Guides

Real questions from the job, answered with sources you can check.

Costs

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Nine things to check on a trade insurance quote

The cheapest quote can be the one that does not match your work. Here is what to read before you pay, and what to ask if the answer is not on the page.

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Prices

What public liability insurance really costs in 2026

Adverts say about £5 a month. That number is real, but most buyers do not pay it. Here is how to read it.

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Limits

£1 million, £2 million or £5 million: how much cover do you need?

No law sets the number. Your contracts usually do. Start there, then think about your worst day at work.

Liability

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The basics

Public liability or employers' liability: who each one pays

One is usually optional and one is usually the law. Neither pays for your own injury or your stolen tools, which is where many tradespeople are caught out.

Sole traders

Do sole traders need public liability insurance?

The law does not require it. But a sole trader has no company to stand behind. A claim lands on you.

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Site cover

Contractors' all risks insurance, explained without the jargon

Public liability pays for damage to other people's things. This cover protects the job you are still building.

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Advice and design

Do tradespeople need professional indemnity insurance?

If you only fit what you are told, perhaps not. If you design, specify or certify, read on.

Working status

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The legal test

Do your subcontractors need employers' liability cover?

Calling someone self-employed does not settle it. The question is how the working relationship really operates, and getting it wrong can cost £2,500 a day.