TRADES & CONTRACTORS INSURANCE

Cover built around the work you do.

From independent tradespeople to established contracting businesses, the risks you face depend on the work you undertake, the people you employ, the equipment you use and the contracts you take on. Dixons helps you explore commercial insurance around your individual business.

Independent commercial insurance brokerCommercial insurance experience since 1981Personal, ongoing support
Your tradeCover considered around your activities
Your peopleEmployees, subcontractors and responsibilities
Your equipmentTools, plant, materials and vehicles
INSURANCE FOR WORKING BUSINESSES

Your business is more than the job you're doing today.

A trades or contracting business can face a wide range of risks. You might work in customers' homes, on commercial premises or across construction sites. You may employ staff, use subcontractors, operate vehicles, own specialist tools or take responsibility for work in progress.

A self-employed electrician carrying out domestic work has different insurance considerations from a building contractor managing several projects and a team of employees. The right starting point is understanding what your business actually does.

We take time to discuss your activities, contracts and responsibilities before exploring the insurance options that may be suitable.

AREAS OF COVER

What insurance might your business need?

The covers below are common considerations for tradespeople and contractors. Not every business will need every cover, and availability depends on the work undertaken and insurer terms.

PL

Public & Products Liability

Consider protection against certain claims from customers, members of the public or other third parties involving injury or property damage arising from your business activities.

  • Work at customers' premises
  • Accidental damage to third-party property
  • Products or completed work, where insured
EL

Employers' Liability

If you employ people, including eligible temporary or part-time staff, you may have legal responsibilities to insure against certain employee injury or illness claims.

  • Employees and apprentices
  • Labourers and site-based staff
  • Legal requirements depend on your circumstances
CW

Contract Works

Cover may be available for insured work in progress and materials associated with a contract while a project is being completed.

  • Projects and work in progress
  • Materials awaiting installation
  • Contract-specific requirements
T

Tools & Equipment

Your tools and equipment may be essential to earning a living. Consider cover for specified items against insured loss or damage.

  • Hand and power tools
  • Tools kept in vehicles or at sites
  • Specified equipment and item limits
P

Own & Hired-in Plant

Plant and machinery can represent a significant investment. Cover options may be available for equipment you own or hire, subject to the policy.

  • Owned plant and machinery
  • Hired-in equipment
  • Damage, theft and contractual responsibilities
MV

Commercial Motor & Fleet

Vehicles used for work may need commercial motor insurance, with fleet arrangements worth considering as the number of vehicles grows.

  • Business vans and company cars
  • Multiple commercial vehicles
  • Goods carried and vehicle use requirements
Explore Fleet Insurance →
PI

Professional Indemnity

May be relevant where your business provides design, specification, consultancy, drawings or professional advice as part of its services.

  • Design and specification work
  • Professional advice or consultancy
  • Contractual and client requirements
Explore Professional Indemnity →
BI

Business Interruption

Depending on the policy, cover may help with certain financial losses and additional costs if insured damage interrupts your business.

  • Premises and workshop interruption
  • Loss of income following insured damage
  • Indemnity periods and limits
ML

Management Liability

Limited companies and businesses with directors may need to consider the personal exposures and management responsibilities that come with running an organisation.

  • Directors' and officers' liability
  • Employment-related management risks
  • Company-specific exposures
Explore Management & Financial Risks →
CY

Cyber Insurance

Trades businesses increasingly rely on email, online banking, digital records and connected systems. Cyber cover may help with certain insured incident costs.

  • Data and privacy incidents
  • Cyber interruption and response costs
  • Cover varies by policy
Explore Cyber Liability →
LE

Commercial Legal Expenses

Legal expenses insurance may provide access to legal advice and cover for specified legal costs in defined circumstances.

  • Contract and employment disputes
  • Tax or legal representation, where insured
  • Policy limits and conditions apply
PA

Personal Accident

For owner-operators and key members of a small team, personal accident cover may be worth considering if an injury prevents them from working.

  • Accidental injury benefits
  • Temporary or permanent disablement benefits
  • Benefit levels and definitions vary
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RISK

What makes your trade different?

Two businesses in the same trade can have very different insurance requirements. The work you undertake, the size of your contracts and how you operate all matter.

