Tradesman Insurance
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Why Compare Tradesman Insurance At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Comparing tradesman insurance helps you find tailored cover quickly, without overpaying for features you don’t need.
At SimplyQuote.co.uk, we’ve partnered with Quotezone to connect you with a panel of trusted UK insurers in minutes. Instead of chasing brokers or filling in your details multiple times, you’ll see side-by-side comparisons of policy features, prices, and extras — all in one place.
Whether you’re a self-employed electrician or run a small construction team, the platform filters quotes based on your trade, cover level, and business setup. That means faster decisions and better-fit policies from providers who understand the risks tradespeople face.
It’s a straightforward way to take control of your insurance — without wasting time or settling for one-size-fits-all cover.
What Do I Need to Get a Quote?
To get a tradesman insurance quote, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your work, business setup, and the type of cover you need. The process is quick — most people can complete it in under five minutes.
At a minimum, you’ll be asked for:
- The type of trade you work in (e.g. electrician, carpenter, roofer)
- Whether you’re self-employed or operate a company
- Your business postcode
- The number of employees (if any)
- Your annual turnover
- The level of public liability cover you require
- Whether you want to insure tools, equipment, or other extras
- Details of any past claims or ongoing legal issues
This information helps insurers tailor quotes to your actual risk profile. A sole trader with no staff and minimal tools will have different needs than a small firm working on large building sites.
The more accurate you are, the more reliable your quote will be. And if you’re unsure about any of the options, the form provides guidance throughout — so you won’t need to guess.
What Trades Can Get Tradesman Insurance?
Tradesman insurance is available for a wide range of skilled trades — from builders and electricians to gardeners and glaziers.
It’s not just for traditional construction roles. If you work with tools, equipment, or on-site projects, chances are there’s a policy that fits your trade.
Commonly covered trades include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Bricklayers
- Landscapers and gardeners
- Roofers
- Heating and gas engineers
- General construction
- Handypeople
- Tilers
- Floorers
- Scaffolders
- Glaziers and window fitters
Niche or multi-skilled roles — like kitchen fitters, fencing contractors, or property maintenance workers — can usually be covered too. When you start a quote, most platforms allow you to select multiple trades or choose the closest match if your exact role isn’t listed.
If you’re unsure, don’t assume you’re excluded. The system is designed to be flexible — and in many cases, insurers have options for non-standard trades or combinations.
Why Do I Need Tradesman Insurance Cover?
You need tradesman insurance to protect against accidents, legal claims, tool theft, and unexpected downtime that could leave you out of work.
Whether you’re a sole trader or manage a team, working without insurance leaves you exposed. You could damage a client’s property, injure someone on-site, or face legal action from a subcontractor. In any of these situations, even a minor claim could cost thousands in legal fees or compensation.
Then there’s theft. Tools stolen from a van or job site? That’s not just a headache — it’s lost income. With the right cover, you’re not stuck replacing everything out of pocket.
Many clients — especially for larger contracts — also expect proof of insurance before you start work. And in some trades, having specific cover like public liability or employers’ liability isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, tradesman insurance gives you more than just financial protection. It gives you credibility, confidence, and the ability to keep working if something goes wrong.
Do I Need Insurance If I’m A Self-Employed Tradesman?
Yes — even if you work alone, tradesman insurance is essential. Accidents can still happen, tools can be stolen, and clients may still require proof of cover before giving you work.
Working for yourself doesn’t remove your exposure to risk. In fact, it often increases it — because there’s no larger business behind you to absorb the fallout from a claim. Whether you’re fitting kitchens, repairing electrics, or doing landscaping, a single injury to a client or a damaged property could lead to legal action and financial loss.
Most self-employed tradespeople at least carry public liability insurance as a baseline, and many add tool cover or personal accident protection. If your work involves high-value tools, physical sites, or interaction with the public, going without insurance is a gamble — one that could easily cost more than the cover itself.
Insurance isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about protecting your ability to keep working, keep earning, and keep your name clean if something goes wrong.
What Does Tradesman Insurance Cover Include?
