Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Why Painters and Decorators Need Proper Cover
Working inside people’s homes or on commercial sites means decorators are exposed to a range of risks. You might spill paint on a customer’s carpet, fall from a ladder, or have your tools stolen from the van while parked outside a job. Even a small incident can lead to costly claims or time off work. That’s why tradesmen insurance is a must for anyone working as a painter or decorator, whether you’re self-employed or run a small team.
Public Liability is the Foundation
Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes damage or injury. It’s the most important cover for decorators, as even a minor mistake like knocking over a tin of gloss could lead to compensation claims. If you’re working in customers’ homes, this type of cover reassures them that you’re operating professionally and are prepared for the unexpected. Most decorators choose between £1 million and £5 million in public liability cover, depending on the scale of jobs they take on.
What Else Should You Consider?
If you have someone working with you, even part time or as a trainee, you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. Tool cover is also popular, especially if you rely on expensive sprayers, ladders, sanding equipment or branded kits. Some policies include overnight tool cover as an optional extra, which is worth considering if your gear is left in a van or garage. If you work in heritage properties or carry out high-end finishes, make sure your policy doesn’t exclude specialist materials or surfaces.
Van and Driving Considerations
Most decorators travel between jobs with a van full of kit. If your vehicle is essential to your business, make sure your van insurance is up to date and includes business use. If you have multiple decorators sharing a van, or run a small team across multiple vehicles, you may want to consider fleet insurance. This allows you to insure all your work vehicles under one policy and keep things simple if staff change or vehicles are added.
Get Quotes That Reflect Your Work
Not all tradesmen insurance policies are designed with decorators in mind. Some exclude work at height or on certain types of buildings. If you carry out exterior work, work on scaffolding, or handle specialist paint systems, it’s important to disclose that when getting quotes. The more accurate your application, the better chance you have of a claim being paid in full if anything goes wrong. A well-chosen policy won’t just protect you, it will make clients feel more confident in hiring you.
How to Start Comparing Options
You don’t need to guess what cover you need or waste time filling out the same forms over and over. Our tradesmen insurance page lets you compare tailored policies for decorators, including options for public liability, tools, employers’ liability and van or fleet cover. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your team, it’s worth having a policy that works as hard as you do.