Tradesman Insurance

Protecting Your Trade, Your liability, Your Tools, and Your Livelihood

If you’re a tradesman, your work is your livelihood and it’s often hands-on, high-risk, and unpredictable. Whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber, joiner, decorator, or any other skilled tradesperson, there’s always a chance that things might not go to plan. From accidentally damaging a client’s property to having your tools stolen overnight, the right insurance can protect you from unexpected costs and give you peace of mind.

At The Yorkshire Broker, we work with tradesmen across the UK to provide tailored insurance solutions that fit the way you work, helping you protect your livelihood, your customers, and your reputation.

Why tradesman insurance matters

Running a trade business means you’re often on-site, working in people’s homes, or handling expensive tools and equipment. Even if you’re careful, accidents, thefts, or damage can happen. Having the right insurance means you can keep working, cover costs, and focus on the job, not the “what ifs.”

Types of cover for tradesmen

A tailored tradesman insurance programme may include:

Public Liability Insurance

Covers claims from members of the public (including your customers) for injury or property damage caused by your work. Essential for any tradesman working in homes or on-site.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

A legal requirement if you employ anyone (including apprentices, temporary workers, or casual labourers).

Tools Insurance

Protects your tools and equipment against theft or damage, whether at home, in your van, or on-site.

Contractors all risk (CAR) insurance or Contract Works

If damage occurs to site materials and works that you have been contracted to undertake, CAR insurance (also known as contract works insurance) will provide protection.

Personal Accident Insurance

Provides financial protection if you’re injured and unable to work.

Legal Expenses Cover

Cover in the event of employment disputes, legal defence costs, contract disputes, Tax, VAT, PAYE and NIC investigations and more.

Optional cover for tradesmen may also include:

Professional Indemnity Insurance

If your work causes a problem for your client (for example if a construction project is delayed) or you have given negligent advice, this will ensure that you are covered if your client makes a claim against you. Some clients also require construction businesses to have a certain level of cover in place before they start work on a project, so it is worth checking this before you start work.

Plant & Machinery Insurance

If you use plant and machinery on site (such as diggers, cherry pickers or generators), regardless of whether you own the equipment or you’ve hired it, this will help to cover the replacement or repair costs in the event that it is stolen or damaged.

What else do I need to know about tradesman insurance?

There might be some exclusions that won’t be covered by your tradesman insurance policy.

These could include:

General wear and tear

The normal deterioration of your equipment through everyday use is unlikely to be covered by your tradesman insurance policy.

Loss or Damage to an Item being worked upon

If you are carrying out work on an item and that work directly causes damage to it, the policy will not cover the cost of repairing or replacing that damage.

Security features

If your policy specifies that you need to have certain security features in place (such as locks), your policy may be void in the event of any claims for damage, theft or loss should you not comply with these requirements.

Limits for single items

Some policies may have single items limits, and if you have already made a claim for an item of equipment then you may not be able to make further claims.

Irresponsible behaviour

If any injuries have occurred due to the use of alcohol or drugs whilst working, you might not be able to make a claim.

How much does tradesman insurance cost?

Premiums vary depending on your trade, the level of cover you choose, and your risk exposure. At The Yorkshire Broker, we’ll take time to understand your work and find the right cover at the right price, without unnecessary extras.

We understand that trades businesses face unique risks and challenges on a day-to-day basis, and that you need bespoke insurance that works for you and gives you the level of cover that is appropriate to the risks that you face.

Give your business the protection that it deserves today – if you want to find out how much peace of mind costs, contact The Yorkshire Broker by calling: 01924 929070.