Tradesman insurance typically includes core protections like public liability cover, tool and equipment insurance, and, where needed, employers’ liability.
These are designed to cover the everyday risks that come with manual or skilled trade work.
Let’s break that down.
- Public liability protects you if a client, contractor, or member of the public is injured or suffers property damage due to your work. This is often seen as the foundation of any tradesperson’s policy.
- Tools and equipment cover helps replace stolen or damaged gear — whether it’s power tools, specialist kit, or materials in transit.
- Employers’ liability is a legal requirement if you have staff. It covers injury or illness claims from employees.
- Personal accident cover can offer a payout if you’re injured and unable to work.
- Contract works insurance (sometimes called contractors’ all risks) protects building work or materials on-site, in case of damage or theft before a job is completed.
- Legal expenses may also be included to help with disputes, employment issues, or claims defence.
Coverage varies by provider and trade, so it’s worth checking what’s included and whether optional extras are relevant for the work you do. For example, a landscaper might need plant and machinery cover, while a decorator may prioritise tool theft protection.
What’s The Difference Between Public Liability And Tradesman Insurance?
Public liability insurance is a single type of cover, while tradesman insurance is a broader policy that can include public liability plus other protections.
Tradesman insurance is the umbrella term — it refers to a policy or bundle designed for tradespeople, often made up of several types of cover. Public liability is usually the core component, but it’s just one part of the overall picture.
Here’s how they differ:
- Tradesman insurance is designed for tradespeople and can include public liability, tool cover, employers’ liability, personal accident, and more.
- Public liability insurance covers you specifically if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged due to your work.
If you only have public liability, you’re protected for third-party injury or damage — but you’re not covered if your tools are stolen, an employee is hurt, or you face legal costs from a dispute. That’s where a full tradesman policy offers more value.
For those doing small domestic jobs, public liability might be enough. But for tradespeople with tools, sites, staff, or higher risks, a wider tradesman policy makes more sense.
What’s Not Included?
Tradesman insurance can protect against a wide range of risks, but it’s not a catch-all policy. Like any insurance, there are exclusions — and understanding them means fewer surprises if you ever need to claim.
Most standard policies won’t cover:
- Wear and tear on tools or equipment
- Theft from an unlocked vehicle or insecure site
- Working at extreme heights (e.g. above 15 metres) unless specified
- Deliberate damage or criminal acts
- Unlicensed or uninsured subcontractors
- Faulty workmanship — unless you’ve added specialist cover
There are also limits and conditions that can affect your payout. For instance, tool cover might exclude items left overnight in a van unless it’s in a locked compound. And while public liability insurance covers accidental damage, it won’t cover a dispute over poor quality work unless professional indemnity cover is added — which many tradespeople don’t think to include.
This is why comparing policies matters. Two quotes might look similar in price, but differ significantly in what they exclude. If you’re unsure, check the policy documents or speak to the insurer before buying — especially if your work involves unusual risks.
Can I Get Cover For My Tools Overnight?
Yes, but overnight tool cover is usually only valid if your tools are stored securely — typically in a locked van or secure building.
Tool theft is one of the most common claims in tradesman insurance policies, especially overnight. That’s why insurers attach conditions to this type of cover. If your tools are left in an unlocked or unattended vehicle, even on your driveway, they may not be covered.
Most providers offer overnight protection for tools, but it usually requires:
- A van fitted with an alarm and approved locks
- Parking in a locked compound or private driveway
- Tools being hidden from view or removed entirely where possible
Some policies include this by default, while others offer it as an add-on. If you’re relying on your van as your mobile workshop, it’s worth comparing tradesman insurance with tool cover that explicitly protects you outside working hours.
Before you buy, read the fine print. Insurers vary in how they define “secure storage,” and claims can be rejected if conditions aren’t met.
How Much Does It Cost To Insure A Tradesman?
Tradesman insurance can start from around £50 per year, but the final cost depends on your trade, cover level, location, and business setup.
