Trades
Insurance

Yes. While main contractors carry site-wide policies, these rarely extend full protection to subcontractors. Most contracts require subcontractors to hold their own Public Liability and Employers' Liability cover. Without it, you may be denied site access or left personally liable for claims. Your policy should match the contract requirements and the actual work you perform.

Liability limits depend on contract requirements, project values, and risk exposure. Public Liability limits of £2m to £5m are common for smaller contractors, while larger projects often require £10m or more. Employers' Liability must be at least £5m by law, though £10m is standard practice. We review your contracts and advise on appropriate limits without over-insuring.

CAR insurance isn't legally required, but it's often a contractual obligation under JCT and other standard construction contracts. Even where not mandated, CAR cover protects your project investment from unexpected damage. The cost of rebuilding after a fire or flood without cover can be business-ending.

Public Liability covers damage caused by your work to third-party property, but it doesn't cover the cost of rectifying your own faulty work. If your defective installation causes water damage to a client's property, the damage claim is covered, but replacing your own work isn't. Understanding this distinction is crucial for managing construction risk.

Yes. Many construction businesses perform multiple trade activities, and a properly structured policy can cover all of them. However, each trade must be disclosed and rated appropriately. Failing to declare all activities can void your cover when you need it most. We ensure your policy reflects everything you actually do.

Insurance requirements are increasingly scrutinised during tender evaluation. Inadequate cover, missing certificates, or policy gaps can disqualify bids before they're properly assessed. Having compliant, well-structured insurance demonstrates professionalism and reduces risk for clients awarding contracts. We provide documentation that supports your tender submissions.

Hire agreements typically make you responsible for loss or damage to hired equipment, regardless of fault. Your own plant policy should include 'hired-in plant' cover with adequate limits. Check hire company requirements. Some specify minimum cover levels or require your insurer's details before releasing equipment.

If you provide any design input, specifications, calculations, or technical advice, you likely need Professional Indemnity cover. This includes design-and-build work, M&E system specification, energy compliance sign-offs, and project management services. The exposure exists even if design is a small part of your work.