When reviewing your insurance, we'll want to understand the practical details of your business rather than relying on a broad trade description alone.

✓
The work you undertakeDomestic or commercial work, installation, maintenance, refurbishment, new build or specialist activities.
✓
Employees and subcontractorsWho works for you, how they are engaged and the responsibilities you retain.
✓
Contracts and project valuesTypical contract sizes, maximum project values, contract conditions and customer insurance requirements.
✓
Tools, plant and vehiclesWhat you own, what you hire, where it is kept and how it is used.
✓
Turnover and business changesYour annual turnover, growth plans, new activities and changes since your last renewal.
INSURANCE FOR YOUR TRADE

Find information for your type of work.

Explore some of the trade-specific insurance pages available from Dixons. If your work spans several areas or doesn't fit neatly into one category, speak to us about your activities.

HOW WE HELP

Insurance that starts with a conversation.

We want to understand your business before exploring the options available.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Talk through your work

We discuss your trade, activities, customers, contracts and how your business operates.

02 / IDENTIFY

Consider the exposures

We look at employees, subcontractors, vehicles, tools, plant, premises and work in progress.

03 / EXPLORE

Review insurance options

We consider suitable insurer options and explain the cover, limits, excesses, conditions and exclusions.

04 / SUPPORT

Keep your cover relevant

As your business changes, we can discuss whether your insurance arrangements need reviewing.

THE DIXONS DIFFERENCE

A broker who wants to understand the business behind the tools.

We believe commercial insurance is about more than arranging a policy. It's about understanding the work you do, the pressures you face and what matters to your business. You can speak directly with our team, arrange a visit or meet online through Microsoft Teams. We're here to help you review your cover as your business develops.

Personal service
Commercial insurance experience
Clear explanations
Ongoing support
COMMON QUESTIONS

Trades & contractors insurance FAQs.

Some common questions from tradespeople and contracting businesses.

What insurance does a tradesperson need?

It depends on the work you undertake, whether you employ people, the equipment you use and your contractual responsibilities. Common considerations include Public Liability, Employers' Liability where required, tools and equipment, contract works and commercial motor. Some businesses may also need professional indemnity, plant, cyber or other specialist covers.

Is Public Liability Insurance compulsory for tradespeople?

Public Liability Insurance is not generally a universal legal requirement for every trade, but customers, principal contractors or site operators may require it as a condition of working. The appropriate cover and limit depend on your activities and contractual requirements.

Do I need Employers' Liability if I use subcontractors?

The position depends on the working arrangements and the legal status of the people engaged. Some subcontractors may be treated as employees for Employers' Liability purposes. You should explain your arrangements fully so the requirement can be considered correctly.

Can I insure my tools and equipment?

Cover may be available for specified tools and equipment against insured loss or damage. Check how the policy treats tools left in vehicles, overnight storage, unattended equipment, security requirements and single-item limits.

What is Contractors Combined Insurance?

Contractors Combined is a type of policy arrangement that can bring together selected covers such as liability, contract works, tools and plant. The sections available and the cover provided depend on the insurer and the individual policy schedule.

Can my insurance cover work on commercial sites?

Potentially, but insurers need to understand the type of work, site conditions, contract terms, heights, hot works, excavation, structural work and any other higher-risk activities. Tell your broker about the work you actually undertake and check that it is accurately described in the policy.

How much does tradesman or contractors insurance cost?

Premiums depend on factors such as trade, activities, turnover, wages, claims history, contract values, tools and plant, limits selected and the covers required. There is no single price that applies to every business.

Can I include my vans and fleet?

Commercial vehicles can be insured separately or considered as part of a fleet arrangement, depending on the number and type of vehicles and the insurer's criteria. Visit our Fleet Insurance page or speak to us about your vehicles.

Important information: This page provides a general overview of insurance considerations for tradespeople and contractors and is not a recommendation or confirmation that any particular cover is available. The suitability, availability and cost of insurance depend on the individual business, its activities and the information provided to insurers. All cover is subject to the policy wording, schedule, terms, conditions, limits, excesses, endorsements and exclusions. It is important that all business activities, employees, subcontractors, contract requirements, tools, plant and vehicles are accurately disclosed.

Let's talk about the work you do.

