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Free tools cover included as standard on our trades package policy 🛠️

Kingsbridge Insurance

Builder Insurance

Our trades policy package is expertly designed to provide comprehensive coverage for independent building contractors and small to medium-sized building companies.

It includes all the essential protections your business needs, all at an exceptional price.

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Rated 4.7/5
from over 11,000 reviews

Why do I need insurance for my building business?

Insurance gives you the peace of mind that you are protected against any potential damages, tax liabilities or claims against your business. Our policies typically combine Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Employers’ Liability, and other forms of insurance.

Our insurance protects you against many of the hazards you face from doing the job each day. Examples include claims made against you due to injury, loss or damage to property or injuries to members of the public.

Other trades we cover

We provide tailored Insurance to a wide range of trades including but not limited to:

FAQ Builders Insurance

  • Are builders legally required to have insurance in the UK?

    Although public liability insurance is not legally required, many clients and contractors will refuse to hire a builder who doesn’t have it. However, if you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is mandatory by law.

  • What does public liability insurance for builders cover?

    Public liability insurance protects your business against claims from third parties for injury or property damage resulting from your work. This covers incidents such as damage to a client’s property or injury to a passerby.

  • What insurance should a self-employed builder have?

    A self-employed builder should consider obtaining public liability insurance, employers’ liability insurance (if they have employees), and tools coverage to protect against theft or damage to essential equipment. Professional indemnity insurance is recommended if you provide consultancy or design services.

  • What are the consequences if a builder is uninsured?

    If a builder is uninsured, they could be personally and financially liable for any claims related to injuries or property damage. This can lead to substantial financial losses and potential legal complications.

  • What’s the difference between public liability and employers’ liability?

    Public liability insurance covers claims from third parties, such as customers or members of the public, for damages or injuries. In contrast, employers’ liability insurance protects your business in the event that an employee is injured or becomes ill while working for you.

  • How much does insurance for builders cost?

    The cost of insurance for builders varies based on the level of coverage, the type of work they perform, and the size of the business. You can obtain a competitive quote tailored to your specific needs using our online quote tool.

  • Can tools be insured?

    Yes, with Kingsbridge, tools coverage is included by default. This protects your tools from theft or damage, whether on-site or in transit.

  • What does Contract Works Cover protect against, and does it include protection against builder insolvency risks?

    Contract Works Cover is primarily designed to protect against physical damage or loss to the construction project itself, such as theft, fire, or accidental damage to materials and structures during construction. It does not address the risks associated with a builder’s insolvency.

  • Do builders require insurance before starting a project?

    Insurance should be obtained before starting any project to ensure protection from the moment work begins. Many clients will require specific insurance coverage and may ask to see proof of this coverage.

  • Does builders insurance cover accidental damage to neighbouring property?

    Yes, public liability insurance generally covers accidental damage caused to neighbouring properties during work, such as damage from a wall collapse or falling debris.

Builders insurance cover at a glance

Ensure you’re fully protected on the job with comprehensive builders insurance from Kingsbridge. Our tailored policies safeguard you against the most common risks faced by builders, whether you’re working independently or managing a team.

Our builders insurance includes:

  • Public Liability Insurance: Cover up to ÂŁ5 million for injury or damage caused to third parties while you’re on-site.
  • Employers’ Liability Insurance: Protect your business from claims if your employees are injured or fall ill due to work, a legal requirement in the UK.
  • Tools Cover: Included as standard, protecting your tools from theft or damage.
  • Contract Works Insurance: Ensure your projects are protected from unforeseen damage like fire or vandalism while under construction.
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance: Cover for claims related to professional advice, design, or consultancy services.

 

Why choose Kingsbridge for your builder insurance?

At Kingsbridge, we understand the unique challenges builders face. That’s why our insurance is designed to provide all-around protection so you can focus on your projects without worry. Here’s why thousands of builders trust us with their insurance needs:

  • Tools cover as standard: Unlike many providers, we offer tools cover as a standard part of your policy, ensuring your essential equipment is protected.
  • Tailored cover for builders: Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a small team, our policies can be customised to meet your business’s specific needs.
  • 4.7/5 customer rating: With over 11,000 satisfied customers, we’re rated one of the top providers for tradespeople in the UK.
  • Instant quotes and quick coverage: Get covered within minutes through our quick online quote tool.

 

What does public liability insurance cover for builders?

Public liability insurance is essential for any builder, whether you work on residential homes or large commercial projects. It protects your business against claims for damages or injury caused to third parties.

Examples of what’s covered:

  • Accidental damage to property: If you accidentally damage a client’s property while working, such as breaking a window or damaging walls, public liability insurance covers the cost of repairs.
  • Injury to third parties: If someone trips over your tools or gets injured while you are working on their property, this insurance covers the medical expenses and potential compensation.
  • Damage to public property: Working on public properties or near footpaths can expose you to claims if someone is injured or if property is damaged.

Note: Public liability insurance is not legally required, but many clients insist on it before signing contracts. It is a vital part of your risk management strategy.

 

Get comprehensive tools insurance for builders

Your tools are your livelihood. Protecting them from theft or damage is crucial to keeping your projects on track. Kingsbridge includes free tools cover as standard in every policy.

Tools insurance covers:

  • Theft of tools from job sites or vehicles
  • Damage to tools while in use or in storage
  • Tools stolen from secured vehicles overnight with our optional overnight cover

If your tools are stolen or damaged, we’ll help you replace them quickly, ensuring your work isn’t delayed.

 

Contract works insurance: Protect your ongoing projects

If something goes wrong during a building project, such as a fire or vandalism, contract works insurance ensures that you can continue your work without facing significant financial losses.

What’s included:

  • Damage to the building work in progress caused by fire, flood, or other unexpected events
  • Cover for the cost of redoing work that has been destroyed
  • Materials on-site are also covered, including those waiting to be installed

Example: If a fire damages part of a building you are constructing, contract works insurance covers the cost of rebuilding and purchasing new materials, ensuring your project doesn’t suffer.

 

Additional cover options for builders

Your insurance policy should be as flexible as your work. At Kingsbridge, we offer a range of additional cover options to make sure every aspect of your business is protected.

Optional covers include:

  • Hired-in Plant Insurance: Cover for any plant machinery, such as excavators or cement mixers, that you’ve hired.
  • Own Plant Insurance: Protect your own heavy equipment from theft or damage.
  • Personal Accident Insurance: Ensure you or your workers are financially covered if an accident leaves someone unable to work.
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers legal costs if your advice or design work causes financial losses for a client.

Create a customised policy that covers only what you need, so you don’t pay for unnecessary extras.

 

How to get a builder’s insurance quote in minutes

Getting a quote for builders insurance with Kingsbridge is quick and easy. Just follow these three simple steps:

  1. Tell us about your business: Provide some basic details about your work, the size of your team, and the types of projects you undertake.
  2. Customise your cover: Choose the level of public liability cover, tools cover, and any additional options you need.
  3. Get your quote and purchase online: Once you’ve tailored your policy, get your quote instantly and purchase online for immediate coverage.

Start protecting your business today with a tailored builders insurance policy from Kingsbridge. Get an instant quote in minutes!

 

Top reasons why builders need insurance

  • Legal compliance: Employers’ liability insurance is legally required if you have employees.
  • Peace of mind: With public liability and tools cover, you can work without the stress of facing potential claims or loss.
  • Win more contracts: Clients often require proof of public liability insurance before awarding contracts.
  • Protection from accidents: Even the safest building sites can experience accidents. Builders insurance ensures that you’re financially protected when the unexpected happens.
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