Trade Specific Insurance

Towergate has built a reputation for being able to provide cover where others can’t. Our market access, experience and expertise for understanding individual needs allows us to create and source insurance solutions for most trades, professions and occupations.

Do I need trade insurance?

Whether you’re a one-man band or have a team of employees; whether you’re doing a bit of gardening or taking on a large public contract, liability insurance is probably the most important cover you’ll need. We can provide public, product and employers’ liability insurance for liability limits  up to £10million (higher on request).

Is public liability insurance a legal requirement in the UK?

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but is essential if you are running a business giving you peace of mind in the event of accidental bodily injury of damage caused to third parties or their property arising from your trade activities.

Many local authorities and customers may insist you carry specific levels of cover to meet contractual terms and conditions.

What level of public liability do you recommend?

We advise you to get the highest level of public liability insurance for tradesman as is available at reasonable prices. You should consider the types of property you work on and the potential for personal injury and damage that may arise. We can offer you a range of public liability level options so you can make an informed decision

How much does business public liability insurance cost?

The cost of your public liability insurance cover will be based on a combination of factors; your annual turnover, number of employees, your  business activities, types of property/locations worked at and the risks associated with any hazards arising, e.g. processes involving the application of heat, work at height or depth, as well as the levels of cover needed.

Factors that affect public liability insurance cost

Your public liability insurance cost will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Your trade or profession and the hazards associated with your activities – e.g. work at height, depth, use of heat (blow lamps, welding equipment)
• Whether you are you working on new or existing properties, domestic or commercial
• The type of locations worked at, any hazardous locations such as ports, airports, tunnels, gas/oil works etc
• Where in the world you work and the activities carried out - e.g. UK-only and/or Europe, or worldwide – including or excluding USA/Canada
• Number of employees, clerical or manual, and if you have any sub-contractors
• The limit of indemnity you require - £1 million, £2 million, £3 million, £5 million, £10 million or higher
• What is included in your public liability insurance quote (standard level or extra covers)
• Your past claims history
• For larger businesses, estimated annual payments to direct employees - clerical/manual, labour-only and/or bona-fide sub-contractors
• The size of your business e.g. turnover (the more work you do, the greater the risk exposure and the higher the premium)
• Your risk management and health and safety record

Are labour-only scaffolding sub-contractors covered in the same way as direct PAYE staff under the employer’s liability policy?

Yes. We can cover both types of scaffolding employees for the same risks, although it is very important to declare how members of your scaffolding workforce are employed as this will affect how your risks are calculated.

Can you provide JCT insurance and can you cover my sub-contractors tools?

We know JCT is becoming more and more desired as part of a tradesman insurance even though the market availability is restricted. We pride ourselves on not only being able to source this protection for those looking for it but also being able to arrange other types of cover you may need e.g. labour sub-contractors and employees’ tools cover. Speak with one of our advisers about your needs and how we might be able to help.

I need 'Contractors All Risks' cover for my contract, can you offer this?

Yes, we are able to offer this cover and chose a package from our insurer panel to suit each client's demands and needs.

Can I pay for my trade specific insurance in instalments?

To help you spread the cost of your premiums, we offer a quick and easy direct debit scheme for payment spread over ten months. Please visit our dedicated Direct Debit page to find out more.

Where can I find more information about monthly Direct Debit for tradesman cover?

If you would like to know more about our monthly payment option, please visit our dedicated Direct Debit page.

Whether you’re a one-man band or have a team of employees; whether you’re doing a bit of gardening or taking on a large public contract, liability insurance is probably the most important cover you’ll need. We can provide public, product and employers’ liability insurance for liability limits  up to £10million (higher on request).

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but is essential if you are running a business giving you peace of mind in the event of accidental bodily injury of damage caused to third parties or their property arising from your trade activities.

Many local authorities and customers may insist you carry specific levels of cover to meet contractual terms and conditions.

We know JCT is becoming more and more desired as part of a tradesman insurance even though the market availability is restricted. We pride ourselves on not only being able to source this protection for those looking for it but also being able to arrange other types of cover you may need e.g. labour sub-contractors and employees’ tools cover. Speak with one of our advisers about your needs and how we might be able to help.

Yes, we are able to offer this cover and chose a package from our insurer panel to suit each client's demands and needs.

To help you spread the cost of your premiums, we offer a quick and easy direct debit scheme for payment spread over ten months. Please visit our dedicated Direct Debit page to find out more.

If you would like to know more about our monthly payment option, please visit our dedicated Direct Debit page.