Tradesman Insurance
Protect your trade, tools and reputation with tailored insurance for skilled workers across the UK.
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- Tailored cover and expert advice for your trade
- One short form, then a specialist contacts you
How comparing works
Prices depend on the trade, size of business and claims history, so comparing cover from specialists is the best way to find fair pricing.Find tradesman cover in 3 steps
Complete the form
Tell us about your trade and the cover you need in one short quote form.
Speak to a specialist
A specialist tradesman insurance partner contacts you to discuss your options and give expert advice.
Purchase cover
Take out the policy that fits your trade through the specialist partner.
What is tradesman insurance?
Tradesman insurance is a policy that protects your livelihood by covering liability, tools and contract work together, keeping your business safe, legal and professional.
Every trade comes with its own risks. Whether you are working on rooftops, rewiring homes, fitting boilers or laying foundations, one mistake or accident can be costly. Even a small mishap, such as a cracked window, a trip hazard or damage to a client's property, can result in a claim worth thousands.
If you deal with customers, handle tools or work on site, you almost certainly need cover. A valid liability policy not only keeps you compliant but also reassures clients that they are hiring a professional.
How much does tradesman insurance cost?
There is no single price for tradesman insurance. What you pay depends on your trade, the size of your business and your claims history.
Because each trade faces different risks, a roofer working at height will be assessed differently from an electrician doing certification work. Comparing cover from specialists who understand trade insurance is the best way to find fair pricing for your particular situation.
What does tradesman insurance cover?
A comprehensive tradesman policy typically brings several covers together under one policy. The main options are:
Public liability insurance
Covers injury or property damage claims made by clients or members of the public. It is strongly recommended for most trades.
Employers' liability insurance
Required by law if you hire anyone, even labour-only subcontractors.
Tools and equipment cover
Replaces or repairs stolen, damaged or lost tools.
Contract works insurance
Covers unfinished work damaged by fire, flood or vandalism.
Personal accident insurance
Pays a benefit if you are injured and cannot work.
How do I keep my tradesman policy valid?
Many tradesmen unknowingly invalidate their cover by skipping small-print details. These points all matter:
Check your renewal date
Make sure your policy does not lapse between jobs. Working without valid cover leaves you exposed to claims.
Declare subcontractors
Some policies allow you to include labour-only subcontractors, but not all. Always clarify with your insurer whether temporary or contracted workers are covered.
Follow the storage conditions for tools
Tools cover usually depends on how and where tools are stored. Check the storage arrangements your policy requires and stick to them.
Hold employers' liability if you hire anyone
This is a legal requirement if you hire staff, including labour-only subcontractors.
Match the cover to your trade
Roofers, builders, plumbers, electricians, groundworkers and tree surgeons each face different risks. Make sure the covers in your policy reflect the work you actually do.
Add van or fleet cover if you need it
Your policy can extend to van or fleet cover. See our fleet insurance guide for multi-vehicle options.
What details do I need to get a quote?
Have these to hand before you start.
Your trade
The type of work you do, so the specialist can assess the risks specific to it.
Size of your business
Whether you work alone or hire staff or labour-only subcontractors.
Claims history
Any previous claims, which affect the price you are offered.
Cover you need
Which covers you want, such as public liability, tools, contract works or personal accident.
Which trades can get cover?
Each trade faces unique risks, and we have dedicated guides for the most common ones:
- Roofers insurance - public liability, tools and contract works cover for roofers and scaffolding contractors.
- Builders insurance - site work, subcontractors and structural projects.
- Plumbers insurance - protection against water damage, leaks and call-out accidents.
- Electricians insurance - liability and professional indemnity for wiring and certification work.
- Groundworkers insurance - excavation, plant equipment and subcontractor protection.
- Tree surgeon insurance - height work, machinery and personal accident cover.
Is tradesman insurance a legal requirement?
Only employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement, and only if you hire staff, including labour-only subcontractors. Read about your obligations on our employers' liability insurance page.
Public liability insurance is not required by law but is strongly recommended for most trades, because a claim from a client or member of the public can run to thousands. Our public liability insurance guide explains the cover in more detail.
How do I get a tradesman insurance quote?
Complete our short quote form with details of your trade and the cover you need. A specialist tradesman insurance partner then contacts you to discuss your options, give expert advice and provide tailored quotes.
For guidance on choosing the right policy limits, see our pages on builders insurance, roofers insurance and plumbers insurance.
Ready to get tradesman insurance quotes?
One short form, then a specialist tradesman insurance partner contacts you with quotes.
Frequently asked questions
Do self-employed tradesmen need insurance?
Yes. Even if you do not have employees, you could be liable for injury, damage or theft. Insurance protects your livelihood and reputation.
Is tradesman insurance legally required?
Only employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement, and only if you hire staff. Public liability cover is not compulsory but is strongly recommended for most trades.
Can I cover subcontractors under my policy?
Some policies allow you to include labour-only subcontractors, but not all. Always clarify with your insurer whether temporary or contracted workers are covered. If you hire labour-only subcontractors, employers' liability insurance is required by law.
What does tradesman insurance cover?
A comprehensive policy typically includes public liability, employers' liability, tools and equipment cover, contract works insurance and personal accident insurance. It can also extend to van or fleet cover.
How much does tradesman insurance cost?
Prices depend on the trade, the size of your business and your claims history. Comparing cover from specialists is the best way to find fair pricing.
Does tradesman insurance cover my tools?
Tools and equipment cover replaces or repairs stolen, damaged or lost tools. Storage arrangements matter, so check the conditions in your policy to keep the cover valid.
What happens after I complete the quote form?
A specialist tradesman insurance partner contacts you to discuss your trade, give expert advice and provide tailored quotes. You can then take out a policy through them.
Can I add van cover to my tradesman insurance?
Your policy can extend to van or fleet cover. Our fleet insurance guide covers the options for multiple vehicles.
Tradesman Insurance for your situation
Other pages that may fit your business, and guides on this topic.
Written by Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Founder of Quote Goat, with over 20 years' experience in finance and insurance. He has appeared on TV and in Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro.
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Quote Goat passes your details to a specialist tradesman insurance partner, who will contact you with quotes. This page is general information, not advice. Always check the policy documents to make sure the cover meets your needs.