General Contractors & Main Contractors Insurance

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Construction insurance designed for principal contractors managing subcontractors, contracts and site risk

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We compare quotes from leading insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

MAIN CONTRACTOR INSURANCE THAT HELPS YOU DELIVER

Why General Contractors Insurance Matters

As a general or main contractor, you may be responsible for multiple trades, site safety duties, works in progress, and contract requirements under JCT/NEC. The right policy protects your business, helps you win work, and supports claims and legal defence if something goes wrong.

Core Cover for Main Contractors

Built for principal contractors taking responsibility for site operations and subcontractor management.


  • Public Liability - Cover for injury or property damage to third parties arising from site activities.
  • Employers’ Liability - Protects you where you employ staff or use labour-only subcontractors.
  • Contractors All Risk / Contract Works - Covers works in progress, including fire, flood, storm and vandalism.
  • Plant & Tools (Owned or Hired-In) - Cover for theft, damage and hired-in plant responsibilities.
  • Professional Indemnity - For design & build, specification, consultancy or professional services exposure.

Common Risks for General & Main Contractors


  • Injury to third parties on or near site
  • Damage to client property or neighbouring buildings
  • Fire, flood, storm damage to works in progress
  • Theft of tools, materials and hired-in plant
  • Subcontractor negligence and knock-on claims
  • Contractual obligations under JCT/NEC
  • Design responsibility disputes (design & build)
  • Defects and remedial works allegations

Why Choose Insure24


  • Construction-focused advice for main contractors and principal contractors
  • Cover aligned to tender, developer and contract requirements
  • Flexible limits and add-ons for higher-risk projects and sites
  • Fast quote turnaround with access to leading insurers

How to Get Main Contractor Insurance


  • 1. Tell us about your business - trade, turnover, payroll and typical contract values.
  • 2. Confirm project types - domestic, commercial, refurb, new build, civil engineering.
  • 3. Choose limits - liability, contract works, plant and any required extensions.
  • 4. Buy & get documents - proof of cover for tenders, clients and developers.
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Insure24 helped us put contract-ready cover in place quickly, with the right limits for our developer client and subcontractor setup.

Project Manager, UK Main Contractor

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS


  • Claims for injury to members of the public
  • Damage to client property and surrounding premises
  • Loss or damage to works in progress
  • Theft and damage of tools and plant
  • Legal defence costs and contractual liability exposure

Compliance & Contract Requirements

Main contractors often need insurance that aligns with contractual requirements, including:


  • JCT and NEC contract insurance clauses
  • Proof of Employers’ Liability (legal requirement in most cases)
  • Contract Works sums insured and project values
  • Principal contractor and subcontractor responsibilities
  • Higher limits for commercial clients and developers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is general contractors / main contractors insurance?

General contractors insurance is a tailored package of covers designed for principal contractors who manage construction projects, labour and subcontractors. It commonly includes Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Contract Works (Contractors All Risk), and options such as plant and professional indemnity depending on your work.

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Do I need Contractors All Risk / Contract Works insurance?

If you are responsible for the works in progress, materials on site, or contract delivery, Contract Works cover is often essential. Many developer and commercial contracts expect it as part of tender or onboarding requirements.

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Does Public Liability cover subcontractors?

It depends on how subcontractors are engaged and what the policy terms say. Some arrangements may include certain subcontractor activities, while others require subcontractors to hold their own liability cover. We’ll help structure cover based on your labour model.

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When do I need Employers’ Liability?

Employers’ Liability is a legal requirement in most cases if you employ staff. It may also be needed if you use labour-only subcontractors or operate in a way that creates an employer/employee relationship. We’ll guide you based on your setup.

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Do main contractors need Professional Indemnity?

If you provide design input, specification, project management advice, or operate on a design & build basis, Professional Indemnity may be required. It covers allegations of negligence in professional services, which Public Liability doesn’t typically cover.

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How quickly can I get proof of insurance for a tender?

In many cases we can arrange cover quickly once underwriting details are confirmed, and provide documentation suitable for tenders, developers and commercial clients. Complex risks or high contract values may require additional insurer review.

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