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Tradesman Liability Insurance
FCA-Regulated Insurance Broker

Tradesman Liability Insurance

Focus Insurance arranges public liability insurance for tradespeople across the UK. Whether you are a sole trader or employ a team, we work with specialist insurers to source cover that reflects the specific risks of your trade.

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Important: Focus Insurance Services is an insurance broker, not an insurer. We arrange cover on your behalf and provide advice tailored to your needs. Policy terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read all documentation carefully.

What Does Tradesman Insurance Cover?

A comprehensive tradesman insurance policy protects you against the most common risks faced by tradespeople working on client premises.

Public Liability Insurance

Covers your legal liability to clients, members of the public, and third parties for injury or property damage arising from your work.

Employers Liability Insurance

A legal requirement if you have employees — covers your liability to staff for injury or illness arising from their work.

Contractors' All Risks

Cover for accidental damage to the works being carried out and to plant and equipment on site.

Tools & Equipment Cover

Cover for the loss, theft, or accidental damage of your tools and equipment — on site and in transit.

Professional Indemnity

Cover for claims arising from professional advice or design services — relevant for design-and-build contractors.

Personal Accident Cover

Income protection if you are unable to work due to accidental injury — important for sole traders.

Why Choose Focus Insurance?

As an independent broker, we work for you – not the insurers. Our expertise ensures you get the right cover at the right price.

Specialist Insurers

Access to insurers with specific experience in tradesman and contractor liability risks.

Personal Service

Speak directly with experienced brokers who understand the risks faced by tradespeople.

Renewal Support

We review your cover at renewal and approach the market to seek competitive terms.

Claims Advocacy

We support you through the claims process during business hours, acting as your advocate.

Is This Cover Right for You?

This insurance is designed for property owners and investors who need comprehensive protection. It may be suitable if you:

  • You are a sole trader or self-employed tradesperson
  • You operate a small building or contracting business
  • Your clients or contracts require you to hold public liability insurance
  • You are a member of a trade association that requires liability cover
  • You carry high-value tools and equipment to client sites
  • You want to ensure your cover reflects all the trades you undertake

What We'll Need for Your Quote

  • 1
    Description of all trades and activities undertaken
  • 2
    Annual turnover and number of employees
  • 3
    Types of contracts undertaken (domestic, commercial, public sector)
  • 4
    Value of tools and equipment to be covered
  • 5
    Claims history for the past three to five years
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is tradesman public liability insurance?
Tradesman public liability insurance covers your legal liability to third parties — including clients, members of the public, and other contractors — for injury or property damage arising from your work. If a client trips over your tools, or you accidentally damage a client's property while working, public liability insurance can cover the cost of legal defence and any compensation awarded. Cover is subject to underwriting and insurer acceptance.
Is public liability insurance a legal requirement for tradespeople?
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for most tradespeople in the UK. However, many clients — particularly commercial clients, local authorities, and main contractors — will require you to hold a minimum level of public liability cover before they will engage you. Some trade associations and accreditation schemes also require members to hold public liability insurance. Even where it is not required, operating without it exposes you to significant personal financial risk.
What public liability limit do I need as a tradesperson?
The most common public liability limits for tradespeople are £1 million, £2 million, £5 million, and £10 million. The appropriate limit depends on the nature of your work and your clients' requirements. Many commercial contracts and local authority frameworks now require a minimum of £5 million public liability cover. If you are tendering for larger contracts, check the minimum limit specified in the tender documents before arranging cover.
What is the difference between public liability and employers liability insurance?
Public liability insurance covers your liability to third parties (clients, members of the public, other contractors). Employers liability insurance covers your liability to your own employees for injury or illness arising from their work. Employers liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK if you have any employees — including part-time, casual, or temporary workers. The two covers are distinct and both may be required depending on your business.
Does tradesman insurance cover tools and equipment?
Tools and equipment cover is a separate extension that can be added to a tradesman insurance policy. It provides cover for the loss, theft, or accidental damage of your tools and equipment. This is particularly important for tradespeople who carry high-value specialist tools. The cover available will depend on the insurer and the value and type of tools being covered.
Can I arrange tradesman insurance for multiple trades?
Yes. If your business covers multiple trades — for example, a general builder who also undertakes plumbing and electrical work — it is important to disclose all trades when arranging insurance. Failure to disclose all activities could affect the validity of your cover if a claim arises from an undisclosed trade. Your broker can help ensure your policy accurately reflects the full scope of your work.

Looking for a complete overview of this insurance type?

Shops & Trades Insurance — Full Range

Related Products

Tradesman Insurance

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Shops & Trades Insurance

Business insurance for retailers, contractors, and tradespeople.

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Employers Liability Insurance

Legal requirement for businesses with employees.

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Trades We Cover

We arrange tradesman liability insurance for a wide range of trades, including:

Builders and general contractors
Electricians
Plumbers
Heating engineers
Plasterers
Painters and decorators
Roofers
Joiners and carpenters
Tilers
Flooring contractors
Glaziers
Landscapers and groundworkers
Scaffolders
Demolition contractors
Groundworkers
Civil engineering contractors

If your trade is not listed above, please call us on 01733 263311. We work with a broad panel of specialist insurers and can often source cover for non-standard trades and activities.

Public Liability Limits for Tradespeople

The most common public liability limits for tradespeople are £1 million, £2 million, £5 million, and £10 million. Many commercial contracts and local authority frameworks now require a minimum of £5 million public liability cover. If you are tendering for larger contracts, always check the minimum limit specified in the tender documents before arranging cover.

Information provided for general guidance only. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Terms and conditions apply. Focus Insurance Services is a trading name of Captios Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Registration No. 717691). Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 09620500.

Ready to Discuss Your Insurance Needs?

Our experienced team is here to help. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about your requirements.

Request a Call-Back01733 263311

Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm