Insurance is not exciting to think about, but for a tradesperson it is one of the few costs that protects against something that could end the business overnight, not just dent this month's profit.
Public liability insurance is the one most people ask about
It covers claims if your work causes injury to someone else or damage to their property. Many clients — especially commercial ones — will ask to see proof of it before hiring you, regardless of trade.
Tools and equipment cover
If your income depends on tools you own, cover for theft or damage — including from a vehicle — is worth pricing out. Replacing a van full of tools out of pocket is a serious setback.
Professional indemnity — mainly for advice-based work
Relevant if part of your work involves giving advice or designs a client later relies on, such as a specification or a plan. Less relevant for purely hands-on trade work, but worth checking if any of your work includes that.
Get quotes from more than one insurer before renewing. Trade insurance pricing varies more than most people expect for very similar cover.
What clients actually ask for
Larger clients, and any work involving other contractors on site, often require proof of insurance before they will even issue a purchase order — check what is commonly expected in your trade before you are asked mid-negotiation.
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