Whether you're a sole trader, a growing trade business or an established contractor, tell us about your work and we'll help you explore the insurance options available.

TRADES & CONTRACTORS INSURANCE

Cover built around the work you do.

From independent tradespeople to established contracting businesses, the risks you face depend on the work you undertake, the people you employ, the equipment you use and the contracts you take on. Dixons helps you explore commercial insurance around your individual business.

Independent commercial insurance brokerCommercial insurance experience since 1981Personal, ongoing support
Your tradeCover considered around your activities
Your peopleEmployees, subcontractors and responsibilities
Your equipmentTools, plant, materials and vehicles
INSURANCE FOR WORKING BUSINESSES

Your business is more than the job you're doing today.

A trades or contracting business can face a wide range of risks. You might work in customers' homes, on commercial premises or across construction sites. You may employ staff, use subcontractors, operate vehicles, own specialist tools or take responsibility for work in progress.

A self-employed electrician carrying out domestic work has different insurance considerations from a building contractor managing several projects and a team of employees. The right starting point is understanding what your business actually does.

We take time to discuss your activities, contracts and responsibilities before exploring the insurance options that may be suitable.

AREAS OF COVER

What insurance might your business need?

The covers below are common considerations for tradespeople and contractors. Not every business will need every cover, and availability depends on the work undertaken and insurer terms.

PL

Public & Products Liability

Consider protection against certain claims from customers, members of the public or other third parties involving injury or property damage arising from your business activities.

  • Work at customers' premises
  • Accidental damage to third-party property
  • Products or completed work, where insured
EL

Employers' Liability

If you employ people, including eligible temporary or part-time staff, you may have legal responsibilities to insure against certain employee injury or illness claims.

  • Employees and apprentices
  • Labourers and site-based staff
  • Legal requirements depend on your circumstances
CW

Contract Works

Cover may be available for insured work in progress and materials associated with a contract while a project is being completed.

  • Projects and work in progress
  • Materials awaiting installation
  • Contract-specific requirements
T

Tools & Equipment

Your tools and equipment may be essential to earning a living. Consider cover for specified items against insured loss or damage.

  • Hand and power tools
  • Tools kept in vehicles or at sites
  • Specified equipment and item limits
P

Own & Hired-in Plant

Plant and machinery can represent a significant investment. Cover options may be available for equipment you own or hire, subject to the policy.

  • Owned plant and machinery
  • Hired-in equipment
  • Damage, theft and contractual responsibilities
MV

Commercial Motor & Fleet

Vehicles used for work may need commercial motor insurance, with fleet arrangements worth considering as the number of vehicles grows.

  • Business vans and company cars
  • Multiple commercial vehicles
  • Goods carried and vehicle use requirements
Explore Fleet Insurance →
PI

Professional Indemnity

May be relevant where your business provides design, specification, consultancy, drawings or professional advice as part of its services.

  • Design and specification work
  • Professional advice or consultancy
  • Contractual and client requirements
Explore Professional Indemnity →
BI

Business Interruption

Depending on the policy, cover may help with certain financial losses and additional costs if insured damage interrupts your business.

  • Premises and workshop interruption
  • Loss of income following insured damage
  • Indemnity periods and limits
ML

Management Liability

Limited companies and businesses with directors may need to consider the personal exposures and management responsibilities that come with running an organisation.

  • Directors' and officers' liability
  • Employment-related management risks
  • Company-specific exposures
Explore Management & Financial Risks →
CY

Cyber Insurance

Trades businesses increasingly rely on email, online banking, digital records and connected systems. Cyber cover may help with certain insured incident costs.

  • Data and privacy incidents
  • Cyber interruption and response costs
  • Cover varies by policy
Explore Cyber Liability →
LE

Commercial Legal Expenses

Legal expenses insurance may provide access to legal advice and cover for specified legal costs in defined circumstances.

  • Contract and employment disputes
  • Tax or legal representation, where insured
  • Policy limits and conditions apply
PA

Personal Accident

For owner-operators and key members of a small team, personal accident cover may be worth considering if an injury prevents them from working.

  • Accidental injury benefits
  • Temporary or permanent disablement benefits
  • Benefit levels and definitions vary
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RISK

What makes your trade different?

Two businesses in the same trade can have very different insurance requirements. The work you undertake, the size of your contracts and how you operate all matter.

