This depends. If you employee anyone who isn't an immediate family member, it’s a legal requirement to have employers' liability insurance as a minimum.

If it’s only you then employee’s liability insurance is not needed. But, if you bring anyone else on the job, including staff or even apprentices, then you’ll need to take out employers’ liability insurance. If you don’t, you’ll be breaking the law.  

Although not a legal requirement, other types of cover are a good idea when working in these trades, including public liability insurance. 

Although not a legal requirement, public liability insurance is recommended for protecting you and your business. If you don’t have it, you run the risk of paying out compensation or, even worse, being taken to court by unhappy customers or suppliers if something were to go wrong on a job. 

Some clients may refuse to work with you if you don’t have public liability insurance, so it’s essential to have it for securing new trade and giving clients and customers peace of mind.

Some traders will want extra cover based on specific circumstances. You can opt to add these additional policies to your standard cover: 

• Personal accident insurance - Covers costs if you are unable to work because of an accident on the job. 
• Business equipment insurance -  If you store painting and decorating supplies and equipment and want to protect them from theft, then business equipment insurance can offer extra protection. 

Speak to a member of our knowledgeable insurance team on 0808 253 6841 and chat through the specifics of your business or start a quote online today. 

 You need the following information when starting a quote online with us at Bionic: 

• Business Name 
• Policy Start Date 
• Full name of business owner 
• Phone number 
• Email 

Because painters’ insurance is unique to your business, our knowledgeable agents are on hand to help with specific questions to ensure you get sufficient cover. When speaking to our agents and arranging new insurance, you should provide further business details like turnover and wages. Find out more in our guide to submitting accurate business information for insurance. 

Yes, if your business changes in any way you should inform your broker and/or insurer and they will adjust your policy to reflect business changes. If you don’t inform them, you risk being underinsured and potentially unprotected.