There’s no one-size-fits-all price. Costs vary depending on what you do, where you work, and whether you need extras like tool protection or employer liability. A bricklayer and a gas engineer won’t pay the same — and that’s exactly why comparison matters.
Here’s what typically affects the cost:
- Trade type: A self-employed painter usually pays less than a roofer working at height.
- Business size: More staff means more liability — and a higher premium.
- Location: Higher-risk areas (e.g. inner cities) can increase theft or claim potential.
- Cover limits: A £5M public liability policy costs more than a £1M one.
- Claims history: Past incidents or legal issues often raise your premium.
- Optional extras: Tool cover, contract works, and personal accident insurance all add to the quote.
To get an accurate figure, compare quotes based on your trade and risks. One roofer could pay £300 a year while another pays £800 — it comes down to the specifics.
If you’re only after basic protection, keep the extras to a minimum. But if your tools are worth thousands or you employ staff, it’s often worth paying a little more to protect what matters most.
How Can I Save Money On Tradesman Insurance?
Tradesman insurance doesn’t have to cost a fortune — here’s how to cut the cost of your cover without sacrificing protection.
The most effective way to save is by comparing quotes, but that’s just step one. You can reduce your premium further by making small changes to how you work and what you insure.
Here’s how smart tradespeople bring their costs down:
Adjust your cover level
Don’t over-insure. If you rarely work on high-value sites, you may not need £5M public liability.
Increase your excess
Opting for a higher excess can lower your premium — just make sure you can afford it if you need to claim.
Secure your tools
Keeping equipment in locked storage or a van vault reduces theft risk — and insurers take that into account.
Skip unnecessary extras
Only pay for what you need. If you don’t employ subcontractors or operate machinery, cut the add-ons.
Keep your claims history clean
Even small incidents can raise your premium. A strong safety record helps keep costs low.
Review your policy annually
Prices shift, and so do your needs. Don’t auto-renew — check the market and compare quotes each year.
Whether you’re just getting started or have years on the tools, these steps can help you cut the cost of your cover and still stay protected where it counts.
How To Compare Tradesmans Insurance Quotes Online
Comparing tradesman insurance with SimplyQuote is quick, straightforward, and completely online. As an insurance comparison platform, we make it easy to check real-time prices and cover levels without the usual hassle.
You’ll answer a few key questions about your trade, your business, and the type of cover you’re after — then see quotes from a panel of trusted UK insurers within minutes.
Here’s how it works:
- Enter your trade and business details — such as your trade type, whether you’re self-employed or operate a team, and your location.
- Select the cover you need — public liability, tool cover, employers’ liability, and any optional extras.
- Get quotes (almost) instantly — powered by our Quotezone partnership, we show you live prices and policy details from multiple insurers.
- Compare and filter — view prices, cover limits, excesses, and optional add-ons side by side.
- Choose and apply — once you’ve found the right policy, head straight to the insurer’s site to complete your application.
There’s no pressure, no commitments — just clear, competitive options for tradespeople comparing online quotes and over the phone.
Whether you’re looking for simple liability cover or a more comprehensive package, the process is designed to help you make an informed decision quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — even part-time or weekend trades carry risks. One accident or claim could still cost thousands, so it’s worth having protection regardless of how many hours you work.
You can, but it may affect your premium. Some insurers specialise in higher-risk customers, so it’s even more important to compare quotes if you’ve had past incidents.
Usually, yes — but not always. Some policies let you customise your cover, so don’t assume it’s included. Check the policy summary carefully before buying.
Only if they’re declared and meet the insurer’s conditions. Many policies exclude cover for subcontractors unless they’re directly employed or properly certified.
You’ll need to inform your insurer. A change in the type of work you do could affect your risk profile and invalidate your cover if not disclosed.
Yes, many insurers offer monthly instalment plans. Just be aware you might pay slightly more overall than if you paid annually.
Not usually — most policies cover UK-based work only. If you’re planning jobs overseas, speak to your insurer about adding territorial cover.
In most cases, cover starts immediately after payment — often within minutes of completing the quote. You’ll receive your documents by email.
Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 24th March 2025 by Chris Richards