Kingsbridge Insurance
Groundworker Insurance
Whether you’re excavating foundations, laying utilities, or trenching for drainage, working in groundworks comes with its risks. That’s why our Groundworker Insurance policy has been built to offer comprehensive, flexible cover – suitable for self-employed workers, limited companies, and subcontracting teams.
Why do I need insurance for my ground work business?
Working on and under the ground brings a unique set of hazards – underground utilities, heavy plant, unstable soil, and public access areas. Groundworker Insurance gives you peace of mind that if something goes wrong, you won’t face the financial consequences alone.
Our policies typically combine Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, and Professional Indemnity, alongside protection for your tools, plant, and ongoing projects. This means you’re covered for:
- Accidental damage to third-party property
- Injuries to members of the public or your own team
- Claims of negligence linked to advice or site assessments
- Theft or damage of tools and hired machinery
- Damage to works in progress on site
It’s all wrapped up in one simple policy – built for the way you work.
What's included in our groundworker insurance?
Our Groundworker Insurance policy covers the essentials. It’s suitable for sole traders, contractors, and limited companies working on a wide range of sites.
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Public Liability
Public Liability
Provides cover if a third party is injured or their property is damaged due to your work. This includes legal fees and compensation, and is often a requirement for access to construction sites or commercial contracts.
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Employers’ Liability
Employers’ Liability
Legally required if you employ anyone – even labour-only subcontractors. Covers injuries or illness sustained by employees while working under your supervision.
- £10 million cover per claim
- Included as standard
- Can’t be removed or altered
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Professional Indemnity
Professional Indemnity
Groundworkers sometimes advise on soil, drainage, or access routes. If that advice results in financial loss or delays, you may face a claim – even if it wasn’t your fault.
This cover includes:
- Legal defence costs
- Settlements and compensation
- Claims for errors or omissions in advice
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Goods and Tools
Goods and Tools
Your tools are essential to your trade. This policy covers them against theft, damage or loss, whether in transit, stored at home or locked in your van.
- £2,500 cover included as standard
- Higher limits available – up to £20,000
- New-for-old replacement
Optional covers for Groundworker Insurance
In addition to our core product, we offer these optional extras to fine-tune your policy.
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Hired in Plant
Hired in Plant
Covers plant and machinery you hire – from mini diggers to trench compactors – against theft or accidental damage while in your possession.
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Owned Plant
Owned Plant
Protection for your own heavy machinery and plant tools against theft, vandalism, or accidental site damage.
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Contract Works
Contract Works
Covers damage to your unfinished work before it’s completed or handed over. If a storm, fire or theft affects a project mid-build, this helps get you back on track, covering the cost of restoring a project to its state before the incident occurred.
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Personal Accident Cover
Personal Accident Cover
If an injury puts you out of work, this cover may provide weekly income support and lump sum payments for serious accidents. It’s particularly helpful for sole traders and small teams.
Who needs groundworks insurance?
Our groundworks insurance is suited to a wide range of professionals working below or around site level. That includes:
- Self-employed groundworkers
- Excavation contractors
- Drainage installers
- Utility groundwork professionals
- Plant and machinery operators
- Subcontractors supporting larger firms
- Civil engineering prep crews
If you work with the land – digging, shaping or preparing it – this policy is likely to meet your needs.
Why choose Kingsbridge for groundworker insurance?
With decades of experience insuring contractors and trades, Kingsbridge offers more than just a policy – we provide support, transparency, and peace of mind.
- Over 13,000 verified 5-star reviews
- Policies backed by A-rated insurers
- Clear documentation and UK-based service
- FCA-regulated cover built for compliance
- A one-stop policy including all key cover types
- Optional extras tailored to your trade
We’ve worked hard to keep our process simple. Get a quote in minutes, online or by phone – with no pressure, and no jargon.
What does groundworker insurance cost?
Your quote depends on several factors, including:
- The size of your business
- Annual turnover
- The type and level of work you carry out
- Whether you hire others or use subcontractors
- Your tools, plant, and equipment value
We offer competitive rates, and if you’ve found a like-for-like quote elsewhere, we’ll match it – that’s our Price Promise!
Frequently asked questions
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Is groundworker insurance the same as groundworks insurance?
Yes – they’re used interchangeably. “Groundworker insurance” focuses on the professional, while “groundworks insurance” is often searched online for the same thing.
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Is this insurance mandatory?
Employers’ liability is required by law if you employ anyone. Public liability and professional indemnity are not legally required, but they’re often contractually required and strongly recommended.
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Does this cover work on building sites?
Yes. Our policies are tailored for contractors working in domestic, commercial and industrial construction. Many site managers require proof of public liability before allowing access.
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Is plant insurance included?
Not by default, but you can easily add Hired–in or Owned Plant cover, depending on how you operate. This protects diggers, dumpers, rollers, and similar plant machinery.
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I subcontract on larger projects - do I need this?
Yes. If you’re self–employed and responsible for your own work, public liability and professional indemnity could help protect you against costly claims. Employers’ liability may also apply if you bring in help (employees).
Other trades we cover
We provide tailored Insurance to a wide range of trades including but not limited to:
