Contractor All Risk Insurance
Specialist contractor all risk cover for tradespeople.
- Public Liability for tradesman
- Contractors All Risk Cover
- Join over 150,000 customers**
From £3.37* a month
What is covered under contractors all risk insurance?
Our contractors all risk insurance is an optional extra, as part of our tradesman policy. Essential liability cover is included as standard, ensuring you operate securely and avoid financial losses.
Our policies are flexible to your needs. You can customise Contractors All Risk insurance to meet your specific requirements. Choose the level you need for contractors works, plant and tools you own and hire. If you select one or all of these extras, employee tools and personal effects will be included, up to £500.
Make sure you have the correct insurance for your trade and be sure to check if any exclusions are relevant to what you have planned in policy documentation.
Public Liability
Employers' Liability
Contractors Works
Plant & Tools
Financial Loss
Public Liability
- Up to £5 million available.
- Protection from claims by a third-party (EG member of the public) who sustains injuries or has an item of their property damaged as a result of your actions.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million available.
- If any employee suffered physical injury or a fatality because of the employer’s negligence. If that staff member sought compensation, the insurer would handle the cost of the claim.
- If you employ any staff members, Employers’ Liability is a legal requirement.
Contractors Works
- Up to £250,000 worth of cover
- This cover can protect you against loss or damage to any permanent or temporary works you’re responsible for, including all the materials.
Plant & tools hired
- Up to £50,000 worth of cover.
- Covers you for loss of or damage to, hired tools and equipment, temporary buildings, caravans, or similar that you have hired in connection with any contract works being undertaken by you.
- Cover also includes your legal liability for hiring charges following damage to any hired property.
Plant & tools owned
- Up to £75,000 worth of cover.
- Covers your tools and equipment, temporary buildings, caravans, or similar on-site that are owned by you and used in connection with any contract works being undertaken by you.
- Covers your tools and equipment off-site if locked in an unattended vehicle. This is only available as an extension of plant & tools owned cover and covers your own portable tools, including power driven portable tools and business equipment, when kept in a locked vehicle and left unattended.
Employees tools & personal effects
- This covers tools and personal items owned by your employees while on any site, or those you’re responsible for under a joint working agreement.
- It’s not available as a standalone cover but comes with either Contract Works or Owned or Hired Plant & Tools cover, with protection up to £500.
Financial Loss
- Up to £50,000 per claim available.
- Protection from claims from other parties relating to financial losses not directly consequent upon bodily injury or damage.
- Cover for bona fide subcontractors, who should have their own insurance.
- Claims for financial losses relating to non or late delivery of products to third parties.
- Claims for damage directly or indirectly resulting from works on timber framed buildings.
For information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
What is contractor all risk insurance?
Contractor’s All Risk insurance provides comprehensive cover for a wide range of risks involved in construction projects. It typically provides cover for physical loss or damage to the construction works, ensuring that building materials, on-site structures, and partially completed work are protected against unexpected events like fire, theft, or weather damage.
Contractors all risks insurance also covers both owned and hired plant and tools, safeguarding valuable construction equipment against loss or damage. Additionally, it includes public liability cover, protecting contractors from claims arising from third-party injuries or property damage during construction activities. This type of insurance helps mitigate financial risks for contractors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, ensuring that projects can continue smoothly in the face of unforeseen challenges.
Here are a few scenarios to help explain why you need contractor all risk insurance:
Protection from claims if a client suffers an injury.
Accidents on construction sites are risks that you should be prepared for. Third party injuries to clients, subcontractors or bystanders are possible and could result in a claim against you.
Having public liability insurance protects you as a tradesperson from costly claims because of these incidents.
Accidental damage caused to plant and tools you own or hire.
As a self-employed construction worker you have access to specialist tools and plant equipment, to aid you in providing the work you are undertaking. These tools could be frequently subject to damage and loss.
Without Plant and Tools insurance, you’d have to cover the cost of replacing these expensive tools, which could impact your earnings. However, with the insurance in place, the cost of repairing or replacing your tools would be covered, allowing you to continue your work without financial worry.
Protection from loss or damage to permanent or temporary works.
As a self-employed builder working on a home extension, imagine a storm damaging partially built walls and expensive materials stored on-site. You could be faced with significant losses from the cost of replacing materials and repairing the damage, setting the project back.
With Contractors Works insurance, this cover could handle these unexpected costs, protecting you financially and keeping the project on track.
