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What Is Tradesmen Insurance?
Every trade comes with its own risks. Whether you’re working on rooftops, rewiring homes, fitting boilers, or laying foundations, one mistake or accident can be costly. Tradesmen insurance protects your livelihood by covering liability, tools, and contract work under a single policy, keeping your business safe, legal, and professional.
What Does Tradesmen Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive policy typically includes:
- Public liability insurance – Covers injury or property damage claims made by clients or members of the public. Learn more about this cover in our full Public Liability Insurance guide.
- Employers’ liability insurance – Required by law if you hire anyone, even labour-only subcontractors. Read about your obligations in our Employers’ Liability Insurance page.
- Tools and equipment cover – Replaces or repairs stolen, damaged, or lost tools.
- Contract works insurance – Covers unfinished work damaged by fire, flood, or vandalism. We break down how it works in What Is Contract Works Insurance and Do Builders Really Need It?.
- Personal accident insurance – Pays a benefit if you’re injured and can’t work.
Your policy can also extend to van or fleet cover see our Fleet Insurance guide for multi-vehicle options.
Do You Really Need Tradesmen Insurance?
If you deal with customers, handle tools, or work on-site, you almost certainly do.
Even a small mishap, a cracked window, a trip hazard, or damage to a client’s property, can result in a claim worth thousands. A valid liability policy not only keeps you compliant but also reassures clients that they’re hiring a professional.
If you’re self-employed or working alone, our guide on whether one-man-band tradesmen need insurance explains what cover levels are essential and which can be optional.
Compare Cover by Trade
Each trade faces unique risks. Explore our dedicated guides for detailed breakdowns:
- Roofers Insurance – Includes public liability, tools, and contract works cover for roofers and scaffolding contractors.
- Builders Insurance – Covers site work, subcontractors, and structural projects.
- Plumbers Insurance – Protection against water damage, leaks, and call-out accidents.
- Electricians Insurance – Liability and professional indemnity for wiring and certification work.
- Groundworkers Insurance – Excavation, plant equipment, and subcontractor protection.
- Tree Surgeon Insurance – Height work, machinery, and personal accident cover.
Each page includes live examples of how policies are structured, average costs, and what exclusions to watch for.
Cost of Tradesmen Insurance
Prices depend on the trade, size of business, and claims history.
To get a sense of specific premiums, check out:
Comparing multiple providers is the best way to find fair pricing, we connect you directly with trusted brokers who specialise in trade insurance.
Claims and Common Issues
When something goes wrong, knowing what to do next is crucial.
We’ve put together detailed guides to help you handle claims and prevent future problems:
- What Happens When a Tradesman Needs to Make an Insurance Claim
- What to Do if There’s an Accident on Site
- How to Prove You Weren’t at Fault in a Roofing Claim
Keeping accurate records, taking photos of completed work, and maintaining communication with clients all help when defending a claim.
How to Keep Your Policy Valid
Many tradesmen unknowingly invalidate their cover by skipping small print details.
Renewal dates, subcontractor declarations, and storage arrangements all matter.
Read our guide on how to keep your tradesman insurance valid to avoid costly mistakes at renewal.
If you hire subcontractors, our article on what tradesmen should know before hiring subcontractors covers how liability transfers between contractors.
Related Reading
To deepen your understanding of business-wide cover, explore:
- Business Insurance overview – The umbrella page linking all trade and shop policies.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance – Ideal for trades offering design or consultancy services.
- Fleet Insurance – For companies running multiple vans or vehicles.
- Shop Insurance – If your trade includes a retail or showroom premises.
These related pages support broader coverage for trades that span physical work, advice, and business operations.
Get a Tradesmen Insurance Quote
Getting covered is quick and straightforward.
Use our comparison form to connect with trusted UK brokers and receive tailored quotes for your trade.
For guidance on choosing the right policy limits, see our pages on builders insurance, roofers insurance, or plumbers insurance.
Tradesmen Cover FAQs
Do self-employed tradesmen need insurance?
Yes. Even if you don’t have employees, you could be liable for injury, damage, or theft. Insurance protects your livelihood and reputation.
Is tradesmen insurance legally required?
Only employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you hire staff. However, public liability cover is strongly recommended for most trades.
Can I cover subcontractors under my policy?
Some policies allow you to include labour-only subcontractors, but not all. Always clarify with your insurer whether temporary or contracted workers are covered.
