Public liability and employers’ liability cover built for main and principal contractors, including the liability that comes with managing subcontractors on a project.
Public liability and employers’ liability cover built for main and principal contractors, including the liability that comes with managing subcontractors on a project.
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Contractors insurance is a combination of covers built around running or overseeing a construction project, public liability for injury or damage, employers’ liability if you have staff, and cover for the added risk of managing subcontractors on site.
As the main or principal contractor, you can be liable for a subcontractor’s work even when you didn’t do it yourself. Your cover needs to reflect that, not just your own trade.
Contractors insurance can include:
Public liabilityEmployers’ liabilityTools & equipmentProfessional indemnity (if you design)Non-negligent liabilityBusiness 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 any staff, even casual help.
Professional Indemnity
Covers claims that your design or project management advice was negligent.
Business Contents
Protects equipment and materials kept at a yard or unit.
Tools & Equipment
Covers your tools against theft from the van or site.
Who’s liable when a subcontractor causes a problem?
Who’s liable when a subcontractor causes a problem?
As the main or principal contractor, you can carry liability even for work you didn’t do yourself.
As the main or principal contractor, you can carry liability even for work you didn’t do yourself.
| Your role on the project | Usually liable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
Main contractor managing subcontractors | Often, alongside the subcontractor | You’re responsible for coordinating and overseeing the site |
Subcontractor working under your instruction | Yes, for their own actions | They carry their own liability, but you may too if you directed the work |
Subcontractor working directly for the client | Usually not, unless you’re also negligent | The contractual relationship sits with the client, not you |
You, doing the work yourself | Yes, directly | Standard public liability applies as with any trade |
Top Tip
Check what your contracts say about liability for subcontractors before you rely on their insurance alone, you may still be exposed even when someone else did the work.
There’s no fixed price. It depends on the size of projects you run, how many subcontractors you use, whether you have staff and your claims history.
Size of projects
Larger, more complex projects carry more risk than small jobs.
Level of cover
Higher limits and non-negligent liability cover increase your premium.
Number of subcontractors
More subcontractors on a project increase your oversight risk.
Type of contracts
JCT and other formal contracts can affect the cover you need.
Number of direct staff
More employees increase your employers’ liability exposure.
Claims history
A clean claims record helps keep premiums down at renewal.
How to get contractors insurance
How to get contractors insurance
Getting contractors insurance takes four steps: tell us about your projects, choose your cover level, compare specialist insurers, then get covered, often the same day.
Getting contractors insurance takes four steps: tell us about your projects, choose your cover level, compare specialist insurers, then get covered, often the same day.
Tell us about your projects
The size of work you take on, and how many subcontractors you use.
Choose your cover level
Public liability, employers’ liability 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.
Contractors insurance guides
Contractors insurance guides
Practical advice on cover, subcontractors and staying protected.
Practical advice on cover, subcontractors and staying protected.
Limited Company vs Sole Trader: Contractor Insurance Differences
When getting contractor insurance in the UK, it is important to know how things can change. This depends on whether you work as a limited company or as a sole trader. Both business types may face similar risks, but the type of cover and who is responsible for insurance claims could differ.
Do You Need Contractor Insurance for One-Off Projects?
When working as a contractor on one-off projects, it may seem simple to skip insurance. However, there are risks involved. In some cases, clients expect the right contractor insurance, or it may be required by law.
Contractor Insurance Checklist: 7 Policies for UK Contractors
The commercial property market is shifting. Rising rebuild costs, climate-related damage and legal changes mean landlords must reassess their cover. Commercial property insurance in 2025 needs to be more than a standard package.
Limited Company Insurance for Contractors: Tailored Cover for Freelancers and Small Teams
Running a limited company as a contractor brings flexibility and opportunity, but it also comes with risks. Having the right limited company insurance can protect the business and its team from mistakes and injury claims.
Do You Need Employers’ Liability or Professional Indemnity Insurance as a Self‑Employed Contractor?
Working as a self-employed contractor in the UK can offer flexibility and independence, but it may also bring a range of responsibilities. One of the most important considerations is whether Employers’ Liability Insurance or Professional Indemnity Insurance could be required or beneficial for the type of work carried out.
Contractors insurance FAQs
Contractors insurance FAQs
Straight answers on cover, subcontractor liability, contracts and cost.
Straight answers on cover, subcontractor liability, contracts and cost.
Contractors insurance is a combination of covers built around running or overseeing a construction project: public liability for injury or damage, employers’ liability if you have staff, and cover for the added risk of managing subcontractors on site.
Still have questions?
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