Construction Insurance
Compare Construction Insurance Quotes
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Compare insurance quotes from UK’s leading construction site insurers including:
Why Compare Construction Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote?
Comparing construction insurance helps you find tailored cover for the work you actually do — without overpaying or risking gaps that could leave you exposed.
At simplyquote.co.uk, we’ve partnered with Quotezone to bring you tailored insurance quotes from a trusted panel of UK insurers. One form is all it takes. Fill in your details, and we’ll match you with policies designed specifically for construction professionals — from sole traders to site contractors.
No two projects are the same. You might be managing a full build, working on-site for a contractor, or running your own team on residential extensions. Each role comes with different risks — and your insurance should reflect that. Comparing quotes lets you find the right level of public liability, add extras like tool cover or contract works insurance, and make sure you’re fully compliant if you hire labourers or subcontractors.
No pushy calls. No hassle. Just fast, construction-relevant insurance that works around you — not the other way around.
What Do I Need to Get a Quote?
To get a quote for construction insurance, you’ll need to share a few key details about your work, your business setup, and the level of cover you need. It’s a quick process — usually takes less than five minutes.
You’ll be asked to confirm:
- What type of construction work you do — Residential builds, site-based work, structural alterations, groundwork, scaffolding, roofing, etc.
- Your business type — Sole trader, limited company, or whether you use subcontractors or labourers
- Annual turnover — Helps insurers assess your level of risk exposure
- Where you operate — Your postcode and job locations can affect the cost
- If you use tools and need tool cover — You’ll be asked about total value and how/where they’re stored
- If you work at height — Scaffolding, roofing, or multi-storey work should be declared
- Your public liability limit — Typically £1 Million, £2 Million, £5 Million or £10 Million depending on your contract requirements
- Optional extras — Such as contract works insurance, personal accident cover, employer’s liability or legal expenses
- Claims history — Any recent claims may impact your quote
The more accurate and honest you are, the more tailored your quote will be. It’s built for real construction professionals — so the questions are quick, relevant, and easy to answer.
Why Do I Need Construction Insurance Cover?
Construction insurance protects you financially if something goes wrong — whether it’s an accident on site, damage to property, or a claim made against your business.
Construction sites are high-risk environments. Whether you’re laying foundations, working at height, operating machinery, or managing subcontractors, there’s always potential for something to go wrong. A single mishap — a collapsing scaffold, a tool dropped from height, a cracked pipe during renovation — could lead to expensive legal claims or delays that cost more than just time.
Public liability insurance helps cover you if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your work. If you’re bringing labourers or subcontractors on site, employer’s liability insurance is a legal must. It protects you if someone you’ve hired gets hurt while working under your direction.
There’s also the matter of reputation. Many contractors, developers, and clients won’t even let you start on site without proof of valid cover. Insurance isn’t just a safety net — it’s a trust signal that shows you’re serious, prepared, and professional.
And if you’re self-employed or running a small crew, personal accident cover can mean the difference between staying afloat or losing income entirely if you’re injured and can’t work.
What Does Construction Insurance Cover Include?
Construction insurance typically includes public liability, employer’s liability, tool cover, personal accident protection, and contract works — with optional extras depending on the nature of your projects.
No two construction jobs are the same, which is why most policies are built to be flexible. The core cover usually starts with public liability — protecting you if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your work. This is considered the foundation of most construction policies, especially if you’re working on-site or around other trades.
Tool cover is another common inclusion. From mixers and saws to drills and laser levels, your gear is often your livelihood. If it’s stolen or damaged, you’ll want cover in place to get back on site fast.
For sole traders and small firms, personal accident insurance can offer vital income protection if you’re injured and unable to work. And if your work involves live builds, renovations, or phased projects, contract works insurance helps cover unfinished work if it’s damaged or delayed by events beyond your control.
What’s Not Included?
Construction insurance won’t cover everything — and knowing what’s excluded can save you a serious headache if something goes wrong. Policies vary, but here are the most common exclusions to watch for:
- Tool wear and tear – You’re covered for theft or accidental damage, but not for old tools that naturally degrade over time.
- Unsecured tools or vans – Leaving equipment in an unlocked vehicle or on an unprotected site can void your tool cover.
- Undeclared subcontractors or labourers – Bringing someone on board without listing them on your policy could leave you uninsured if they’re injured.
- Work outside your declared trade – If you’re covered for general building work but take on roofing, demolition or groundwork without updating your policy, you might not be protected.
- Poor workmanship – Insurance won’t pay to fix bad or unsatisfactory work. Liability cover is for accidents and damage — not redoing a job.
