Tradesmen and construction

All businesses are required by law to take out Employers' Liability cover if they employ any staff. This includes part-time/ work experience workers, trainees or sub-contractors. You must have Employers' Liability cover if you are a limited company even if you are the sole employee or director as well as the proprietor.

Tradesmen or builders often work at their customers' premises making it therefore prudent to take out public and products liability cover as well.

When operating your business from your home the premises should already be insured under your household policy. You should also insure all business tools or equipment you own or hire as this may not be covered under your home contents policy. Many household policies will not provide Public Liability cover for visitors to your home in connection with business.

In your line of work you are exposed to a number of risks every time you start a job. You need to make sure that if the worst happens you have sufficient cover to help your business survive.

What if...

• You accidentally flood a customer's kitchen and they want to claim against you for a new carpet.
• The wiring you have installed results in an electrical fire damaging customer property worth thousands.
• Materials you used in good faith turn out years later to have serious health risks attached.
• A trainee member of staff accidentally cuts through a cable and suffers electric shocks and burns.
• Your van containing all your tools and several pieces of hired equipment is stolen.

What is covered?

Commercial packages include:

• Employers' Liability - if your business employs any staff, including part-time staff, trainees or sub-contractors you are required to have this cover by law. If you are a Limited company you must have Employers' Liability insurance even if you are the sole employee.
• Public and Products Liability - when your business involves contact with the general public there is a risk that a claim may be made against you.
• Tools and equipment - even though you don't have any premises you should insure your tools and equipment against loss, damage or destruction.