Builders Insurance

Working in construction means facing risks every day – whether it’s accidental damage on site, injuries, or legal claims. Builders insurance gives you the peace of mind to focus on your work, knowing you’re protected. It covers you, your team, your tools, and your clients, and helps you meet legal obligations while protecting your reputation.

You might be wondering if it’s illegal for a builder not to have insurance. If you employ staff, you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. While other covers, such as public liability, aren’t mandatory by law, they are crucial for reducing financial risk and positioning yourself as a trusted contractor. Without adequate insurance, a large claim could lead to significant financial loss or even bankruptcy for your business.

Accidents can happen, even when you take every precaution. A passerby might trip over your tools, or falling debris could damage a nearby vehicle. Builders public liability insurance helps cover the cost of compensation, legal fees, and any associated expenses, protecting your business from serious financial losses.

This cover is essential for tradespeople working in public areas. In fact, many clients and main contractors mandate public liability insurance as a prerequisite, meaning you could miss out on work without it in place.

Yes. Many of our clients are sole traders who need public liability, tools, and accident cover to keep working confidently. Even if you don’t have employees, it’s important to stay protected against the costs of injury claims, theft, or unexpected downtime.

When should you get builders insurance?

As a builder, either a sole trader or owner of a building company you should always have comprehensive builders insurance in place, not just when you’re actively on a job. This ensures you and your business are always protected. Annual policies are standard, and it’s a good practice to review that your policy still meets your needs at renewal. It’s also important to note that if any changes to your business occur, for example you employ more staff or purchase new tools you’ll need to let your broker or insurer know, so they can adjust your policy accordingly to ensure you remain fully protected. Keep in mind most clients expect you to have public liability cover as a minimum before setting foot on site. Having insurance in place from day one helps you stay compliant and protected.

It’s important to maintain continuous cover. A tailored builders insurance package protects your business at all times, not just while you’re on a job. It can cover claims related to completed work, protect your employees, and insure your tools, vehicles, and equipment whether they’re in use or in storage.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost of your builders insurance depends on:

• The size and turnover of your business
• The types of work you do
• Your claims history
• The level of cover you need

The best way to understand the cost for your business is to get a personalised quote, tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for basic protection or a more comprehensive policy, we’ll help you find a solution that fits your budget and your requirements.