* By submitting your details you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy . We promise we won’t share your data with others for marketing purposes.
Tradesman Insurance
Compare tradesman insurance
Tailored insurance packages for tradesmen
Compare from a panel of trusted insurers
Bionic is the comparison site for your small business
We compare a vetted panel of trusted business suppliers
Bionic provides business insurance for sole traders, limited companies and more
Get tailored cover to protect against claims from employees, clients and the public
Get the protection you need with no unnecessary extras that you don’t want
What is...
trade insurance?
Trade insurance is a very specific type of business insurance for people who work in particular fields or trades. These tend to be people who run businesses that don't have specific business premises and either work from home or in customers' homes or businesses, for example.
Typical trades that might need tradesman insurance are builders, painters and decorators, electricians, or cleaners, but there is a huge range of professionals and businesses for whom tradesman business insurance might be worth looking into. This is because it could help provide protection against certain costs that come with these professions.
For example, a tradesman might need public liability insurance because their work might result in damage or injury to a third party. Similarly, a person working with tools might want tradesman-specific tool insurance, particularly if they are self-employed and responsible for all business costs.
Do tradesmen need insurance?
It is not a legal obligation to insure yourself as a tradesman, unless you have employees then employer’s liability is a legal requirement. However, getting fully insured is a good idea and could save you hassle in the long run.
A lot of tradespeople have expensive tools and can't work without them. If something was to go wrong, would you have the money to instantly replace your tools? If the answer is no, then insurance can help give you the peace of mind you need.
It’s worth keeping in mind that a lot of clients choose not to work with tradesmen who don’t have valid insurance credentials.
What kind of trades need cover?
If you’re a sole trader working as a painter or decorator, or if you own a family building business, it’s essential to think about tradesman insurance. Here is a list of the some of trades suitable:
- Bricklayers
- Plasterers
- Builders
- Painters
- Decorators
- Plumber
- Mason
- Electrician
- Roofer
- Welder
We also offer specific workshop insurance for carpenters, joiners and mechanical or electrical repair specialists. If your business relies on specific types of equipment or specialist tools, it could be worth taking out this type of insurance to recover the costs if any of it is lost, damaged or stolen.
Why do trades need cover?
You’re not required by law to have all types of insurance cover, but it’s a good idea to consider them. You’ll want to help protect yourself from:
- Paint, wallpaper paste and other materials can be a hazard for falls and slips and also damage walls, carpets and flooring in a property. This could result in property damage and injury claims against you which can be costly
- Theft of your expensive, professional tools can really put you out. Tool theft is a growing business, and sometimes a lock on your garage isn’t enough to stop thieves, so it’s best to consider insurance.
- Back strains, shoulder rotator cuff injuries and more can happen to tradespeople. Lifting heavy materials, working on a ladder or in small spaces all increase the risk of injury for you or your employees. Even if you’re a sole trader and you badly injure your back, you’ll need insurance cover to help in case you’re out of work for a while.
- Failing products and installation can cause unhappy customers and a hassle for you if things don’t go to plan. Tradesman insurance can help cover your back if one of your employees messes up a job, and a customer claims against you.
What does tradesman insurance cover?
Policies will vary per provider, and terms and conditions apply, so always check the small print in your policy wording to see what’s included and excluded. Your insurance package could include:
Public liability insurance
In case you injure someone or damage something while providing your services
Employers’ liability insurance
In case an employee gets ill or injured because of the work they do for you. A legal requirement if you have employees.
Commercial building insurance
To protect business premises that you own, whether you're using them or renting them out to others.
Tool or machinery insurance
Protects against the cost of damaged, lost or stolen equipment.
Personal accident insurance
In case you injure yourself on the job and can’t work.
Why choose trade insurance with Bionic
Tradesmen or trade businesses should consider insurance cover to help protect from financial losses related to employee injury or illness, and damage, loss or theft of your tools and equipment.
At Bionic, we have access to a trusted panel of insurers and work with them to find cover that fits your unique business needs, so you are always properly insured but only have what you need. Start your business insurance comparison online today.
Robust protection for skilled tradesmen. Arrange tailored cover and protect your trade, work and clients.
James Barwell, Insurance Director
How Bionic business Insurance comparison works
Compare business insurance quotes in three simple steps
1
Start your quote online
Speed up the process by submitting basic business details online – whenever you have time.
2
Speak to our UK-based team
Schedule a call with one of our insurance brokers to discuss the details to ensure they’re correct.
3
Compare tailored quotes
Get your quotes from our panel of trusted insurers and talk any questions through with our team.
What do I need to get started?
You only need a few details to get started with getting a quote online, so it’s best to have the following information ready to go:
Your business name and trade
Your policy start date
Your name and contact details to receive your quote options
You may be asked additional questions about business activities
FAQs
Our team shares essential knowledge on business insurance
How to protect your small business from shoplifters: top tips guide
You don't want shoplifts stealing your goods — but what can you really do about it? Clue up on everything from the laws around shoplifting to what to do if you spot customers stealing from you.
What is an Employer Reference Number? (ERN Number)
An Employer Reference Number (ERN), also known as an employer PAYE reference on tax forms, is a unique reference number used to identify your business
The Best & Worst Shoplifting Areas Across the UK
We gathered UK police data to find about the UK's top shoplifting hotspots. Could it be where your business is located? Use our interactive map to find out and explore our original study.
How to easily write a contract of employment (with a free template)
Knowing what to include in a contract of employment can be challenging. Find out more about contracts of employment with our guide.
Not your usual boring business content!
Sign-up to The Backbone, our free fortnightly newsletter for anyone who owns, runs, or works in one of the millions of businesses across the UK. Get the inside track from real business owners just like you