What does painter and decorator insurance cover?
Our painter and decorator insurance provides the crucial business cover you need to guard against potential claims, helping you operate with confidence and avoid financial risks. It includes Public Liability as standard, with the option to add extras like Employers’ Liability, Contractors Works cover, and Plant & Tools cover. Our policy can be tailored to your scale, so, if you operate as a sole trader or larger business we can offer the cover you need.
Our policy is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to customise our Contractors All Risk cover to suit your specific needs. You can select the level of cover required for contractor works and any plant or tools you own or hire. By choosing one or more of these options, employee tools and personal belongings will also be covered, 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.
- This policy addresses claims arising from third-party injury or property damage caused by your decorating activities. Key exclusion: This does not extend to the actual surface you are decorating at the time (such as the door you’re currently glossing); separate Contract Works cover is required for that risk.
Claims for damage to property that is part of the construction or worksite itself are excluded under public liability. For instance, if the contractor is working on a site owned by someone else and the property forms part of the construction project, such damage would not be covered by this insurance. However, this can be included by adding Contract Works cover.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million available.
- Legally required protection for decorating businesses employing staff. This policy can provide cover when an employee sustains injury or illness arising from their work under your direction.
Contractors Works
- Up to £250,000 worth of cover
- Protects your ongoing decorating projects and the associated materials. Should a newly decorated space be damaged by unforeseen events like fire or water ingress before completion, this policy funds the cost of rectifying the work.
Plant & tools hired
- Up to £50,000 worth of cover.
- When you rent painting and decorating equipment, this cover addresses your financial responsibility for damage to those items, plus any continuing rental fees during replacement.
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 Own and 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.
- Bona Fide Sub-contractors: Self-employed decorators you engage who operate independently must maintain their own insurance arrangements.
- Non-Delivery: Economic losses caused by delayed or failed delivery of wallcoverings, paint, or other materials.
- The Working Surface: Damage to the specific wall, ceiling, or joinery that forms part of your current contract (this requires Contract Works cover to be added).
For information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Why do you need painters and decorators cover?
From refreshing a period property’s sash windows to coating a warehouse exterior, your expertise brings colour and protection to every surface. Yet the realities of your trade, handling volatile substances, manoeuvring ladders, and working in occupied premises, mean that even the most careful professional can encounter unexpected problems.
Tailored decorators’ insurance gives you the freedom to concentrate on delivering impeccable results, secure in the knowledge that your business has robust financial protection against claims and losses.
These examples highlight the importance of painter and decorator cover…
Protection against spills and mishaps
In decorating, a momentary lapse such as a toppled tin of gloss or a wayward spray pattern can result in substantial damage to a customer’s belongings.
Public Liability insurance steps in to meet the costs when your activities accidentally harm someone else’s property resulting in a claim, such as emulsion splashed across valuable furnishings, or if a third party is hurt by your equipment.
Support for your decorating team
As your business expands and you bring on additional painters, trainees, or short-term assistance for bigger contracts, Employers’ Liability insurance becomes a legal necessity. This cover ensures that if one of your employees suffers an accident; perhaps a fall from height or an adverse reaction to solvents, the resulting legal expenses and compensation from a claim can be met by the policy.
Providing proof of public liability cover as a contractor.
Painter and decorators’ public liability insurance might be necessary to fulfil contractual obligations with clients, contractors, or companies. Many contracts stipulate that contractors and subcontractors must have appropriate insurance coverage to protect all parties involved in a project
Safeguarding your brushes, rollers, and sprayers
The tools you use daily are fundamental to your income. Decorating kit was to be stolen from your vehicle or damaged at a job site, the disruption can be immediate and costly.
Our Tools and Plant cover enables you to replace critical equipment swiftly, minimising downtime and financial strain.
Our experts explain why...
“Our painter and decorator insurance is specifically designed to provide robust protection for professionals working on domestic and commercial decorating projects. Beyond standard liability coverage for you and your business, our policy extends to safeguard against employee claims arising from workplace accidents. Additionally, we offer Contractors All Risks cover, ensuring protection for your contractual obligations, including materials, as well as coverage for both owned and hired plant and tools. Your tools can also be covered in a locked, unattended vehicle offsite, providing complete peace of mind. With our tailored insurance solutions, you can focus on delivering your expertise, confident that your coverage is structured to meet your business’s unique risks and responsibilities.”
Mandy Czyz, Protectivity Underwriter

How much does painter and decorator insurance cost?
At Protectivity, Painters and Decorators Insurance starts from just £3.96* a month.
The cost of your painter and decorator insurance will depend on several factors. These include the size of your business, whether you primarily work on residential or commercial properties, and your annual turnover. The number of employees you have and the types of projects you undertake, such as interior painting, exterior work, or jobs involving working at heights, will also influence your premium.
Investing in specialist painters and decorators insurance is not just about protecting you from financial losses.
Prices from
£3.96* a month
Explainer quote
Policy cost
£3.96* a month
Policy type
Painters Insurance
Duration
Annual
Turnover
Up to £250,000
Public Liability
£1,000,000
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 05/01/2026. 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 painter and decorator insurance policy?
Let the reviews of over 3,500 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 180,000 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
If I hire an apprentice painter, do I need to change my insurance?
Yes, you would need to inform us. The policy defines Employees as including “any person engaged under a work experience, youth training or similar scheme”.
Employers’ Liability insurance is a legal requirement if you employ anyone, and the policy states that you must undertake to supply full details of your company and all subsidiary companies at inception of the insurance and promptly thereafter following acquisition or disposal of any subsidiary company.
Am I covered for damage caused by paint fumes or chemical reactions from products I use?
Yes, our insurance for painters and decorators covers accidental injury to a third party and accidental damage to a third parties property arising from your business activities.
Is my painting equipment covered if I store it in my home or personal vehicle?
Yes, if your equipment is stored inside your home, in your buildings, then cover is permitted, our insurance also covers theft from unattended vehicles, but with specific conditions. For items inside the vehicle, it must be secured with all factory-fitted locks and alarms, and keys removed. It must be garaged in a locked building or parked in a secure compound. There are also restrictions on theft from “Unsecure Locations”, which include driveways and public or private roads.
Are there any exclusions to be aware of?
There are various exclusions on this policy product that apply to different classes of insurance cover, all of which you can see within the policy wording and quote summary. The most relevant for painting and decorating is an exclusion for spray painting and for working away from your premises using heat.
Do I need specific insurance for working at heights as a painter and decorator?
There is no special consideration for working at height, we can only permit you to work up to 5 metres above the surrounding floor or ground level.
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.
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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 05/01/2026. 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 present
¹Based on live Feefo data