When reviewing your insurance, we'll want to understand the practical details of your business rather than relying on a broad trade description alone.

✓
The work you undertakeDomestic or commercial work, installation, maintenance, refurbishment, new build or specialist activities.
✓
Employees and subcontractorsWho works for you, how they are engaged and the responsibilities you retain.
✓
Contracts and project valuesTypical contract sizes, maximum project values, contract conditions and customer insurance requirements.
✓
Tools, plant and vehiclesWhat you own, what you hire, where it is kept and how it is used.
✓
Turnover and business changesYour annual turnover, growth plans, new activities and changes since your last renewal.
INSURANCE FOR YOUR TRADE

Find information for your type of work.

Explore some of the trade-specific insurance pages available from Dixons. If your work spans several areas or doesn't fit neatly into one category, speak to us about your activities.

HOW WE HELP

Insurance that starts with a conversation.

We want to understand your business before exploring the options available.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Talk through your work

We discuss your trade, activities, customers, contracts and how your business operates.

02 / IDENTIFY

Consider the exposures

We look at employees, subcontractors, vehicles, tools, plant, premises and work in progress.

03 / EXPLORE

Review insurance options

We consider suitable insurer options and explain the cover, limits, excesses, conditions and exclusions.

04 / SUPPORT

Keep your cover relevant

As your business changes, we can discuss whether your insurance arrangements need reviewing.

THE DIXONS DIFFERENCE

A broker who wants to understand the business behind the tools.

We believe commercial insurance is about more than arranging a policy. It's about understanding the work you do, the pressures you face and what matters to your business. You can speak directly with our team, arrange a visit or meet online through Microsoft Teams. We're here to help you review your cover as your business develops.

Personal service
Commercial insurance experience
Clear explanations
Ongoing support
COMMON QUESTIONS

Trades & contractors insurance FAQs.

Some common questions from tradespeople and contracting businesses.

What insurance does a tradesperson need?

It depends on the work you undertake, whether you employ people, the equipment you use and your contractual responsibilities. Common considerations include Public Liability, Employers' Liability where required, tools and equipment, contract works and commercial motor. Some businesses may also need professional indemnity, plant, cyber or other specialist covers.

Is Public Liability Insurance compulsory for tradespeople?

Public Liability Insurance is not generally a universal legal requirement for every trade, but customers, principal contractors or site operators may require it as a condition of working. The appropriate cover and limit depend on your activities and contractual requirements.

Do I need Employers' Liability if I use subcontractors?

The position depends on the working arrangements and the legal status of the people engaged. Some subcontractors may be treated as employees for Employers' Liability purposes. You should explain your arrangements fully so the requirement can be considered correctly.

Can I insure my tools and equipment?

Cover may be available for specified tools and equipment against insured loss or damage. Check how the policy treats tools left in vehicles, overnight storage, unattended equipment, security requirements and single-item limits.

What is Contractors Combined Insurance?

Contractors Combined is a type of policy arrangement that can bring together selected covers such as liability, contract works, tools and plant. The sections available and the cover provided depend on the insurer and the individual policy schedule.

Can my insurance cover work on commercial sites?

Potentially, but insurers need to understand the type of work, site conditions, contract terms, heights, hot works, excavation, structural work and any other higher-risk activities. Tell your broker about the work you actually undertake and check that it is accurately described in the policy.

How much does tradesman or contractors insurance cost?

Premiums depend on factors such as trade, activities, turnover, wages, claims history, contract values, tools and plant, limits selected and the covers required. There is no single price that applies to every business.

Can I include my vans and fleet?

Commercial vehicles can be insured separately or considered as part of a fleet arrangement, depending on the number and type of vehicles and the insurer's criteria. Visit our Fleet Insurance page or speak to us about your vehicles.

Important information: This page provides a general overview of insurance considerations for tradespeople and contractors and is not a recommendation or confirmation that any particular cover is available. The suitability, availability and cost of insurance depend on the individual business, its activities and the information provided to insurers. All cover is subject to the policy wording, schedule, terms, conditions, limits, excesses, endorsements and exclusions. It is important that all business activities, employees, subcontractors, contract requirements, tools, plant and vehicles are accurately disclosed.

