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.
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.
Everything you need in a single policy
We’ve tailored our policy package to provide the most comprehensive cover a tradesperson could ever need, and that’s not even the best bit. We’ve included everything listed below, and for an amazing price.
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Public Liability
Public Liability
Provides cover when a third party is injured or their property is damaged due to the actions of a limited company contractor or business. Having Public liability insurance will cover the costs of any damages awarded, as well as any related legal fees, costs, or expenses.
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Goods and Tools
Goods and Tools
Protects the items in transit against damage, misdelivery and accidental delay under a ‘Hire & Reward’. Tools cover protects against damage and loss for Tools in the way of payment for replacing items new for old based upon purchase value. £2,500 of cover as standard, limits available up to £20,000.
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Employers' Liability
Employers' Liability
Covering any injury to an employee. £10,000,000 any one claim limit with no facility to alter/remove.
Optional Covers
In addition to our core product, we offer these additional covers, to ensure you have the most appropriate cover for your work.
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Hired in Plant
Hired in Plant
Cover for constructional plant tools (larger than hand-held tools) hired in by the primary insured against damage and theft from site or storage in the UK.
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Owned Plant
Owned Plant
Cover for constructional plant tools (larger than hand-held tools) owned by you or/for which you are responsible for against damage and theft from site or storage in the UK.
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Contract Works
Contract Works
Covers you against anything included in the contract of works being damaged before the hand-over of works.
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Professional Indemnity
Professional Indemnity
Protects you from the financial consequences of professional negligence. This includes giving bad advice to making a mistake during your work. This policy will cover your legal defence costs and any damages awarded to the claimant.
FAQ Builders Insurance
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
It’s important to remember to choose insurance based on more than just price though – a cheaper policy might not include everything you need and more expensive cover might include bells and whistles you don’t need.
When browing for builders insurance, be sure to compare quotes properly so you get the best cover for your business and you don’t face more costs in the long run.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 £5 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 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:
- Tell us about your business: Provide some basic details about your work, the size of your team, and the types of projects you undertake.
- Customise your cover: Choose the level of public liability cover, tools cover, and any additional options you need.
- 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.
Other trades we cover
We provide tailored Insurance to a wide range of trades including but not limited to:
