Handyman Insurance
Compare Handyman Insurance Quotes
- Complete one short form
- Quickly compare quotes
- Find a great deal today!
Compare insurance quotes from UK’s leading handyman insurers including:
Why Compare Handyman Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Comparing handyman insurance ensures you’re not overpaying — or leaving yourself wide open — for the type of work you actually do.
The tasks may vary from one day to the next, so your cover needs to flex with that.
At SimplyQuote, we’ve partnered with Quotezone to give you fast access to tailored quotes from trusted UK insurers. Instead of phoning around or filling out multiple forms, you’ll see relevant policies in one place — based on your business size, services, and level of risk.
Whether you’re fixing fences, assembling furniture, or doing odd jobs on-site, we help you find the right balance of cover and cost. No pushy sales calls. No confusing small print. Just a quick, clear way to protect yourself — properly.
What Do I Need to Get a Quote?
To get a handyman insurance quote, you’ll need to share a few basic details about the type of work you do and the level of cover you’re after.
It usually takes less than five minutes. You’ll be asked for:
- The types of jobs you carry out — e.g. furniture assembly, repairs, decorating, tiling, flat-pack fitting, basic electrics or plumbing
- Whether you’re self-employed or run a small business
- Your business postcode and contact details
- Your annual turnover and whether you employ anyone
- The level of public liability insurance you want — usually £1M, £2M, or £5M
- Whether you need tool cover, employer’s liability, personal accident cover, or other extras
- Any past claims or legal issues that might affect your quote
Every handyman’s workload is different, so the quote form is designed to be flexible — whether you’re fixing curtain poles solo or managing a small team. The more accurate your answers, the more tailored (and realistic) your quote will be.
Why Do I Need Handyman Insurance Cover?
Handyman insurance protects you if something goes wrong while you’re working — like damaging a customer’s property, someone getting injured, or tools being stolen.
Without cover, you’d be paying out of your own pocket.
You might be hanging blinds one day and fitting shelves the next — but even the smallest job can cause a costly problem. Drill through a pipe. Scratch a client’s oak flooring. Leave a tool where someone trips. If a claim is made against you, public liability insurance can cover legal fees and compensation.
Many handymen also choose tool cover (because without your kit, you can’t work) and personal accident insurance, especially if you’re self-employed. If you bring in help — even on a casual basis — you may also need employer’s liability by law.
And don’t forget: some customers, landlords, or letting agents might require you to show proof of insurance before they’ll let you on-site.
It’s not about protecting your reputation — it’s about protecting your livelihood.
What Insurance Do Self-Employed Handyman Need?
Most self-employed handymen need at least public liability insurance — and many also add tool cover, personal accident protection, or employer’s liability if they occasionally bring in help.
Even one-person operations carry risk.
When you’re working solo, everything depends on you — your reputation, your income, and your tools. If you scratch a client’s worktop, trip someone with a trailing cable, or have your drill stolen from your van, you’re the one who has to deal with the fallout.
The most common insurance for self-employed handymen includes:
- Public liability insurance – covers injury or property damage caused during your work
- Tool cover – protects your kit from theft, loss, or damage
- Personal accident insurance – pays out if you’re injured and can’t work
- Professional indemnity – optional, but helpful if you give advice or perform skilled repairs
- Employer’s liability – legally required if you bring in anyone to help — even casually
The bottom line: being self-employed doesn’t reduce your exposure. It just means you’re the only one left to pick up the bill if something goes wrong.
Does Handyman Insurance Cover Subcontractors Or Casual Help?
Subcontractors and casual help aren’t automatically covered under a handyman insurance policy — you’ll need to declare them, and your insurer will expect specific details.
If you don’t, your cover could be invalid when you need it most.
Let’s break it down:
Casual labour or part-time help
If you bring in someone to help carry tools, finish a job, or handle overflow work — even just for a few hours — you may be legally required to have employer’s liability insurance. This applies even if they’re unpaid, under 18, or working casually.
Subcontractors
Insurers split them into two main types:
- Labour-only subcontractors – These individuals use your tools, follow your direction, and work under your supervision. They’re usually treated as employees and must be included in your policy.
- Bona fide subcontractors – These work independently, supply their own tools, and carry their own insurance. You may not need to cover them — but you’ll likely need to prove they’re insured.
If you’re ever unsure, ask your insurer. A single unlisted worker on-site during an accident can be the difference between a paid-out claim… and no cover at all.
What Does Handyman Insurance Cover Include?
Handyman insurance typically includes public liability cover, tool protection, employer’s liability (if you hire anyone), and often personal accident or legal expenses insurance.
You can tailor your policy to match the kind of jobs you take on. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually included:
- Public liability insurance – Covers you if your work causes injury or damage to a third party. For example, if you break a window during a repair or a customer trips over your ladder, this helps cover the legal and compensation costs.
- Tool cover – Replaces or repairs stolen, lost, or damaged tools — whether they’re in your van, on-site, or in a locked storage unit.
- Employer’s liability insurance – A legal requirement if you bring in help, even casually. It protects you if someone working under you is injured or becomes ill due to the work.
- Personal accident insurance – Pays out if you’re injured and can’t work. Particularly useful for self-employed handymen who rely on each job for income.
- Professional indemnity – Optional cover, useful if you give advice, install systems, or offer specialised repairs. It protects you against claims of faulty advice or workmanship.
