What does tradesman insurance cover?

Depending on the size and type of your trade business you will need a certain amount of cover in order to protect you and your income. This is why our partners can provide tradesmen tool insurance as well as tradesmen liability insurance, which can respectively cover the cost of damages to your tools or compensation if one of your employees or a member of the public is involved in an accident and claim it’s your fault. When filling out our quote form you can choose the amount of employer liability and public liability required, meaning that if you specialise in a high risk trade service you won’t have to worry about accidents.

What if I do not have a business name?

If you do not have a business name then that is not a problem, instead please enter your full name when applying for a tradesman insurance quote.

Under a tradesman policy, will I be able to cover my van?

Unfortunately your van will not be covered under a tradesman insurance policy. Instead you will have to purchase a van insurance policy in addition to your tradesman insurance. Any vehicle you drive on the public roads will require a basic form of vehicle insurance.

Will my tools be covered in my van overnight?

Your tools may be covered if your van is kept in a locked building or in a compound overnight. For full policy details you will need to refer to your tradesman insurance policy documents. You can also directly contact your insurer via telephone or email in order to find out whether the specific location where you keep your van overnight is okay.

How many trades can I have on the same policy?

If you want to have a multitude of trades on the same tradesman insurance policy, then you may be able to find out the exact details by referring to your policy documents as it may say in there. If you cannot find this in your policy details, then you will need to contact the insurance provider to discuss your options with them. You can contact them via telephone or via email.

Is there a maximum number of people I can cover for clerical work?

It will be possible to cover up to and including ten people with most tradesman insurance policies. If you are unsure, however, then you may be able to look this up in your policy documents. It may also be worth contacting your insurer, especially if you have more than ten people that need to be covered.

Is there a maximum number of people I can cover for manual work?

Some tradesman insurance providers will cover you for up to a maximum of ten people for manual work. Others may not have a maximum number. If you wish to cover more than ten people, then you should contact your insurance provider in order to enquire if this is possible. It may be that the higher the amount of people you cover, the higher the quote you will receive.

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Why Use QuoteSearcher for Tradesman Insurance?

Tradespeople often work in environments where tools, equipment, and physical labour are central to the job. Whether you operate as a sole trader or run a larger contracting business, the risks involved in working on client sites or public property can vary significantly depending on your trade.

QuoteSearcher helps connect tradespeople with insurance brokers who specialise in arranging cover for a wide range of manual and skilled professions. By completing a short form on our site, you can be introduced to brokers who understand your trade and can outline insurance options that may be suitable for the type of work you carry out, where you work, and whether you employ staff.

This allows you to explore suitable cover without needing to approach multiple insurers individually.

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Tradesman Insurance Policy Features

Please note that cover depends on the broker, insurer, and the nature of your work, but standard tradesman insurance policies may include:

Personal Accident Insurance

May provide financial support if you are unable to work following an injury sustained while carrying out your trade.

Tools Insurance

Cover for loss, theft or damage to essential tools, whether stored on-site, in a vehicle, or at your premises (subject to policy terms).

Business Equipment Insurance

Cover for business-critical equipment and machinery if damaged or stolen.

Plant & Machinery Insurance

Protection for owned or hired-in plant and specialist machinery used in the course of your work.

Why Liability Insurance Is Important for Tradespeople

Many trades involve working on client property or in public spaces. Accidental damage, injury to a third party, or issues arising from completed work can result in claims being made against your business.

For self-employed tradespeople in particular, liability claims may be pursued directly against you rather than an employer. Having insurance in place can help manage against the financial impact of legal costs and compensation claims.

If you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is required by law in the UK.

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What Trades Can Be Covered?

Tradesman insurance can be arranged for a wide range of professions, including but not limited to:

Plumbers
Electricians
Carpenters and Joiners
Builders and General Contractors
Bricklayers
Plasterers
Glaziers
Painters and Decorators
Landscapers
Tree Surgeons
Window Cleaners
Boiler Engineers

Policies are typically assessed based on the specific trade, type of contracts undertaken, annual turnover, and whether work is domestic, commercial, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tradesmen Insurance

- What does tradesmen insurance cover?
  Tradesman insurance is typically arranged as a combination of covers depending on the work you carry out. This may include options such as public liability, tools cover, personal accident insurance, and cover for plant or equipment. Cover will vary depending on your trade, where you work, and the level of risk involved.
- Can I cover my tools and equipment?
  Tools and equipment cover is commonly arranged by tradespeople. A broker can explain how cover applies depending on where tools are stored, such as on-site, at home, or in a vehicle, and whether any security conditions apply.
- Are tools covered if left in a van overnight?
  This will depend on the insurer and the security measures in place. Some policies may include overnight cover if certain conditions are met, such as approved locks, alarms, or secure parking. A broker can outline what is acceptable under different insurers.
- Will my tools be covered in my van overnight?
  Your tools may be covered if your van is kept in a locked building or in a compound overnight. For full policy details you will need to refer to your tradesman insurance policy documents. You can also directly contact your insurer via telephone or email in order to find out whether the specific location where you keep your van overnight is okay.
- Does tradesman insurance cover my van?
  Tradesman insurance does not usually include standard vehicle insurance. If you use a van for work, this would typically require a separate commercial vehicle or van insurance policy. Brokers can explain how these types of cover can be arranged alongside each other.
- Can I have more than one trade on the same policy?
  If you carry out multiple types of work, this should be disclosed when arranging cover. A broker can confirm whether a single policy can accommodate multiple trades or whether any restrictions may apply.
- Do I need insurance if I’m self-employed?
  Many self-employed tradespeople arrange insurance to protect against risks such as injury to third parties, damage to property, or loss of tools. Even if you work alone, claims can still arise, and some clients may require cover as part of contractual agreements.
- What insurance do I need if I employ staff?
  If you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. Additional cover, such as public liability or tools insurance, may also be arranged depending on how the business operates.
- Will I be covered for work at different locations?
  Many tradesman policies can include cover for work carried out at different locations, including client premises. Brokers can confirm how location affects cover under different policies.
- What information do I need to get a quote for Tradesmen Insurance?
  Brokers will usually ask for details such as your trade, type of work undertaken, annual turnover, number of employees (if any), tools and equipment value, and any previous claims history. Providing accurate information helps insurers assess risk and present appropriate quote options.

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