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Home Tradesman Insurance Tradesman Insurance UK 2026: Best Policies for Sole Traders
Tradesman Insurance

Tradesman Insurance UK 2026: Best Policies for Sole Traders

CT
Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor, Kaeltripton
Published 4 Apr 2026
Last reviewed 8 Apr 2026
✓ Fact-checked
Tradesman Insurance UK 2026: Best Policies for Sole Traders
⚡ Editor's VerdictEssential for All UK Tradespeople
Tradesman insurance is a package of covers for people who work in the trades — typically public liability, tools cover, and employers' liability. Most tradesperson insurance starts from £6.18/month. Simply Business and AXA are the leading comparison and package providers.

Tradesman insurance protects tradespeople — plumbers, electricians, builders, decorators, joiners — against the specific risks they face on the job. It typically combines public liability insurance (the most important cover) with tools cover, employers' liability, and personal accident protection.

What's Included in Tradesman Insurance?

Cover TypeWhat It DoesRequired?
Public liabilityCovers injury/damage claims from customers and the public❌ Not legally required — but essential
Employers' liabilityCovers injury claims from your employees✅ Legally required if you employ staff
Tools coverCovers theft, loss, or damage to your tools❌ Optional but recommended
Personal accidentIncome if you're injured and can't work❌ Optional
Contract worksCovers work in progress against damage or theft❌ Optional — important for larger jobs
Commercial vehicleCovers vans and work vehicles✅ Required if using vehicle for work

Tradesman Insurance Cost by Trade UK 2026

TradeTypical Annual Cost (PLI + basic package)Risk Level
Painter/decorator£80–£150/yearLow
Gardener/landscaper£80–£180/yearLow-medium
Carpenter/joiner£100–£200/yearMedium
Plumber£120–£280/yearMedium-high
Electrician£120–£300/yearMedium-high
Builder£150–£400/yearHigh
Roofer£200–£600/yearHigh
Gas engineer£150–£350/yearHigh
📊 These are indicative ranges. Your actual premium depends on your turnover, claims history, number of employees, and the specific work you carry out. Always compare at least 3 quotes.

Best Tradesman Insurance Providers UK 2026

ProviderBest ForCover FromRating
Simply BusinessComparing multiple insurers£5.64/monthExcellent — 9/10 on Feefo
AXAComplete packages£6.18/monthStrong — 4.3/5 Trustpilot
Tradesman SaverSole traders, budget cover£65/yearGood — specialist provider
Direct Line for BusinessEstablished tradespeopleFrom £80/yearGood — well-known brand
HiscoxHigher-value tradesFrom £100/yearExcellent — specialist cover

Do I Need Tradesman Insurance If I'm Self-Employed?

Yes — if you work in customers' homes or on commercial sites, you need at minimum public liability insurance. Without it, you are personally liable for any compensation claims, which can run into tens of thousands of pounds. Many clients and local authorities also require evidence of insurance before work begins.

What is tradesman insurance?

Tradesman insurance is a package of business insurance covers designed for tradespeople. It typically includes public liability insurance (covering injury or damage claims from the public), tools cover, and optionally employers' liability, personal accident, and contract works insurance.

How much does tradesman insurance cost?

Most tradesman insurance starts from around £6.18/month (£74/year) for basic public liability cover. A complete package including tools cover typically costs £100–£250/year for lower-risk trades. Higher-risk trades like roofing or gas engineering pay more.

Is tradesman insurance a legal requirement?

Public liability insurance is not legally required, but employers' liability insurance is legally required if you employ anyone who is not immediate family. Many clients and contracts also require evidence of public liability insurance before work begins.

What tools cover do I need as a tradesman?

Tools cover typically protects your tools against theft, loss, or accidental damage. Most tradespeople need £2,000–£10,000 of tools cover. Check whether tools in an unattended vehicle are covered — many policies exclude this or require a van vault.

Sources: Simply Business tradesman insurance · AXA business insurance UK · Money.co.uk tradesman insurance comparison · Health and Safety Executive — employers' liability

CT
Chandraketu Tripathi
Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com
22 years in global marketing and finance publishing. Specialist in UK personal finance, insurance, tax and consumer money guides.

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