Self-Employed Tradesman Insurance
Whether you're a sole trader, contractor or subcontractor, self employed tradesman cover can include public liability, tools, personal accident, professional indemnity and other relevant protections.
With RAW, you'll speak to a firendly broker who understands your work and builds cover around your jobs, contracts and daily risks.
Self-Employed Tradesman Insurance
Our self-employed tradesman insurance can be tailored around the way you work, whether you're a sole trader working directly for customers, a subcontractor working on larger sites or an established tradesperson taking on bigger contracts.
Whether you're a builder, plumber, electrician, carpenter, handyman or other skilled trade, we'll help you arrange cover that reflects your work, tools, contracts and day-to-day risks.
- Public liability cover to protect against third-party injury or property damage claims
- Tools and equipment cover for eligible items
- Personal accident cover to provide financial support if an injury prevents you from working
- Professional indemnity cover available where you provide advice, designs, specifications or certification
- Contract works, hired-in plant and own plant cover available where required
- Employers' liability cover available if you take on employees, apprentices or certain other workers
- Cover suitable for sole traders, contractors and subcontractors across the UK
If you would like a quote, please get in touch with one of our sales team on 01228 586231.
What do our customers say...
"Excellent. Nothing is too much trouble."
Richard Waugh - Geltside Electrical Services Ltd
"Professional service with a personal touch."
Martin Scott - T& S Air Conditioning
What Is Self-Employed Tradesman Insurance?
Self-employed tradesman insurance isn't a single product. It's normally a combination of covers selected to match how you work, what you do and who you work for.
The right combination depends on several factors:
- Your trade and the services you provide
- Whether you work in domestic properties, commercial premises or on construction sites
- The value of your specialist tools and equipment
- Whether you provide professional advice, designs, specifications or certification
- Whether you employ staff, apprentices or labour only subcontractors
- Insurance requirements contained within your customer or contractor agreements
Being self employed doesn't stop a customer, contractor or third party from bringing a claim against you. Sole traders face unlimited liability, risking personal assets if the business incurs debts or compensation claims. The right business insurance puts a financial safety net between your work and your personal finances.
Why RAW’s Builders Insurance Works
Here’s what makes working with us different from everything else on the market:
150+ Years Combined Team Experience
Dedicated Personal Claims Handler
All Covers on One Policy
Jargon-Free Advice
What Does Self-Employed Tradesman Insurance Cover?
The right combination of covers depends on your trade, contracts, working arrangements and risks involved. Here's what self employed people typically need to consider.
For more information on the cover you may need and when it applies, read our guide to whether self-employed tradesmen need insurance in the UK.
How Getting Covered Works
Getting the right builders insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. Our process is designed to make protecting your building business straightforward, whether you’re a sole trader, contractor or growing construction firm.
Quick Business Assessment
We start by understanding your trade, the types of jobs you carry out, your work locations, turnover, tools and plant used, employees and subcontractors, contract requirements and claims history. This assessment takes minutes and covers all the essential details.
Tailored Quote
RAW approaches appropriate insurers and recommends relevant cover based on how your business operates. We focus on suitable terms and avoiding unnecessary extras or gaps, not just the cheapest premium. Policies are compared on limits, exclusions and fit for your risks.
Setup and Ongoing Support
We arrange your policy documents and insurance certificates for customers and contractors. Ongoing support covers policy changes, taking on employees, buying new tools, moving into larger contracts, adding new services or making a claim. Your dedicated contact is there when you need them.
Insurance for Different Self-Employed Trades
Self-Employed Builder Insurance
Self employed builder insurance may include public liability, tools, personal accident, contract works and plant insurance. Builders face risks such as damage to customer or neighbouring property, materials being damaged before completion, theft of equipment, injury to the public and contractual liability requirements. Insurance needs vary by client and industry.
Self-Employed Plumber Insurance
Self employed plumber insurance typically covers public liability, tools and personal accident. Risks include water damage, emergency call-outs and specialist equipment. Insurance should reflect the work and client requirements.
Self-Employed Carpenter and Handyman Insurance
Self employed carpenter and handyman insurance covers risks like damage to fixtures, injuries from tools, theft of equipment and working across multiple sites. Liability insurance should match actual risks, not just job titles.
Insurance for Self-Employed Contractors and Subcontractors
Contractors and subcontractors often need their own insurance. Main contractor policies may not cover your tools, liabilities or employees. Check contract insurance limits, professional advice responsibilities and insurance certificate requirements before site access. Consider both business and personal financial risks.
Who Is Self-Employed Tradesman Insurance For?
Self-employed tradesman insurance from RAW is designed for:
- Sole traders working directly for domestic customers
- Independent tradespeople working at commercial premises
- Contractors working on short and long-term projects
- Subcontractors working under principal contractors
- Builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and handymen
- Multi-trade businesses covering several disciplines
- Tradespeople taking on their first employee or apprentice
- Established self employed contractors moving into larger contracts
Your policy should reflect how you actually work rather than relying only on your job title. Insurance covers can vary widely based on specific professions and their associated risks.
Why Arrange Your Self-Employed Tradesman Insurance Through RAW?
- Tradesman insurance specialists with real trade knowledge
- Independent broker - not a comparison website
- Tailored cover matched to the work you undertake
- Access to a range of insurers for competitive terms
- Personal claims support from a named handler
- Offices in Carlisle and Kendal
- Cover available for tradespeople across the UK
- Straightforward explanations without unnecessary jargon
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the real working arrangement, not only the label given to the worker. If your business controls how and when the person works, or treats them similarly to an employee, employers liability insurance may be legally required. Explain the full arrangement to your broker and obtain legal advice where employment status is unclear.