- Legal expenses cover – Helps with legal defence, tax investigations, contract disputes, and more — often bundled with other protections.
Every handyman’s setup is different, so your policy should reflect the work you actually do. You shouldn’t be paying for cover you don’t need — but missing key protection can be even more costly.
What’s Not Included?
Handyman insurance covers a lot — but not everything.
Knowing what’s excluded can save you from a costly surprise if you ever need to claim.
Here are the most common things not included in standard policies:
- General wear and tear – If your drill breaks because it’s old or overused, that’s not something your insurer will pay for. Insurance is for sudden, unexpected losses — not routine damage.
- Unsecured tools – Leaving your gear in an unlocked van or open site overnight may invalidate tool cover. Insurers expect reasonable precautions.
- Subcontractors not declared – If someone helps you out but isn’t listed on your policy, you might not be covered if something goes wrong — even if you assumed they were.
- Working outside your declared trade – If you’ve declared basic repairs but take on electrical rewiring or plumbing work beyond your qualifications, your insurer might reject a claim.
- Faulty workmanship – If you botch a job, you’ll usually have to fix it yourself unless you’ve taken out professional indemnity insurance.
- Illegal work or unapproved installations – If you fit something without proper permissions or certifications (like gas appliances), your policy won’t protect you.
The small print matters. If you’re ever unsure whether something is covered, check your policy wording or ask the provider before taking the job.
How Much Does Handyman Insurance Cost?
Basic handyman insurance can start from around £60 to £120 per year — but the actual price depends on the work you do, the cover you choose, and your risk profile.
If you’re a self-employed handyman doing occasional domestic jobs, you might pay less than £10 a month for a basic public liability policy. But if you employ staff, work in commercial environments, or carry expensive tools, your premium could be higher.
Here’s what usually affects the cost:
- Type of jobs – The broader your skillset (e.g. painting, minor electrics, joinery), the more insurers assess the risk.
- Level of cover – £5 million public liability will cost more than £1 million — but some landlords and agents require it.
- Staff or subcontractors – If you hire help, you’ll need employer’s liability, which adds to your premium.
- Optional extras – Adding tool cover, personal accident insurance, or legal expenses will increase the cost.
- Where you’re based – Urban areas with higher tool theft rates can affect pricing.
- Claims history – If you’ve had previous insurance claims, especially recent ones, your price may go up.
The best way to get a fair price? Compare quotes and tailor your cover to the work you actually do — no more, no less.
How Can I Save Money On Handyman Insurance?
You can save money on handyman insurance by tailoring your cover to the work you actually do, improving your risk profile, and comparing quotes instead of auto-renewing.
It’s about being smarter — not cheaper. Here’s how many handymen cut costs without compromising:
- Choose the right public liability limit – If you’re only doing low-risk domestic work, you might not need £10 million cover. £1M or £2M is often fine.
- Only add extras you’ll use – Don’t pay for contract works or professional indemnity if you never take on those types of jobs.
- Store tools securely – Insurers look favourably on secure overnight storage (e.g. locked vans, alarmed units). Tool cover premiums may reflect this.
- Avoid unnecessary claims – Even small claims can push your premium up at renewal. Where possible, absorb minor costs to protect your no-claims history.
- Compare quotes every year – Renewal prices aren’t always the best value. Shopping around keeps insurers competitive and ensures your cover still fits.
Saving money isn’t about stripping cover back to the bare bones. It’s about finding the right protection for the risks you actually face, and not paying for what you don’t.
How To Compare Handyman Insurance Quotes Online
Comparing handyman insurance quotes at simplyquote.co.uk only takes a few minutes — and you’ll only need to enter your details once.
It’s quick, secure, and built to give you tailored options that actually reflect the jobs you do.
Here’s how it works:
- Tell us what kind of work you do
Choose “Handyman” as your trade, whether you’re self-employed or running a small business, and give your postcode. - Select the cover you need
Choose public liability as your base, then add extras like tool cover, personal accident, or employer’s liability if needed. - Get quotes from trusted UK insurers
You’ll receive quotes in real time from providers who understand tradespeople — no spam calls or middlemen. - Compare what’s included
Look beyond just price. Check limits, excess, and exclusions to find the best value policy for your business. - Apply online in minutes
Once you’ve chosen your policy, you’ll go directly to the insurer’s site to apply and get covered — no hassle, no push.
This process is powered by our trusted partner Quotezone and designed to take the legwork out of getting properly insured.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — unless you hire staff. Public liability isn’t legally required, but employer’s liability is a legal obligation if you employ anyone, even casually.
Yes. Some insurers specialise in tradespeople with a history of claims, though you might pay more. Comparing quotes can help reduce the impact.
Usually, yes — especially if you’re doing minor repairs or maintenance. But always declare this up front to ensure your policy reflects the working environment.
Yes. You don’t need to be full-time to qualify for cover. Even occasional or side-gig work should be protected in case something goes wrong.
You’ll need to update your insurer. A shift in work type (e.g. moving from basic repairs to plumbing or electricals) could affect your cover or price.
Yes. Most insurers offer monthly instalments, though paying annually is often cheaper overall. You’ll usually see both options during the quote process.
Cover can begin immediately once you complete your quote and payment. You’ll usually receive policy documents by email within minutes.
Yes. Even informal work can result in accidents or property damage — and your legal liability doesn’t change just because the client knows you.
Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 27th March 2025 by Chris Richards