Best Public Liability Insurance for UK Tradespeople
If you work in someone’s home or on a commercial site, public liability insurance is one of the most important things you can have as a tradesperson. Without it, a single accident could result in a compensation claim that wipes out everything you’ve worked to build.
Quick Answer
Simply Business is the best way to get public liability insurance for UK tradespeople, since it compares quotes from AXA, Hiscox, Zurich and other insurers in one place rather than tying you to a single provider. Most sole traders pay £150 to £250 a year for £1 to £2 million of cover, rising to £200 to £500+ a year for £5 to £10 million if you take on commercial contracts.
The good news is that public liability insurance for tradespeople is affordable, straightforward to set up, and in many cases a contractual requirement for the work you do. This guide covers what it covers, how much it costs, and the best providers to consider in 2026.
| If You Are… | Cover Level | Best Option |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic sole trader (decorator, handyman) | £1–2 million | Tradesman Saver or Simply Business – cheapest, sufficient for most domestic jobs |
| Electrician, plumber or builder doing mixed work | £2–5 million | Simply Business – compare AXA and Hiscox, covers most commercial tenders too |
| Commercial contracts or housing association work | £5–10 million | Kingsbridge or Hiscox – meets contract minimums, avoids being locked out of tenders |
| Higher-risk trade (roofer, scaffolder) | £5–10 million | Kingsbridge – specialises in higher-risk trade cover |
What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance protects you if a member of the public – a customer, a bystander, or anyone else – suffers an injury or property damage as a result of your work. For example:
- You’re fitting a bathroom and accidentally crack a customer’s floor tile – public liability covers the repair cost
- A customer trips over your tools and breaks their wrist – public liability covers the compensation claim
- You’re working on a roof and a tile falls and damages a neighbour’s car – public liability covers the damage
Without public liability insurance, you’d be personally liable for these costs. Compensation claims can run into tens of thousands of pounds – or more for serious injuries.
Do Tradespeople Need Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance isn’t legally required for most trades – but in practice it’s essential for several reasons:
- Contractual requirements: Many larger contractors, housing associations, local authorities, and commercial clients will not hire a tradesperson without proof of cover
- Client expectations: Many homeowners now ask to see proof of insurance before allowing a tradesperson into their home
- Financial protection: One claim from an injured customer could be financially devastating for a sole trader without cover
How Much Cover Do You Need?
Public liability insurance is sold in levels: typically £1 million, £2 million, £5 million, or £10 million. For most sole traders doing domestic work, £1 million or £2 million is sufficient. For commercial work or larger contracts, £5 million is more commonly required.
💡 Key tip on £10 million cover: The jump from £5 million to £10 million typically costs only an extra £30–£80 per year for most trades. Many commercial clients and housing associations now require £10 million as a minimum – often worth paying the small premium to avoid being locked out of contracts.
Public Liability Insurance Costs in 2026
| Cover Level | Typical Annual Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| £1 million | £50–£120/year | Domestic sole traders, lower-risk trades (decorators, handymen) |
| £2 million | £80–£180/year | Domestic and light commercial, most sole traders |
| £5 million | £120–£300/year | Commercial contracts, electricians, plumbers, builders, roofers |
| £10 million | £200–£500+/year | Large commercial sites, housing associations, high-risk contracts |
The average across all cover levels and trades is approximately £150–£250 per year. Higher-risk trades – roofers, scaffolders, demolition – pay significantly more.
Simply Business vs Going Direct: Why Comparison Wins
| Simply Business | Single Insurer Direct | |
|---|---|---|
| Compare multiple insurers | ✓ | ✗ |
| AXA, Hiscox, Zurich in one place | ✓ | ✗ |
| Trade-specific cover options | ✓ | ✓ |
| Get covered same day | ✓ | ✓ |
| Monthly payment option | ✓ | Sometimes |
| Free to use | ✓ | ✓ |
Simply Business is the UK’s largest business insurance broker – get quotes from AXA, Hiscox, Zurich and more in minutes. Rated 4.5/5 from over 40,000 reviews.
Compare Public Liability Insurance Quotes →The Best Public Liability Insurance Providers
1. Simply Business – Best for Comparing Multiple Quotes
The UK’s largest business insurance broker. Rather than going to individual insurers, Simply Business shows quotes from multiple providers in one place – AXA, Hiscox, and Zurich among them – making it easy to find the right cover at the best price. Instant online quotes, same-day cover, flexible monthly payments, and trade-specific options across virtually every trade.