Let's talk about the work you do.

Whether you're a sole trader, a growing trade business or an established contractor, tell us about your work and we'll help you explore the insurance options available.

TRADES & CONTRACTORS INSURANCE

Cover built around the work you do.

From independent tradespeople to established contracting businesses, the risks you face depend on the work you undertake, the people you employ, the equipment you use and the contracts you take on. Dixons helps you explore commercial insurance around your individual business.

Independent commercial insurance brokerCommercial insurance experience since 1981Personal, ongoing support
Your tradeCover considered around your activities
Your peopleEmployees, subcontractors and responsibilities
Your equipmentTools, plant, materials and vehicles
INSURANCE FOR WORKING BUSINESSES

Your business is more than the job you're doing today.

A trades or contracting business can face a wide range of risks. You might work in customers' homes, on commercial premises or across construction sites. You may employ staff, use subcontractors, operate vehicles, own specialist tools or take responsibility for work in progress.

A self-employed electrician carrying out domestic work has different insurance considerations from a building contractor managing several projects and a team of employees. The right starting point is understanding what your business actually does.

We take time to discuss your activities, contracts and responsibilities before exploring the insurance options that may be suitable.

AREAS OF COVER

What insurance might your business need?

The covers below are common considerations for tradespeople and contractors. Not every business will need every cover, and availability depends on the work undertaken and insurer terms.

PL

Public & Products Liability

Consider protection against certain claims from customers, members of the public or other third parties involving injury or property damage arising from your business activities.

  • Work at customers' premises
  • Accidental damage to third-party property
  • Products or completed work, where insured
EL

Employers' Liability

If you employ people, including eligible temporary or part-time staff, you may have legal responsibilities to insure against certain employee injury or illness claims.

  • Employees and apprentices
  • Labourers and site-based staff
  • Legal requirements depend on your circumstances
CW

Contract Works

Cover may be available for insured work in progress and materials associated with a contract while a project is being completed.

  • Projects and work in progress
  • Materials awaiting installation
  • Contract-specific requirements
T

Tools & Equipment

Your tools and equipment may be essential to earning a living. Consider cover for specified items against insured loss or damage.

  • Hand and power tools
  • Tools kept in vehicles or at sites
  • Specified equipment and item limits
P

Own & Hired-in Plant

Plant and machinery can represent a significant investment. Cover options may be available for equipment you own or hire, subject to the policy.

  • Owned plant and machinery
  • Hired-in equipment
  • Damage, theft and contractual responsibilities
MV

Commercial Motor & Fleet

Vehicles used for work may need commercial motor insurance, with fleet arrangements worth considering as the number of vehicles grows.

  • Business vans and company cars
  • Multiple commercial vehicles
  • Goods carried and vehicle use requirements
Explore Fleet Insurance →
PI

Professional Indemnity

May be relevant where your business provides design, specification, consultancy, drawings or professional advice as part of its services.

  • Design and specification work
  • Professional advice or consultancy
  • Contractual and client requirements
Explore Professional Indemnity →
BI

Business Interruption

Depending on the policy, cover may help with certain financial losses and additional costs if insured damage interrupts your business.

  • Premises and workshop interruption
  • Loss of income following insured damage
  • Indemnity periods and limits
ML

Management Liability

Limited companies and businesses with directors may need to consider the personal exposures and management responsibilities that come with running an organisation.

  • Directors' and officers' liability
  • Employment-related management risks
  • Company-specific exposures
Explore Management & Financial Risks →
CY

Cyber Insurance

Trades businesses increasingly rely on email, online banking, digital records and connected systems. Cyber cover may help with certain insured incident costs.

  • Data and privacy incidents
  • Cyber interruption and response costs
  • Cover varies by policy
Explore Cyber Liability →
LE

Commercial Legal Expenses

Legal expenses insurance may provide access to legal advice and cover for specified legal costs in defined circumstances.

  • Contract and employment disputes
  • Tax or legal representation, where insured
  • Policy limits and conditions apply
PA

Personal Accident

For owner-operators and key members of a small team, personal accident cover may be worth considering if an injury prevents them from working.

  • Accidental injury benefits
  • Temporary or permanent disablement benefits
  • Benefit levels and definitions vary
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RISK

What makes your trade different?

