Tradesman & Contractors

Protection available for Tradesmen

‘Tradesman’ refers to builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers and more. This broad definition can make it difficult to choose the cover that protects you best against the specific risks you face. 

Here’s an overview of the main types of cover applicable to most tradesmen:

Liability: Tradesmen usually work away from their own premises and the risk of injuring third parties or damaging their property looms large over a tradesman’s daily operations. So liability insurance is highly advisable and sometimes legally required. Employers’ liability is mandatory if you have employees. It insures against injuries sustained or damage caused as a result of your employees’ work. Public liability is strongly recommended to protect against the threat of injuring third parties or damaging their property. You may be required to purchase public liability in order to comply with your customers’ contractual conditions. Products liability is a defence against accidental third-party injury or damage caused by your products. Products include mostly everything manufactured, sold or tested by you or your employees. Professional indemnity can cover you against claims of compensation made by a client if you have made a mistake or are found to have been negligent.  

Motor Insurance: Vans are the easiest way to bring people and necessary tools to the worksite, so you need commercial motor insurance if your business operations include driving. Cherry pickers, excavators, diggers or other equipment may also need motor insurance to comply with the Road Traffic Act. 

Personal Accident: As an employer, you cannot claim against yourself if you are injured at work under a liability policy. It is likely the same for your partners. However personal accident insurance can cover death, disablement and loss of limbs or sight. This additional protection for crucial employees or directors can be extended beyond working hours, providing protection all day, every day.

Own Tools and Equipment: Your tools are your means of production and earning, so cover here is vital. This can be on a ‘commercial all risks’ basis, meaning any risk not mentioned in the contract is covered. This can also be used to insure larger equipment like excavators and diggers. You can also buy an extension to cover theft from unattended vehicles. Tradesmen usually purchase commercial motor cover and a separate policy to cover the tools and equipment inside their vehicles. You can also split cover to apply only to your own premises or to your worksites.

Hired-in Plant: Many tradesmen hire equipment if the specialised tools they need are expensive. This exposes them to more risks which can be mitigated by purchasing cover for hired equipment against loss, theft or damage. This is usually included as part of your hire contract as you are responsible for the equipment when working on somebody else’s premises,

Contract Works: Contract works insurance protects you if, for example, a building you have been constructing suffers irreparable damage shortly before completion, leaving you liable for a massive loss on the contract. It can also cover materials which have not yet been incorporated into the work prior to the loss, as well as own and hired plant and tools and equipment on-site or in transit.

Manage Your Risks: Tradesmen face all sorts of different risks depending on their specific occupation. In order to protect your financial viability as a tradesman, you will need a bespoke policy that addresses your unique risks. We can do that for you. Contact Prima Protect today and begin insuring yourself for a successful future.