Compare Electrician Insurance Quotes

Electrician insurance protects you from financial losses if something goes wrong on the job — whether that’s an accident, injury, property damage, or legal claim.

Without cover, even a simple mistake could cost thousands and disrupt your ability to work.

Working with electricity carries inherent risk. You might accidentally drill through a customer’s water pipe, suffer an injury on-site, or be blamed for a fire caused by faulty wiring. Any of these situations could lead to claims, compensation demands, or legal action — and without insurance, you’re personally liable.

Public liability is especially important. It’s not just there to tick a box — many clients, contractors, and site managers won’t let you start work without proof of cover. And if you employ anyone, even part-time, employer’s liability is a legal requirement.

Even if you’re a sole trader handling small domestic jobs, you’re not exempt from risk. Tools can be stolen. Jobs can go wrong. Someone could trip over a cable and file a claim. With the right cover in place, you’re not just protecting your income — you’re protecting your reputation, your clients, and your ability to keep trading confidently.

Electrician insurance doesn’t automatically cover subcontractors or apprentices — you’ll need to declare them and meet certain conditions for them to be included.

If you don’t, your policy could be invalidated when you need it most. Let’s break it down.

If you hire apprentices, they’re typically treated like employees — which means you’re legally required to have employer’s liability insurance, even if they’re part-time or unpaid. Most insurers will ask about apprentices specifically during the quote process, so be upfront to make sure they’re covered.

Subcontractors are more complex. There are two main types:

• Labour-only subcontractors — work under your supervision, use your tools, and follow your hours. These are usually considered employees in the eyes of insurers and must be covered by your policy.
• Bona fide subcontractors — work independently, use their own tools, and carry their own insurance. You typically don’t need to cover them, but you may need to check or record their insurance details to avoid liability.

Electrician insurance policies don’t cover everything — and knowing what’s excluded is just as important as what’s included.

Common exclusions include tool theft from unlocked vehicles, damage from faulty workmanship, and working at extreme heights without prior declaration.

Here are a few examples to watch for:

• Wear and tear — Tools, cables, and equipment that break down over time due to regular use won’t be covered.
• Unattended or insecure storage — If your van isn’t locked or parked securely overnight, tool theft claims may be rejected.
• Undeclared subcontractors — Many policies only cover direct employees. You’ll need to declare subcontractors and ensure they’re licensed and insured.
• Work at height or depth — Standard policies often exclude work above a certain height (e.g. 15 metres) or below ground unless specified.
• Faulty workmanship — Damage caused by poor-quality work or design isn’t covered unless you’ve added professional indemnity.
• Illegal or unauthorised activity — Any criminal or deliberately negligent behaviour automatically voids cover.

This is where policy documents matter. Two quotes might look similar, but exclusions can make a big difference when you need to claim. If your work involves non-standard risks — like solar installations or commercial rewiring — it’s worth checking the fine print or calling the insurer before buying.