Is professional indemnity insurance a legal requirement for all UK tradespeople?

No, professional indemnity insurance is not a universal legal requirement for all UK tradespeople. However, it is often mandated by contractual agreements with clients, required by professional bodies for specific types of work, or becomes essential if your business provides design, advice, or specialist services where errors could lead to financial loss for clients.

My Public Liability insurance covers me for everything, right?

This is a common misconception. Public Liability insurance covers claims for accidental injury to third parties or damage to their property. Professional indemnity insurance, on the other hand, specifically covers financial losses suffered by a client due to your professional negligence, errors, omissions, or faulty advice, subject to underwriting criteria and terms. They cover different types of risks.

I'm a sole trader and only do physical work, do I still need professional indemnity insurance?

Even sole traders can face professional negligence claims. If your "physical work" involves any element of design, specification, material recommendation, or advising on installation methods, you are providing a professional service. For example, advising a client on the best type of boiler for their home or designing a bespoke kitchen layout can create a professional indemnity exposure.

What kind of mistakes would professional indemnity insurance cover for a tradesperson?

Professional indemnity insurance cover may be available for claims arising from mistakes like: providing an incorrect specification for a heating system leading to extra costs; an error in a kitchen design causing structural issues; incorrect advice on suitable materials resulting in premature failure; or a miscalculation in a structural beam design. It covers the financial losses incurred by the client due to these professional errors, subject to underwriting criteria and terms.

How much professional indemnity cover do I need?

The amount of professional indemnity cover you need depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of your projects, the potential financial impact of a mistake, and any contractual requirements from clients. It's crucial to assess the maximum potential loss a client could suffer due to your error. A specialist broker like Focus Insurance Services can help you determine an appropriate level of cover.

Professional Indemnity Insurance for UK Tradespeople: Do You Need It in 2026?

Home Property Owners Insurance Landlord Insurance HMO Insurance Block of Flats Insurance Commercial Property Insurance Shops & Trades Insurance Retail Insurance Office Insurance Fleet Insurance Van Insurance Courier Fleet Insurance Specialist Products Hospitality Insurance Charity Insurance Builders Insurance Contractors Insurance Knowledge Centre Landlord Insurance Guide Property Portfolio Insurance HMO Insurance Guide Fleet Insurance Guide Shops & Trades Insurance Guide Areas We Cover Insurance Broker London Insurance Broker Manchester Insurance Broker Birmingham Insurance Broker Leeds About Focus Insurance Contact Us Claims FAQs Contractors All Risk Insurance Guide 2026 Landlord Insurance for Student Lets Landlord vs Buildings Insurance UK Charity Insurance for Voluntary Organisations First Time Buyer Household Insurance Guide Landlord Buildings Insurance Explained Van Insurance for Small Businesses Liability Insurance Knowledge Centre