Our experts explain why...
“Our Contractors All Risk insurance is an essential add-on for our trades policies, designed to provide comprehensive protection for construction projects and the various parties involved. We understand that construction work comes with complex risks – from potential damage to works in progress and materials on site, to the tools and equipment essential for completing the job. That’s why our coverage can go beyond standard liability insurance to protect your contract works, plant, machinery, and temporary structures.
With options to include hired-in equipment and employees’ tools, our policy can be tailored to match your project requirements. This means you can focus on delivering quality work, knowing that your business, materials, and equipment are protected against unexpected events that could otherwise cause significant financial impact.”
Chris Trotman, Protectivity Underwriting Manager
How much does all risk insurance cost?
At Protectivity, Contractors All Risk Insurance starts from just £8.37* a month.
Contractor all risks cover can be added to one of our tradesperson policies. Select your activity then add Tools and Plant cover and Contractors works cover. The cost of contractor all risks cover can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and scope of the construction project, the location of the project, the type of coverage needed, the insurer, and the risk factors associated with the project.
For example, if you employ staff then your policy will need additional cover in Employers’ Liability, at a higher cost.
Prices from
£8.37* a month
Explainer Quote
Policy cost
£8.37* a month
Policy type
Tradesperson
Duration
Annual
Turnover
Up to £250,000
Public Liability
Up to £1,000,000
Contractors Works
Up to £50,000
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 06/03/2025. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. The quote you receive will reflect the information you share about your event. The quoted price may vary from those displayed here.
Have a question?
For further information on your policy, renewals, making a claim and contacting us, you’ll find an extensive list of FAQs on our Help & Support page.
Why choose Protectivity for your contractor all risk insurance policy?
Let the reviews of over 3,500 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 150,000 customers.
Experienced insurance providers for over 30 years.
Over 3,500 highly rated reviews.
Proof of our excellent customer service.
Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.
UK Based Customer Support
Our UK sales team are here to help.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What security measures do I need for tool coverage?
To ensure tool insurance is valid, your tools must be securely stored in a locked vehicle and out of sight, locked site container, or other secure location when not in use. This applies to both owned and hired tools.
Are power tool breakdowns included?
No, power tool breakdowns are not included. The policy only covers theft, damage, or loss of tools if you have the relevant Plant & Tools Owned or Hired cover.
Does tradesman insurance cover work interruption?
No, standard tradesman insurance does not cover work interruption.
Are my van’s contents insured overnight?
Tools and equipment stored in a locked vehicle overnight are covered if you have the Plant & Tools Owned extension (Tools of Trade), which protects your tools off-site under secure conditions.
Am I covered for delayed damage claims?
No, delayed damage claims are not covered. All claims for damage must be reported to us at the point you are aware of any damages or injury occurring.
What insurance do I need for electrical work?
You will need to select the correct trade you need cover for, when you get a quote, for example electrician’s cover. Public liability insurance can protect against third-party claims. Additionally, Employers’ Liability is required if you employ staff. You may want to customise your policy with optional extras for Contractors Works and Plants and Tools cover.
Is tool hire covered if they are stolen?
Yes, Plant & Tools Hired cover includes protection for hired tools and equipment against loss, damage, or theft. You’ll also be covered for any hire charges resulting from the loss.
Are materials stored on site protected?
Materials stored on-site are protected if you include Contractors Works in your policy. This ensures coverage for loss or damage to temporary or permanent works, including materials.
What coverage do I need for commercial projects?
Depending on your project you can choose the appropriate cover that best suits your needs. For commercial projects, you could include Contractors Works for protection of materials and works, as well as Plant & Tools cover for equipment used on-site. Public liability and Employers’ Liability may also be necessary, depending on the size of your operation and workforce.
Does my tradesman liability insurance include apprentices?
Yes, if you have Employers’ Liability insurance, apprentices are covered for workplace injuries or accidents, as this is a legal requirement for any employer with staff.
What items are covered under the Own Plant and Tools cover?
The insurer defines this cover as contractors’ plant, tools and equipment demountable and temporary buildings and/or caravans and/or other items of a like nature and materials and/or stores and/or any other property of whatsoever nature used or intended for use in connection with any contract works. There are conditions and exclusions you need to ensure you adhere with, please ensure you take a view of these before proceeding further.
What does Contract Works cover?
