Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Why Insurance Matters for Painters and Decorators
Working in customers’ homes and commercial properties exposes decorators to risks that can quickly become expensive. A spilled tin of emulsion on a carpet, a ladder that damages a client’s wall, or tools stolen from your van can all lead to claims that hit your business hard.
Proper insurance protects your income and reputation. It also gives clients confidence that you’re a professional who takes their work seriously. Whether you’re self-employed or run a small decorating team, the right cover is essential before you take on your first job.
Public Liability Insurance: The Core Cover
Public liability insurance is the foundation of any decorator’s policy. It covers you if your work causes injury to someone or damages their property.
Common claims include:
- Paint spilled on flooring, furniture or fixtures
- Accidental damage to walls, ceilings or decorative features
- Trips or slips caused by dust sheets or equipment
- Injury from falling tools or materials
Most decorators choose between £1 million and £5 million in cover. The amount depends on the type of work you do and what your clients expect. Large commercial contracts often require proof of £5 million cover before you can start.
This is the single most important policy for painters and decorators. Without it, a single claim could put you out of business.
Employers’ Liability: Required by Law
If you employ anyone, even part time, casually or as an apprentice, you must have employers’ liability insurance. This is a legal requirement in the UK.
It covers compensation claims if an employee is injured or becomes ill because of their work. Examples include falls from ladders, injuries from equipment, or respiratory issues from paint fumes.
The minimum legal cover is £5 million, and failing to have it can result in fines of up to £2,500 per day. Even if you only hire help occasionally, you need this policy in place.
Tools and Equipment Cover
Decorators rely on brushes, rollers, sprayers, ladders, sanding equipment and other tools to do their job. If these are stolen or damaged, replacing them can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds.
Tool insurance covers:
- Theft from your van, home or job site
- Accidental damage on site
- Loss of tools in transit
Many policies include cover for tools left in a locked van overnight, but check the terms carefully. Some insurers require additional security measures like toolboxes or alarms.
If you use expensive spray equipment or branded kits, make sure your policy limit is high enough to replace everything if the worst happens.
Van Insurance and Business Use
Most decorators need a van to carry materials and equipment between jobs. Standard van insurance often doesn’t cover business use, so you need a policy that includes:
- Cover for carrying tools and stock
- Business mileage (not just social, domestic and pleasure)
- Protection for goods in transit
If you run a team and operate multiple vehicles, fleet insurance can simplify things. It covers all your vans under one policy, making it easier to manage renewals and add or remove vehicles as your business grows.
Professional Indemnity Insurance: Do You Need It?
Professional indemnity insurance covers claims related to advice or design errors rather than physical damage. For most decorators doing standard painting and wallpapering, it’s not essential.
However, if you offer colour consultations, surface preparation advice, or specialist finishes like Venetian plaster or heritage restoration, professional indemnity may be worth considering. It protects you if a client claims your advice led to financial loss or additional costs.
To understand whether this applies to your trade, read our guide on professional indemnity insurance for tradesmen.
What to Disclose When Getting a Quote
Being accurate when you apply for insurance is critical. If you leave out important details, your insurer could refuse to pay a claim.
Make sure you disclose:
- Whether you work at height or use scaffolding
- If you do exterior painting or only interior work
- Any specialist materials you use (e.g. spray finishes, epoxy coatings, heritage paints)
- The number of people who work for you
- Your annual turnover
- Whether you subcontract any work
Some policies exclude certain activities, such as work above a certain height or on listed buildings. If you do this type of work, check your policy wording carefully or ask your insurer to confirm cover in writing.
Common Exclusions to Watch For
Not all tradesmen insurance policies are the same. Some common exclusions that catch decorators out include:
- Work carried out above a certain height (often 3 or 6 metres)
- Damage to the surface being worked on (e.g. wallpaper you’re removing)
- Tools left unattended in an unlocked vehicle
- Faulty workmanship claims (unless professional indemnity is added)
- Work on high-value or heritage properties
Read your policy documents carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. It’s better to find out about an exclusion before you need to claim.
How Much Does Decorator Insurance Cost?
The cost depends on several factors:
- Your level of public liability cover
- Whether you need employers’ liability
- The value of your tools
- Your claims history
- The type of work you do
A basic public liability policy for a sole trader decorator typically starts from around £120 to £200 per year. Adding tool cover, employers’ liability or higher limits will increase the premium.
Getting multiple quotes is the best way to find competitive cover that suits your needs. Just make sure you’re comparing like-for-like policies, not just the cheapest price.
Get the Right Cover for Your Decorating Business
Insurance isn’t just a box to tick. It protects your livelihood, gives clients peace of mind, and helps you win more work. Whether you’re a sole trader or run a small team, having the right cover in place before you start a job is essential.
Use the button on this page to compare tailored quotes for painters and decorators. It takes minutes, and you’ll get cover that reflects the real risks you face on site.