Whether you are rewiring a house in Bath, laying bricks in Swindon, or fixing a leaky tap in Exeter, working as a tradesperson involves daily risks. From accidental damage on-site to stolen tools or workplace injuries, even a single incident can put your livelihood at risk. For some trades, certain types of insurance are a legal requirement. That is why having proper tradesman insurance is not just a box-ticking exercise but a vital part of protecting your business, reputation, and income. You can also add coverage to your policy to address specific risks, such as theft, legal expenses, or accidental damage.
At Alexander Swan, we offer tailored insurance for self-employed professionals, contractors, and tradespeople working across the South West and beyond. We understand the nature of your work and the importance of staying protected, whether you are a solo operator, run a cleaning company, or manage a small team. Choosing the right cover for your specific trade, whether you are a builder, electrician, or run a cleaning company, ensures you have comprehensive protection that meets your business needs.
Why Comprehensive Insurance Matters for Tradespeople
Many tradespeople are self-employed, which means they do not have the safety net of employer-provided cover. If something goes wrong, you are solely responsible for covering the costs. In today’s business environment, clients are increasingly asking for proof of insurance before agreeing to contracts, particularly for higher-value or commercial jobs.
Here is how tradesman insurance helps keep your business running smoothly:
- It protects your clients by covering legal and compensation costs if accidental damage or injury occurs during a job.
- It protects your tools, whether in transit, on-site, or in your van overnight.
- It protects your income if an accident or injury temporarily stops you from working.
- It protects your reputation, especially when tendering for work that requires proof of insurance.
Without proper cover, you could face financial losses, legal disputes, or even be forced to walk away from lucrative jobs. Failing to have the right insurance could leave you personally liable for compensation costs and legal expenses, and may even put you in breach of the law.
If your work involves giving professional advice or recommendations, professional indemnity insurance can protect you against claims of negligence.
What Should a Tradesman’s Insurance Policy Include?
The best insurance is tailored to the way you work. At Alexander Swan, we build policies around your trade, work environment, and risk level. A standard policy can include: You can also choose from a range of optional covers to tailor your policy to your business needs.
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance
- Product liability insurance
- Buildings insurance
- Cleaning insurance
- Tool and equipment insurance
1. Public Liability Insurance
This is the foundation of most tradesman policies. It covers you if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your work. For example, if a client trips over your tools, a leak you fixed causes water damage, or someone slips on a wet floor in
2. Tool and Equipment Insurance
Your tools are essential to your work. If they are stolen, lost, or damaged, your business could grind to a halt. Our tool cover protects your equipment whether it is stored on-site, in your van, or at home. Tools insurance can help pay for the repair or replacement of damaged or stolen tools, ensuring you can get back to work quickly. An optional overnight tool cover can also be added, provided tools are stored securely.
3. Employers’ Liability Insurance
If you employ staff, even on a part-time or temporary basis, you are legally required to hold employers’ liability insurance. It protects you against claims made by employees who suffer injury or illness while working for you.
4. Personal Accident Insurance
Injury is a real risk in most trades. If you are hurt and unable to work, personal accident cover helps protect your income while you recover. Personal accident insurance can also provide a payout in the event of accidental death, as well as for serious injuries such as loss of limbs or sight. This can be a lifeline for sole traders who do not have access to sick pay or employer support.
5. Contract Works Insurance
Also known as contractor’s all risks insurance, this protects unfinished work and materials on-site from damage due to weather, vandalism, or fire. It is especially useful for long-term projects where multiple contractors are involved and the handover is not yet complete.
6. Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Most tradespeople use vans for transporting tools, equipment, and materials. We can include van insurance as part of your policy bundle, saving time and money while ensuring consistent protection across all areas of your business.
Each of these elements can be adjusted depending on your trade, budget, and how you operate. For a breakdown of your options, visit our Tradesman Insurance page.
Who Should Consider Tradesman Insurance?
If you are self-employed and perform any kind of physical labour or visit client premises, tradesman insurance is a must. At Alexander Swan, we work with a wide range of professionals, including:
- Builders and general contractors
- Electricians and electrical engineers
- Plumbers and gas fitters
- Carpenters and joiners
- Roofers and scaffolders
- Gardeners and landscapers
- Painters and decorators
- Heating and HVAC engineers
- Plasterers, tilers, and bricklayers
We also provide tailored insurance solutions for cleaning companies and self-employed cleaners. Self-employed cleaner insurance is essential for protecting against risks such as property damage, injuries, and legal claims.
We support tradespeople working throughout the South West of England, including in:
- Bristol
- Swindon
- Bath
- Exeter
- Taunton
- Gloucester
Cleaners face unique risks, such as accidentally spilling a cleaning solution on an expensive carpet at a client’s house, which could result in costly claims. Cleaners’ insurance costs can vary, so it’s important to compare prices to find the best value for your business.
No matter your trade or location, our team can help create a policy that matches your specific needs and obligations. Whether you are a sole trader or run a company, having the right insurance is essential to protect your business and meet legal requirements.
