Builders insurance is designed to protect your business against risks that arise on construction sites or in your daily work. It includes vital cover such as public liability, employers' liability, and tools insurance, to safeguard your business from unexpected costs, claims, and legal fees.
Builders insurance is designed to protect your business against risks that arise on construction sites or in your daily work. It includes vital cover such as public liability, employers' liability, and tools insurance, to safeguard your business from unexpected costs, claims, and legal fees.
Why Builders need Public Liability Insurance
Construction work comes with risks, from accidental injuries to property damage. Builders public liability insurance helps protect your business from third-party claims. While not a legal requirement, many contracts will demand proof of public liability cover before you can start work.
Is Public Liability Insurance a legal requirement?
Though not mandatory by law, it's required for most contracts. £5 million in cover is common for larger jobs, protecting your business from costly claims.
Employers’ Liability insurance explained
If you employ anyone, employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement. It covers your employees' injuries or illnesses while working for you, offering essential protection.
While most businesses legally require this, you are exempt if you run a family business that is not a Limited Company, or if you are the sole employee of a Limited Company you own. If you are unsure whether your staff or subcontractors qualify, it is safer to check before you start work.
How insurance helps you win work
Many clients will require proof of your insurance before you can start a job. Having the right cover not only protects your business but also shows professionalism and trustworthiness.
Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies and limited liability partnerships
Builders and Construction Engineers
Individuals and SMEs specialising in building and construction work
Businesses with turnover of up to £3 million
Additional Related Cover for Builders
Tools and Equipment cover
Tools insurance can safeguard your valuable tools and equipment against theft or damage.
Professional Indemnity
With our reliable Professional Indemnity insurance, you’ll receive protection against claims resulting from incorrect professional advice supplied to clients.
Other covers
Capital Death Benefit cover is available as part of our Classic and Plus packages. We also offer optional coverages, such as Contract Works insurance, which your business may need on a situational basis.
For more information or guidance, contact our approachable and knowledgeable customer service team.
FAQs - Public Liability insurance for builders
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, but it’s highly recommended for builders. It protects your business from claims made by third parties (clients, members of the public) for injuries or property damage caused by your work. Without it, a single claim could financially cripple your business.
The amount of cover depends on the size and nature of your business. Some builders opt for at least £5 million of public liability insurance. However, the exact amount will vary based on the scale of your projects, and we can help you assess your needs.
Public liability insurance typically doesn't cover:
Injury to yourself or employees (covered by employers’ liability)
Damage to your own property or tools
Intentional harm or criminal activities
Builders' insurance policies typically last one year, with the option to renew annually. However, if you have a fixed-term contract or specific project cover, the duration may differ. Always check your policy to confirm the coverage period.
The cost of builders' insurance varies depending on several factors, including the size of your business, the type of work you do, and the level of cover you require. Public liability insurance can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds annually.
As a self-employed builder, you should consider the following types of insurance:
Public Liability Insurance: Covers injury or damage to third parties
Employers’ Liability Insurance (if you employ others)
Tools Insurance: Protects your tools from theft or damage
Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers professional advice or mistakes
Each of these covers a different aspect of your work, and we can help guide you on what’s essential based on your business.
While builders' insurance covers you for liability during construction, buildings insurance for new build properties is generally the responsibility of the property owner once the construction is complete. However, while building, you may need builders’ risk insurance to cover the building and the work while it is being completed.
Product liability insurance is designed to cover you if you manufacture or supply products that could cause harm or damage. For most builders, product liability is not necessary unless you are involved in the design or supply of building materials. If you do supply materials or products, this type of cover may be something you need to consider.
Related products and resources
Tools insurance
Tools are your livelihood, that's why we offer standalone cover just for your tools. A great addition to an existing policy, tools insurance covers you up to £15,000.
Get the peace of mind you deserve. Secure your business against accidents, injuries, and property damage with comprehensive builders public liability insurance.