2. Hiscox – Best for Higher-Value Contracts
One of the UK’s most respected specialist business insurers. Particularly well regarded for tradespeople working on higher-value commercial contracts. Strong reputation for paying claims quickly and fairly. Professional indemnity cover available alongside public liability. Tends to be priced at a slight premium – worth it when your insurer’s reputation matters to clients.
3. AXA – Best for Comprehensive Trade Cover Packages
Comprehensive tradesman insurance packages combining public liability with tools insurance, employers liability, and personal accident cover in a single policy. Competitive pricing for package policies, strong claims handling reputation, available through Simply Business and direct.
4. Tradesman Saver – Best Budget Option for Sole Traders
Specialises specifically in insurance for tradespeople. One of the most competitively priced options for sole traders doing straightforward domestic work – decorators, handymen, painters. Simple online application, cover from £1 million, monthly payment options available.
5. Kingsbridge – Best for Contractors and Higher-Risk Trades
Specialises in insurance for contractors and self-employed professionals working on larger commercial sites or in higher-risk environments – roofers, scaffolders, working at height. Cover up to £10 million, IR35 services available alongside.
What Else Should Your Insurance Cover?
- Employers liability insurance: legally required if you employ anyone, even a casual labourer on a day rate
- Tools and equipment insurance: covers replacement if your tools are stolen, lost, or damaged
- Van insurance: ensure your policy covers business use – personal policies often don’t
- Income protection: pays a monthly income if you’re injured and can’t work; essential as a self-employed tradesperson with no sick pay
How to Get the Best Deal
- Compare quotes: never go with the first quote; use Simply Business to see multiple insurers side by side
- Be accurate: underestimating turnover or misrepresenting your trade can invalidate cover at claim time
- Pay annually: monthly direct debit is convenient but annual payment is typically 10–15% cheaper
- Review at renewal: as your business grows your cover needs change – review every year
- Bundle covers: buying public liability, tools, and employers liability from the same provider is often cheaper than buying separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic public liability insurance for a sole trader starts from around £50–£100 per year for lower-risk trades such as decorating, rising to £200–£500+ per year for higher-risk trades such as roofing or scaffolding. The exact price depends on your trade, annual turnover, claims history, and the level of cover you choose. The average across all trades is approximately £150–£250 per year.
For most UK tradespeople, £10 million public liability insurance costs between £200 and £500 per year depending on your trade and turnover. The cost difference between £5 million and £10 million cover is typically only £30–£80 extra per year, making the upgrade worthwhile if you work on commercial contracts that require it.
For UK tradespeople, £5 million public liability insurance typically costs between £120 and £300 per year. This is the most commonly required level for commercial work and larger contracts, and most brokers such as Simply Business can provide same-day cover at this level.
Public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement for most trades in the UK, but it’s often a contractual requirement from larger contractors, housing associations, and commercial clients. Many homeowners also now expect to see proof of cover before letting a tradesperson into their home. Operating without it carries significant financial risk – a single compensation claim can run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Most sole traders doing domestic work are sufficiently covered with £1 million or £2 million of cover. Commercial work, larger contracts, or higher-risk trades typically require £5 million. Always check the specific contracts you’re tendering for, as they often state a minimum level of cover. £10 million is increasingly required by housing associations and commercial clients.
No. Public liability covers physical injury or property damage caused to members of the public during your work. Professional liability (professional indemnity) covers financial losses caused by advice or design errors. Most tradespeople need public liability; professional indemnity is more relevant if you also provide design, specification, or consultancy services.
No. Public liability covers injury or damage to members of the public or their property. Employers liability covers claims from anyone you employ – including casual labourers – and is a legal requirement in the UK if you have staff. If you employ anyone, you need both.
Yes. Comparison platforms like Simply Business offer instant online quotes and same-day cover for most trades, with flexible monthly or annual payment options. The online application typically takes under 10 minutes.
While you’re sorting your insurance, Tradify handles your quotes, scheduling, and invoicing in one app – free for 14 days.
Compare Insurance Quotes Free →This guide provides general information only and is not insurance advice. Policy terms, pricing, and availability change – always read the policy documents carefully and compare current quotes before buying cover. Some links on this page are affiliate links; if you sign up through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.