Public liability, tools and employers’ liability cover built for builders, whether you’re a sole trader or running a growing team.
Public liability, tools and employers’ liability cover built for builders, whether you’re a sole trader or running a growing team.
Damage on siteTools & equipmentContract works
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Builders insurance isn’t a single policy, it’s a combination of covers built around the risks of construction work: injuring someone on site, damaging a client’s property, your tools being stolen, and staff getting hurt if you employ anyone.
If you specify materials, design work or give technical advice alongside building, you may also need professional indemnity, not just liability cover.
Builders insurance can include:
Public liabilityEmployers’ liabilityTools & equipmentProfessional indemnity (if you design or specify)Plant & machinery (add-on)Business van insurance (separate policy)
Public Liability
Covers claims if your business injures a customer or damages their property.
Employers’ Liability
A legal requirement once you employ staff, covering workplace injury claims.
Professional Indemnity
Covers claims that your advice or design was negligent and caused a loss.
Business Contents
Protects equipment, stock and fixtures against fire, theft and damage.
Tools & Equipment
Covers your tools against theft from the van, site or workshop.
Do you need public liability or professional indemnity?
Do you need public liability or professional indemnity?
Many builders need both. They cover different kinds of mistake.
Many builders need both. They cover different kinds of mistake.
| Situation | Public liability | Professional indemnity |
|---|---|---|
You follow someone else’s design or spec | Usually enough on its own | Not the main risk |
You specify materials or make design decisions | Recommended alongside Professional Indemnity | This is exactly what it’s for |
Your work damages a client’s property | Covers the physical damage | Won’t respond to physical damage on its own |
A client says your advice or design was wrong | Only if the mistake has caused injury or physical damage | Covers a claim that your design or specification was wrong |
Top Tip
If you only ever build to someone else’s drawings, public liability usually covers you. The moment you advise on or specify how something’s built, professional indemnity becomes worth considering too.
There’s no fixed price. It depends on the type of building work you do, whether you have staff, the value of your tools and your claims history.
Type of building work
Structural work carries more risk than general maintenance and repairs.
Level of cover
Adding professional indemnity or contract works cover increases your premium.
Number of staff
More employees increase your employers’ liability exposure.
Subcontractor use
How you use and manage subcontractors can affect your risk profile.
Value of your tools
More expensive kit means a higher tools cover premium.
Claims history
A clean claims record helps keep premiums down at renewal.
How to get builders insurance
How to get builders insurance
Getting builders insurance takes four steps: tell us about your work, choose your covers, compare specialist insurers, then get covered, often the same day.
Getting builders insurance takes four steps: tell us about your work, choose your covers, compare specialist insurers, then get covered, often the same day.
Tell us about your work
The type of building work you do, and whether you have staff.
Choose your covers
Public liability, employers’ liability, tools and any extras.
We compare specialist insurers
We search our panel of 20+ UK insurers.
Get covered and working
Receive your documents, usually the same day.
UK-based specialist advisersAccess to specialist insurersNo obligation, just expert helpTrusted by thousands of businesses across the UK
Trusted by thousands of businesses across the UK
From everyday business insurance to complex specialist cover, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right protection and provide expert support when it matters.
From everyday business insurance to complex specialist cover, our customers trust Insurance Revolution to find the right protection and provide expert support when it matters.
Builders insurance guides
Builders insurance guides
Practical advice on cover, subcontractors and staying protected on site.
Practical advice on cover, subcontractors and staying protected on site.
Contract Works & Plant Cover for Builders: What You Need to Know
Building projects often come with a wide range of risks, particularly when valuable materials, tools, and machinery are involved. Whether working on residential, commercial, or large-scale developments, builders may benefit from arranging tradesman insurance that specifically includes contract works and plant cover.
Contract Works Insurance Explained: Why Every Builder Should Have It
Building projects can involve multiple risks, from damage to works in progress to unexpected delays. For builders, contractors, and tradespeople, contract works insurance can offer essential protection for ongoing projects. Without suitable cover, rectifying unforeseen damage or loss could result in significant financial strain.
Builder Insurance Claims Guide: What to Do When Tools Are Stolen or Accidents Happen
Builders face a variety of risks on-site, including theft of valuable tools and unexpected accidents that can disrupt projects and impact earnings. Knowing how to navigate the builder insurance claims process can be crucial when these situations occur.
Builders insurance FAQs
Builders insurance FAQs
Straight answers on cover, tools, subcontractors and cost.
Straight answers on cover, tools, subcontractors and cost.
Builders insurance is a combination of covers built around construction work, typically public liability, employers’ liability (if you have staff) and tools & equipment cover, with professional indemnity added if you design or specify materials.
Still have questions?
Our advisers are here to help you find the right solution.
