Keep your business and reputation safe as houses with tradesmen insurance. It's the tool you need when a job doesn't go to plan.
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for physical damage and injuries caused by your business
Big jobs or small ones, you're a helping hand. You build things, fix faults, fit systems or clean and sort your client's home or garden.
But as handy as you are, accidents happen. Your customer takes a tumble over your toolbox and needs major dental repairs. You smash a set of patio doors when moving your ladder. You get the idea.
There’s a whole list of things that can go wrong when you’re using your tricks of the trade. Things can get damaged, people can get hurt, and the finger of blame can point in your direction.
So it makes sense to be prepared. Find yourself in a fix with an unhappy customer, and tradesmen insurance can pay any legal costs and compensation if there’s a claim against you. Job done.
From aerial and satellite dish installers to window cleaners, we can help. Our tradesmen insurance covers a long list of occupations, including:
And many more...
Public liability (PL) insurance is a must because of what you do, how you do it, and the tools you use.
You’re up a ladder and drop your hammer on a client’s expensive tiled floor smashing several tiles. Or, worse still, you drop your hammer on them. Your client could sue you for damages.
PL covers you (or an employee) if you break something or accidentally injure someone, and it's your fault. It pays for a lawyer to defend you and any compensation awarded.
And if you employ anyone, employers' liability is a legal obligation, even if it's part-time or temporary. The Health and Safety Executive, who enforce the law, can fine you for every day you don't have it.
Wherever you work, accidents can happen. An employee could fall off a ladder or inhale toxic fumes. If they claim your business is to blame for their injury or illness, you’ll need a bank balance large enough to pay legal fees and possible compensation. Employer’s liability does both.
When you’re self-employed, you are your business, so any time away from it costs you money. Personal accident cover can help if you can’t work because you’re injured, even if it happens outside work hours. It pays a sum to tide you over until you’re back on your feet.
Covering any tools and equipment makes sense, especially if your kit is valuable. Your tradesmen insurance can include cover for accidental damage or theft (including from your van during the day), as long as you have your valuables listed on your schedule.
Do you hire construction machinery or tools? If you accidentally damage something you've borrowed, the hire company will be out of pocket while you get it repaired. They'll probably want you to cover the costs. Hired-in plant insurance pays the hire charges in the meantime.
Subcontractors can be the perfect solution when you need a backup or extra workforce. But the type of insurance you need depends on the type of subcontractor you hire.
A labour-only subcontractor means you dictate their hours. You supervise them, they use your tools and materials, and you probably pay them a salary.
A labour-only subcontractor works almost as an employee. If you have a workforce already, they should be covered by your existing employers' liability and public liability insurance.
However, it's worth letting your insurance company or broker know you've hired extra staff. If you're usually a one-man band, you'll need to get employers' liability (EL). It's a legal requirement if you employ anyone – even if they're temporary.
Or, you might employ a bona fide subcontractor. They'll invoice you for their time, bring their own tools, work their own hours. You'll need to check they have their own public liability insurance and, if they have their own staff, that they're insured too. You don't need EL for these subcontractors.
A bona fide subcontractor will need to sign a contract with you, holding them accountable for their work and deadlines. Legal expenses cover can help if you have a dispute with these contractors.
Self-employed, limited company, partnership. It doesn't matter how your company is set up. Our insurance for tradesmen covers it all.
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