, main contractors and commercial sites will not let you start without a public liability certificate, and without it any claim is paid from your own pocket.

Can anyone get tradesman insurance?

Most trades can, including sole traders who are just starting out, but not always on the same terms. Each insurer decides which trades and activities it will accept, so higher-risk work such as roofing, demolition, heat work or work at height may need a specialist insurer. Previous claims, county court judgments, unspent convictions or an earlier refusal must be declared. Declare everything you actually do, because an undeclared activity is a common reason a claim is refused.

Do I need employers liability insurance as a sole trader?

Not while you work entirely alone. Employers liability becomes compulsory under the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 as soon as you employ anyone, including apprentices, part-time and casual workers, and labour-only subcontractors you direct and supply with tools. There is a narrow exemption where every employee is a close family member, but it does not apply to a limited company.

Tradesman Insurance UK: A Complete Guide for Tradespeople

Tradesman insurance (also called tradesmen insurance or trades insurance) is a package of business covers for people who do skilled manual work: public liability for injury or damage your work causes to other people, employers liability as soon as anyone works for you, cover for your tools, and optional contract works, van and professional indemnity sections. It is not the same as public liability on its own, and the covers and limits depend on your trade, whether you employ anyone, and what your clients contracts ask for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tradesman insurance?

Tradesman insurance is a package of covers designed for self-employed tradespeople and contractors. It typically includes public liability, tools cover, and employers liability where relevant. The exact covers required depend on your trade, the type of work you do, and whether you employ staff.

Do tradespeople need public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for tradespeople, but most clients, contractors, and housing associations require you to hold it before you can work on their property. Minimum levels of cover are typically £1 million, £2 million, or £5 million depending on the client.

What is the difference between public liability and employers liability?

Public liability covers claims from third parties (clients, members of the public) for injury or property damage. Employers liability covers claims from your employees if they are injured or become ill as a result of their work. Employers liability is a legal requirement if you employ staff.

Does tradesman insurance cover my tools?

Tools cover is usually available as an add-on to a tradesman policy. It covers your tools and equipment against theft, loss, and accidental damage. Policies typically have limits per item and in aggregate, and some exclude theft from unattended vehicles.

How do I arrange tradesman insurance through Focus Insurance?

Call us on 01733 263311 or request a call-back. Our brokers will discuss your trade, the type of work you undertake, and your cover requirements before approaching the market.

Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Policy limits and exclusions apply.