Tradesman and Professional Insurance
If you’re a self-employed tradesperson / professional or run a small contracting business, it’s important to have insurance that’s built around how you work. Our tradesmen and professional insurance policies are designed specifically for smaller firms and one-man bands, offering essential protection without overcomplicating things.
This type of cover is perfect for sole traders or small businesses with a lower turnover and no business premises to insure. Policies are typically arranged on a per capita (per person) basis, making them straightforward, cost-effective and easy to manage, ideal for electricians, plumbers, landscapers, carpenters and other hands-on professionals.
What’s Included?
Our tradesman insurance policies can include the following, depending on your trade and needs:
- Public and Employers' Liability – Essential cover for claims made by third parties or employees. Our liability insurance for tradespeople is there if someone's injured or property is damaged while you're working.
- Tools and Equipment (Own and Hired-In) – Covers loss or damage to the tools you rely on every day, whether you own them or hire them in.
- Business Contents – Includes protection for business-related items stored at home.
- Personal Accident Cover – Pays out if you're injured and unable to work. Important peace of mind if you're self-employed.
- Contract Works – Covers damage to works in progress, including materials, fixtures and fittings. Essential cover for builders responsible for the project until completion or handover.
- Legal Expenses – Covers legal costs for disputes relating to customers, contracts, tax investigations or employment matters.
Who Is This For?
Our insurance for Self-employed Tradesman and Professionals is best suited to smaller businesses or individuals, such as:
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Bookkeepers
- Surveyors
- Small general builders
- Subcontractors working under larger firms
Whether you’re after electricians insurance, plumbers insurance, carpenters insurance, or insurance for gardeners, we’ll help you find a policy that fits your trade and your working setup.
This type of cover is typically not suitable for businesses with a high turnover or those needing insurance for premises. If and when you’ve grown beyond that, our contractors combined insurance may be a better fit.
Why Choose Chubb Thomas?
- Truly independent insurance broker based in Bournemouth, with no corporate ties
- Insurance quotes tailored to your needs, across Dorset and surrounding areas
- Speak directly to your dedicated contact—no call centres, no waiting
- Work with your key person from start to finish
- Insurance quotes tailored to your needs, across Dorset and surrounding areas
- Fair fees and transparent advice every step of the way
- Independent and unbiased—we’re not tied to any insurer, so you always come first
- A reputation for excellence, delivering insurance services locally since the early 1980s.
FAQs
What is tradesman insurance?
Tradesman insurance is a type of business insurance tailored to the needs of self-employed professionals and small contracting firms. It typically includes liability, tools and personal accident cover.
Do I need public liability insurance as a tradesperson?
Yes. Wherever you work, public liability insurance is essential. It protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your work.
Can I get cover if I work alone?
Absolutely. Most tradesman insurance policies are built around sole traders or one-man bands, with flexible cover options that suit smaller operations.
What's the difference between this and contractors combined insurance?
This policy is better suited for smaller businesses with lower turnover and no business premises. Contractors combined insurance is designed for larger or more complex operations.
Can I add cover for contract works?
Yes, contract works cover is available as an optional extra. It protects against damage to ongoing work and materials before handover.
Do I need employers’ liability insurance?
You must get employers’ liability (EL) insurance as soon as you become an employer – your policy must cover you for at least £5 million and come from an authorised insurer.
The definition of an employee is someone who has a contract with you. In the contract, their role, responsibilities and pay are clearly defined. The contract usually states the work hours, obligations, holiday allowance and other employee benefits. In other words, an employee works under your control and direction, and you are contractually obliged to provide them with regular work and pay them a salary. You still need employers ‘ liability insurance, even if your staff are part-time or temporary. If you are unsure, please contact our office and we can discuss in further detail.
What trades do you cover?
We can arrange cover for most trades, including electricians, plumbers, roofers, carpenters, decorators, bricklayers and more.
Will my tools be covered in my van overnight?
Some policies offer overnight cover for tools left in vehicles, but this usually comes with conditions. Let us know how you work and we’ll find a policy that suits.
Can I get cover if I use hired-in tools or machinery?
Yes. Many tradesman insurance policies include optional cover for hired-in tools or machinery.
What if I also give advice or design input?
If your work includes professional advice or design for a fee, you will probably need professional indemnity insurance. We can help you decide if it’s required for your trade.
Does this insurance cover defective workmanship?
No, tradesman insurance policies do not cover the cost of rectifying faulty or defective workmanship.
What's the difference between labour-only and bona-fide subcontractors?
Labour-only subcontractors work under your direction, use your tools and equipment, and are effectively part of your workforce. You are usually responsible for their health and safety, and they should be included under your employers’ liability insurance.
Bona-fide subcontractors, on the other hand, work independently, provide their own tools, materials and insurance, and are responsible for their own health and safety. They typically need their own public liability insurance.
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Other Insurance Options
Commercial Insurance
Business Insurance and Combined Business Cover
Construction Insurance
Tradesman and Professionals Insurance
Shops, Offices and Surgeries Insurance
Leisure and Hospitality Insurance
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Motor Fleet Insurance
Motor Trade Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Directors and Officers Insurance
Engineering and Plant Insurance
Commercial Motor and Van Insurance
Marine / Cargo Insurance
High Net Worth Insurance
Trusted Dorset Insurance Broker
We’re a truly independent Dorset broker offering real advice, not scripts. offering tailored insurance quotes across Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Dorchester and beyond. Whether you need personal, property or business cover, we deliver clear advice and a personal service every step of the way.
Contact Us
Let’s make your insurance work harder for your business. Drop us a message, give us a ring, or pop into our Bournemouth office—we’re always happy to chat.
Phone: 01202 778 000
Email: email@chubbthomas.co.uk