- Illegal or unsafe practices – Ignoring health and safety regulations, working without training, or using banned materials can all invalidate your cover.
Reading the fine print matters. It’s not about ticking boxes — it’s about making sure your insurance actually fits the way you work.
How Much Does Construction Insurance Cost?
Construction insurance typically starts from around £70 to £150 per year for sole traders — but your actual cost depends on the type of work you do, the risks involved, and the level of cover you choose.
If you’re a self-employed contractor working on smaller domestic jobs, you could pay as little as £6–£12 per month. But prices can climb quickly depending on how you operate. Working on commercial sites, using scaffolding, or hiring subcontractors increases your risk — and that’s reflected in the premium.
Here’s what can push the cost up:
- Working at height or on scaffolding
- Operating on large-scale or high-value construction projects
- Storing or insuring expensive tools and equipment
- Hiring subcontractors or site labourers
- Choosing a higher public liability limit — like £5M instead of £1M
- Having a history of past claims
- Working in high-risk or theft-prone areas
Your business structure matters too. Limited companies may pay more than sole traders, especially if they’ve got multiple workers or ongoing site contracts.
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best. A bare-bones policy might save you money up front — but could cost you far more if it leaves you exposed when something goes wrong.
How Can I Save Money On Construction Insurance?
You can save money on construction insurance by tailoring your policy to your actual work, avoiding unnecessary extras, and comparing quotes each year. It’s about being smart — not cutting corners.
The right cover doesn’t have to mean paying more. If you understand what you do (and don’t) need, there are several ways to trim your premium without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
Choose the right public liability limit
If you’re not working on commercial contracts, £1M or £2M is often enough. You don’t need £5M unless it’s contractually required.
Be accurate about your tools
Don’t over-insure. Only declare the tools you carry and use regularly, and give realistic values.
Store tools securely
Vans left unlocked or job sites with no security raise red flags for insurers and increase your costs.
Review your policy annually
Your work might change over time. Comparing quotes once a year can reveal better deals that fit your current setup.
Increase your voluntary excess
If you’re low-risk and rarely claim, opting for a higher excess can bring your premium down.
Maintain a clean claims history
Paying out of pocket for minor incidents can help protect your long-term premium rate.
Saving money isn’t about stripping out the essentials — it’s about making sure you’re only paying for the protection you actually need.
How To Compare Construction Insurance Quotes Online
Comparing construction insurance at simplyquote.co.uk is quick, straightforward, and designed around the needs of trades like yours. You fill in one form, and we connect you with tailored quotes from trusted UK insurers.
Here’s how it works:
- Tell us what you do
Select “Construction” as your trade, and give basic details like your postcode, annual turnover, and whether you work solo or hire subcontractors. - Choose your cover levels
Pick your public liability limit — usually £1M, £2M or £5M — and add extras like tool cover, contract works, personal accident, or employer’s liability if needed. - See live quotes instantly
Get matched with insurers that specialise in construction and trade policies. No pushy sales calls, no hidden charges — just fast, relevant comparisons. - Check what’s included
Don’t just look at the price. Check for exclusions, excess amounts, and make sure the policy reflects how you actually work on site. - Buy direct from the provider
Once you’ve chosen a quote, you’ll go straight to the insurer to complete your purchase. It’s fast, secure, and powered by our partnership with Quotezone.
When the job’s ready and the pressure’s on, the last thing you need is more admin. Comparing here takes minutes — so you can focus on the build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only employer’s liability insurance is legally required — and only if you hire staff or labour-only subcontractors. Other covers, like public liability, aren’t mandatory but are expected by most clients and site managers.
Yes — but you must declare all the types of work you do when getting a quote. If you don’t, your policy may not pay out for claims outside your listed trade.
Yes. Some insurers offer short-term public liability insurance or project-based policies if you’re only working on a specific build or limited contract. Just be sure to specify your dates and scope of work accurately when applying.
Absolutely. You’ll need to estimate your annual turnover, but working part-time or during specific seasons won’t stop you from getting covered.
Yes. Even small domestic jobs carry risks — from property damage to accidental injury. Without insurance, you’d be personally liable for any claims.
Only if you’ve added tool cover and your van meets the insurer’s security requirements — usually locked, alarmed, and parked in a secure location.
Generally, yes — but you’ll need to declare it. Working at height or on scaffolding must be disclosed to ensure it’s included in your policy.
Yes. Most insurers offer monthly payment plans, though you may pay slightly more overall than if you pay the premium annually.
Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 2nd April 2025 by Chris Richards