Two businesses in the same trade can have very different insurance requirements. The work you undertake, the size of your contracts and how you operate all matter.

When reviewing your insurance, we'll want to understand the practical details of your business rather than relying on a broad trade description alone.

✓
The work you undertakeDomestic or commercial work, installation, maintenance, refurbishment, new build or specialist activities.
✓
Employees and subcontractorsWho works for you, how they are engaged and the responsibilities you retain.
✓
Contracts and project valuesTypical contract sizes, maximum project values, contract conditions and customer insurance requirements.
✓
Tools, plant and vehiclesWhat you own, what you hire, where it is kept and how it is used.
✓
Turnover and business changesYour annual turnover, growth plans, new activities and changes since your last renewal.
HOW WE HELP

Insurance that starts with a conversation.

We want to understand your business before exploring the options available.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Talk through your work

We discuss your trade, activities, customers, contracts and how your business operates.

02 / IDENTIFY

Consider the exposures

We look at employees, subcontractors, vehicles, tools, plant, premises and work in progress.

03 / EXPLORE

Review insurance options

We consider suitable insurer options and explain the cover, limits, excesses, conditions and exclusions.

04 / SUPPORT

Keep your cover relevant

As your business changes, we can discuss whether your insurance arrangements need reviewing.

THE DIXONS DIFFERENCE

A broker who wants to understand the business behind the tools.

We believe commercial insurance is about more than arranging a policy. It's about understanding the work you do, the pressures you face and what matters to your business. You can speak directly with our team, arrange a visit or meet online through Microsoft Teams. We're here to help you review your cover as your business develops.

Personal service
Commercial insurance experience
Clear explanations
Ongoing support
COMMON QUESTIONS

Trades & contractors insurance FAQs.

Some common questions from tradespeople and contracting businesses.

What insurance does a tradesperson need?

It depends on the work you undertake, whether you employ people, the equipment you use and your contractual responsibilities. Common considerations include Public Liability, Employers' Liability where required, tools and equipment, contract works and commercial motor. Some businesses may also need professional indemnity, plant, cyber or other specialist covers.

Is Public Liability Insurance compulsory for tradespeople?

Public Liability Insurance is not generally a universal legal requirement for every trade, but customers, principal contractors or site operators may require it as a condition of working. The appropriate cover and limit depend on your activities and contractual requirements.

Do I need Employers' Liability if I use subcontractors?

The position depends on the working arrangements and the legal status of the people engaged. Some subcontractors may be treated as employees for Employers' Liability purposes. You should explain your arrangements fully so the requirement can be considered correctly.

Can I insure my tools and equipment?

Cover may be available for specified tools and equipment against insured loss or damage. Check how the policy treats tools left in vehicles, overnight storage, unattended equipment, security requirements and single-item limits.

What is Contractors Combined Insurance?

Contractors Combined is a type of policy arrangement that can bring together selected covers such as liability, contract works, tools and plant. The sections available and the cover provided depend on the insurer and the individual policy schedule.

Can my insurance cover work on commercial sites?

Potentially, but insurers need to understand the type of work, site conditions, contract terms, heights, hot works, excavation, structural work and any other higher-risk activities. Tell your broker about the work you actually undertake and check that it is accurately described in the policy.

How much does tradesman or contractors insurance cost?

Premiums depend on factors such as trade, activities, turnover, wages, claims history, contract values, tools and plant, limits selected and the covers required. There is no single price that applies to every business.

Can I include my vans and fleet?

Commercial vehicles can be insured separately or considered as part of a fleet arrangement, depending on the number and type of vehicles and the insurer's criteria. Visit our Fleet Insurance page or speak to us about your vehicles.

Important information: This page provides a general overview of insurance considerations for tradespeople and contractors and is not a recommendation or confirmation that any particular cover is available. The suitability, availability and cost of insurance depend on the individual business, its activities and the information provided to insurers. All cover is subject to the policy wording, schedule, terms, conditions, limits, excesses, endorsements and exclusions. It is important that all business activities, employees, subcontractors, contract requirements, tools, plant and vehicles are accurately disclosed.

Let's talk about the work you do.

Whether you're a sole trader, a growing trade business or an established contractor, tell us about your work and we'll help you explore the insurance options available.