Claims and Policy Documents
When running a cleaning business or working as a self-employed tradesman, having the right insurance is only part of the equation; knowing how to access your policy documents and navigate the claims process is just as important. Whether you hold cleaning business insurance, tradesman insurance cover, or a broader business insurance policy, being organised and informed can make all the difference if you ever need to make a claim.
Start by keeping your insurance policy documents in a safe, easily accessible place. This ensures you can quickly reference your cover types, policy numbers, and contact details if an incident occurs. For self-employed cleaners and tradespeople, this level of organisation helps you respond swiftly to any situation, whether it’s accidental damage at a client’s house or a theft of business equipment.
If you need to make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Provide clear details about the incident, including dates, what happened, and any supporting evidence such as photos or witness statements. This helps speed up the process and ensures you receive the compensation or legal support you’re entitled to. Remember, your insurance is there to protect you from unexpected costs, legal fees, and business interruptions, so don’t hesitate to use it when needed.
For cleaning businesses, in particular, having up-to-date cleaning business insurance documents can be crucial if a client questions your cover or if you face legal action due to accidental injury or property damage. The same applies to tradesmen who may need to prove their insurance status to clients or authorities.
At Alexander Swan, we make it easy for you to access your policy documents and offer straightforward guidance on making claims. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, helping you protect your business, manage costs, and focus on what you do best.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Tradesman Insurance?
Insurance premiums vary depending on the size, scope, and type of your business. The key factors that determine your quote include:
- The nature and risk level of your trade
- Your annual turnover
- Number of employees or subcontractors
- The value of the tools and materials you carry
- The type and value of your commercial vehicle
- Your previous claims history
- Where your tools and van are stored overnight
- The level of cover you select for liability and equipment
- Any legal requirement for specific types of insurance
- The inclusion of legal expenses coverage in your policy
At Alexander Swan, we ask all the right questions up front to make sure you are not over-insured or underinsured. Our goal is to deliver a cost-effective, accurate quote that truly reflects your risk profile.
For convenience and speed, you can get your insurance quote online and receive instant access to coverage options tailored to your needs.
Why Choose Alexander Swan?
With more than 25 years of experience providing insurance to trades and small businesses, Alexander Swan is a name you can trust. Our service is built around flexibility, honesty, and speed. We help you navigate the often complex world of business insurance without stress or jargon. Whether you are a sole trader or run a company, Alexander Swan can help you find the right insurance for your needs. We also support professionals who provide advice or specialist services, and can arrange professional indemnity insurance to protect against legal claims resulting from errors or negligence.
Our clients choose us for:
- Fast, no-obligation quotes from top UK insurers
- Policy flexibility with optional covers to customise your insurance
- Straightforward claims support
- Regional expertise in the South West construction and trade sectors
- A UK-based customer service team that understands your industry
Whether you are just starting or growing your trade business, we are here to support you every step of the way. You can find more information or request a tailored quote via our Tradesman Insurance page.
Final Thoughts
Tradesman insurance is not just about meeting legal requirements or ticking off client checklists. It is about ensuring your tools, income, and reputation are protected so that you can focus on what you do best.
Whether you are installing kitchen units in Exeter, painting homes in Bath, or wiring up a new-build in Bristol, the risks are real. And so is the protection we offer. At Alexander Swan, we make getting covered simple, flexible, and affordable. Get in touch with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need public liability insurance if I work alone?
Yes. Even sole traders should have public liability insurance. It protects you if you damage client property or cause an injury while working.
Is tool insurance valid overnight?
Yes, but you must ensure tools are stored in a locked, secure place, and you have opted in for overnight tool cover. We can guide you through the conditions needed.
What does tools insurance cover?
Tools insurance covers theft, loss, and damage to your tools and equipment, whether on site, in transit, or stored securely. Optional add-ons like overnight theft protection are available.
Should I get personal accident insurance if I already have savings?
If your trade is your only source of income, personal accident cover is still strongly recommended. It provides consistent support and does not drain your savings in case of an emergency.
Are subcontractors covered under my policy?
This depends on whether they are employed or self-employed. We can advise you on how to ensure the right level of cover for subcontracted workers. If you provide professional advice as part of your services, you may also need professional indemnity insurance to protect against claims arising from negligent advice.
Can I claim my insurance costs as a business expense?
Yes. Most business insurance is tax-deductible in the UK. Speak to your accountant for full guidance on allowable expenses.
Is any insurance a legal requirement for tradespeople?
Yes, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you have employees. This cover is mandatory to comply with UK law and protects both your business and your workers.
Does my insurance cover legal expenses?
Many policies include legal expenses cover, which helps pay for legal costs arising from claims, disputes, or legal actions related to your business activities.
Do I need cleaning insurance as a cleaner?
Yes, cleaning insurance is important for cleaners and cleaning businesses. It protects you against accidents, damages, and legal claims that may arise while carrying out cleaning work.