Public liability and tools cover built for the wide range of jobs a handyman actually does, with clear guidance on the work that needs specialist cover instead.
Public liability and tools cover built for the wide range of jobs a handyman actually does, with clear guidance on the work that needs specialist cover instead.
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Handyman insurance covers the wide mix of small jobs you actually do, repairs, flat-pack assembly, minor carpentry, fence and door fitting, under one public liability policy, rather than needing a separate trade-specific policy for each type of work.
It doesn’t stretch to cover everything, though. Notifiable electrical work, gas work and structural changes usually fall outside a standard handyman policy and need a specialist trade instead.
Handyman insurance can include:
Public liabilityEmployers’ liabilityTools & equipmentLegal expensesPersonal accident coverBusiness 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 advice you gave about a job was negligent.
Business Contents
Protects tools, stock and equipment kept at a workshop or unit.
Tools & Equipment
Covers your tools against theft from the van, site or workshop.
What can a handyman policy cover, and what needs a specialist?
What can a handyman policy cover, and what needs a specialist?
Standard handyman cover is broad, but it isn’t unlimited. Here’s where the line usually sits.
Standard handyman cover is broad, but it isn’t unlimited. Here’s where the line usually sits.
| Type of work | Usually covered | Usually needs a specialist trade |
|---|---|---|
General repairs & maintenance | Yes, standard cover | This is core handyman work |
Flat-pack assembly & shelving | Yes, standard cover | Low risk, widely included |
Minor electrical (e.g. changing a light fitting) | Often, check your policy wording | Non-notifiable work under Part P only |
Notifiable electrical, gas or structural work | No, needs a certified electrician or Gas Safe engineer | Legally restricted to certified trades |
Top Tip
If a job needs a qualified gas engineer, a certified electrician, or building control sign-off, it’s outside standard handyman cover, taking it on anyway can leave both you and your client exposed.
There’s no fixed price. It depends on the range of work you do, whether you have staff, the value of your tools and your claims history.
Range of work you do
More varied work means a broader risk profile to price.
Level of cover
A higher public liability limit or added extras increase your premium.
Number of staff
More employees increase your employers’ liability exposure.
Working at height
Gutter clearing or exterior work can affect your risk rating.
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 handyman insurance
How to get handyman insurance
Getting handyman insurance takes four steps: tell us about the work you do, choose your covers, compare specialist insurers, then get covered, often the same day.
Getting handyman insurance takes four steps: tell us about the work you do, choose your covers, compare specialist insurers, then get covered, often the same day.
Tell us about your work
The range of jobs you take on, and whether you have staff.
Choose your covers
Public liability, tools and any extras you need.
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.
Handyman insurance guides
Handyman insurance guides
Practical advice on cover, scope of work and staying protected.
Practical advice on cover, scope of work and staying protected.
When Tool Theft Isn’t Covered: Real Insurance Lessons for Self-Employed Handymen
Handymen across the UK face a wide range of risks daily, from accidental damage to public liability claims. Yet, one risk many underestimate is tool theft. Many self-employed handymen assume their tools are automatically covered under standard insurance policies, only to discover too late that certain exclusions apply.
3 Things Most Handymen Forget When Sorting Their Insurance (That Cost Them Later)
Running a handyman business in the UK often means focusing on getting jobs done rather than fine print. Yet without the right handyman insurance in place, small oversights could lead to big problems.
Insurance for Handymen: An Unofficial Rulebook Nobody Tells You About
When running a handyman business in the UK, it can be easy to focus solely on the next job. Yet overlooking the importance of handyman insurance could leave self-employed tradespeople exposed to financial risks that are difficult to recover from.
Handyman, Plumbing & Carpentry Insurance Guide: Tailored Cover for Every Trade
Tradespeople in the UK, from handymen to plumbers and carpenters, often face unique risks linked to their specific work environments and the tools they use daily. While many tradesman insurance policies offer core protections, certain trades may benefit from tailored cover that reflects their particular hazards and responsibilities.
Handyman insurance FAQs
Handyman insurance FAQs
Straight answers on cover, scope of work, tools and cost.
Straight answers on cover, scope of work, tools and cost.
Handyman insurance covers the wide mix of small jobs a handyman does, typically under one public liability policy, along with employers’ liability if you have staff and tools cover for your equipment.
Still have questions?
Our advisers are here to help you find the right solution.