Contract Works is designed to cover you for Damage and Loss to works whether permanent or temporary, to include materials used for which you are responsible for, being your property whilst you are undertaking works, not including tools, plant and equipment you own or that you have hired in for the works. We are unable to provide cover for materials and stock away from any contract site unless in transit and we cannot consider cover for contract works that exceed 24 months.
Are you able to cover the plant I use for my trade?
Yes, we can cover plant you own and plant you hire in. We have different sums insured that can be selected and the sums selected also have single article limits for plant you own and maximum hire charges for equipment you hire. Please also note that if you own or have hired a single piece of plant equipment that costs more than £10,000, when its not in use it is stored in a securely locked building of standard construction or is immobilised in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
Can I include liability cover for subcontractors, who I use to assist my business?
This depends on your agreement with your subcontractors. Bona-fide subcontractors will have to have their own insurance cover and cannot be included on your insurance policy and in the numbers requested herein, you will be obligated to retain proof of their insurance. Labour-only subcontractors can be included on your policy of insurance, for work they provide under contract with yourself and your business only and should be included in the total numbers you provide in this application of insurance.
Does your policy allow me and my staff to provide work using heat away from our premises?
No, not for the majority of trades available to be selected, with the exception of some of the builders trades, landscapers trades and electricians, where there will be an endorsement added to your policy, allowing you to undertake work away from your premises, subject to you complying with a set of conditions outlined in the added endorsement titled ‘Hot Working and Use of Heat Equipment away from your Premises Condition Precedent.
Do I need insurance if I work from home?
Yes, you need public liability insurance to protect you against claims arising from accidental injury to a client or damage to their belongings.
Can you cover my tools for damage, loss and theft?
Yes, at Protectivity we offer tools insurance for tradesmen, but this is subject to conditions and exclusions. Please make sure to read the conditions and exclusions in full.
Does this insurance policy cover me for working overseas?
This cover is meant for work in the United Kingdom, however it will allow cover abroad temporarily (max 25 days throughout your annual policy), for manual work in the EU and non-manual work anywhere in the world, in conjunction with your Business only.
Do I need both public liability and contractors all risk insurance?
It is not a requirement to have both Public Liability and Contractors All Risk cover, but it is strongly recommended to ensure you have the specialist cover you need when working as a tradesperson
Does contractors all risk insurance cover existing structures when doing extensions?
No, if you select Contract Works you will cover for the extension structure but not the existing structure.
Can I get a temporary contractor all risk cover for a single project?
No, this policy is an annual policy allowing you to work on multiple projects.
What happens if my project overruns its scheduled completion date?
We will cover you to work on the project for up to 2 years (24 months).
Are my employees’ personal tools and equipment covered under the policy?
If you select Owned Plant and Tools or Hired Plant cover you can opt to add cover for Employees tool and personal affects, with cover up to £500.
What happens if a subcontractor damages my work or materials?
If a subcontractor causes damage, they will be liable, and any claims should be raised with their insurance.
Can I get Contractors All Risk insurance for an overseas project?
This cover is meant for work in the United Kingdom, however it will allow cover abroad temporarily, for manual work in the EU and non-manual work anywhere in the world, in conjunction with your Business only.
Are there any typical exclusions in Contractors All Risk insurance?
For information on exclusions please refer to policy documentation.
What factors affect the cost of Contractors All Risk insurance?
The cost of contractor all risks cover can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and scope of the construction project, the location of the project, the type of coverage needed, the insurer, and the risk factors associated with the project. For example, if you employ staff then your policy will need additional cover in Employers’ Liability, at a higher cost.
Does Contractors All Risk insurance cover subcontractors?
This depends on your agreement with your subcontractors. Bona-fide subcontractors will have to have their own insurance cover and cannot be included on your insurance policy and in the numbers requested herein, you will be obligated to retain proof of their insurance. Labour-only subcontractors can be included on your policy of insurance, for work they provide under contract with yourself and your business only and should be included in the total numbers you provide in this application of insurance.
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This page content has been created for general information and should not be taken as advice.
*Prices quoted refer to a quote raised from our website 06/03/2025. Prices will differ depending on requirements. Make sure you have the correct level of cover for what you need. For the most accurate pricing, please get a quote and for full details on what is covered refer to our policy documentation with your quote.
** Based on Protectivity sales data from 2007 to Sep 2024
¹Based on live Feefo data