Tradesman Insurance
Specialist insurance for self-employed tradesmen and trade businesses, from £3.89 a month.*
- Join over 150,000 customers**
- Get a quote in under 60 seconds
- Public Liability for Tradesman
- Tools and equipment cover
- Employers’ Liability and more
From £3.89* a month
What does Tradesman insurance cover?
Our insurance for tradesman offers the essential business cover you need to protect against potential claims, ensuring you operate securely and avoid financial losses. With public liability included, you also have the option to add extras like employers’ liability, Contractors Works cover, Plant & tools cover, tailored to the specific needs and size of your business. So, whether you operate as a sole trader or run a larger business we can offer the cover you need.
Whether you’re a builder, painter or plasterer, our policy is flexible to your needs. You can customise our Contractors All Risk cover 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 for tradesman
- Up to £5 million available.
Protection against claims from third parties (e.g., a member of the public) who suffer injuries or have items of their property damaged due to your actions. This does not include third-party property that forms part of the working contract site.
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.
- 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.
For information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Why do you need tradesman cover?
When you’re on a job, the last thing you want to worry about is what might go wrong. That’s where our tradesman insurance steps in, giving you the confidence to focus on your work without the fear of financial setbacks from potential claims.
Here are a few scenarios to help explain why you need tradesman insurance:
Protection from claims if a client suffers 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 in place protects you as a tradesman from costly claims because of these incidents.
An employee, temporary worker or volunteer suffers a workplace accident.
Building sites can be hazardous environments, whatever your trade as a business you are responsible for providing a safe workplace for your employees. If employees or temporary workers are involved in an accident on a building project they could bring a claim against you for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.
Employers’ liability is a legal obligation to protect you from these situations, with fines of £2500 per day for failing to comply.
Accidental damage caused to plant and tools you own or hire.
As a self-employed tradesman you have access to specialist tools and plant equipment, to aid you in providing the work you are undertaking. These tools are 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 Tradesperson insurance is designed to protect those working in manual trades across the UK. Our specialist cover goes beyond standard liability insurance, offering protection against workplace accidents, damage claims, and equipment losses.
We protect your tools, materials, and contracted work, whether owned or hired, along with coverage for your team’s equipment and potential staff claims. This includes Contractors All Risks coverage, designed to protect your material responsibilities during contracted work, as well as protection for hired and owned plant and tools.
Our policy is specifically designed to cater to the needs of tradespeople involved in highly manual tasks and activities. It gives you the confidence to focus on your craft, knowing you’re fully protected with insurance that’s tailored to your trade and your unique needs.”
Chris Trotman, Protectivity Underwriting Manager
How much does Tradesman insurance cost?
At Protectivity, Tradesman Insurance starts from just £3.89* a month.
The cost of trademan insurance 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
£3.89* a month
Explainer Quote
Policy cost
£3.89* a month
Policy type
Tradesman
Duration
Annual
Turnover
Up to £250,000
Public Liability
Up to £1,000,000
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.
What trades are covered with tradesman insurance?
Our tradesman insurance provides comprehensive cover for a wide range of professions within the manual trades industry. Whether you’re an electrician, builder, carpenter, bricklayer, painter and decorator, tiler, fencing contractor, kitchen fitter, or gardener, our policies are designed to protect you and your business. No matter your trade, we ensure you have the right cover to safeguard your tools, materials, and activities, giving you the confidence to focus on your craft.
Electricians
- Domestic Electricians (household wiring and repairs)
- Commercial Electricians (office and retail installations)
- Maintenance Electricians (routine inspections and repairs)
- Electrical Installers (specialising in new builds and systems)
Builders
- General Builders
- Plasterers
- New Build Contractors
- Renovation and Extension Builders
Bricklayers
- General Bricklayers (walls, extensions, chimneys)
- Blockwork Specialists (foundation and structural blocks)
- Repointing Experts (restoration of mortar joints)
- Decorative Bricklayers (arches, patterns, and custom designs)
- Brick Paving Installers (driveways and patios)
Painters & Decorators
- Interior Painters (walls, ceilings, and detail work)
- Exterior Painters (houses, commercial properties, and fences)
- Wallpaper Specialists
- Spray Painters (large areas or intricate finishes)
- Commercial Decorators (offices, shops, and showrooms)
Carpenters
- First Fix Carpenters (structural framing, flooring, roofing)
- Second Fix Carpenters (doors, skirting, and finishing details)
- Joiners (bespoke woodwork, furniture, windows)
- Cabinet Makers
- Staircase Fitters
- Decking and Outdoor Carpentry Specialists
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 tradesman 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.
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Proof of our excellent customer service.
Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.
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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.
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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