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INSURANCE DESIGNED FOR SELF-EMPLOYED BUILDERS & SOLE TRADERS
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DOMESTIC JOBS
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SMALL COMMERCIAL WORK
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RENOVATIONS & EXTENSIONS
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LABOUR-ONLY OR BONA-FIDE SUBBIES
What Is Self-Employed / Sole-Trader Builders Insurance?
This policy brings together the key covers a self-employed builder or sole-trader needs: public liability, tools, plant, contract works and - where required - employer’s liability for labour-only subcontractors or helpers.
It’s suitable for general builders, small building contractors, renovation specialists and trades who take on minor structural work, refurbishments, extensions and small new-build projects.
Cover can be tailored for the type of work you do, height limits, use of heat and the value of your tools and equipment.
What Does Sole-Trader Builders Insurance Typically Cover?
Core covers to protect you, your tools and your customers.
- Public Liability Insurance (injury or property damage to others)
- Employer’s Liability (for labour-only subcontractors / helpers)
- Tools & hand-held equipment - on site and in transit
- Own plant & machinery (mixers, small diggers, scaffolding, etc.)
- Hired-in plant & equipment (subject to hire agreements)
- Contract Works cover for work in progress
- Temporary site huts, storage units & welfare cabins
- Theft, vandalism, fire, storm & accidental damage
- Optional Personal Accident / weekly income benefits
Typical Risks for Self-Employed Builders
- Accidental damage to a client’s property while working
- Injury to a member of the public or a neighbour on site
- Trip, slip or fall claims from customers visiting the site
- Theft of tools from site or from a locked vehicle
- Damage to work in progress from fire, storm or flood
- Liability for labour-only subcontractors working under your control
- Working at height or using heat (blowtorches, grinders, etc.)
Why Self-Employed Builders Choose Insure24
- Specialist construction & trades insurance knowledge
- Policies tailored for sole-traders and small building firms
- Choice of public liability limits (e.g. £1m, £2m, £5m)
- Options for tools-only, liability-only or combined cover
- Help with heat-use, height limits and specific work types
- Fast documents for main-contractor / site compliance checks
- Flexible payment options (including monthly instalments via premium finance, subject to status)
“As a one-man band, I needed cover that ticked all the boxes for my customers and main contractors. Insure24 made it simple and explained everything in plain English.”
Paul R., Sole-Trader BuilderFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Do I need Public Liability Insurance as a self-employed builder?
Yes. Public Liability is essential to protect you if a client, member of the public
or a neighbour is injured, or their property is damaged, because of your work.
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Do I need Employer’s Liability if I’m a sole-trader?
If you use labour-only subcontractors, apprentices or helpers who work under your
direction, you’re usually required by law to have Employer’s Liability Insurance.
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Are my tools covered in my van overnight?
Many insurers restrict or exclude overnight cover from vehicles unless certain
security conditions are met. We’ll explain what’s covered and how to meet the requirements.
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Will this policy cover me on building sites and in private homes?
Yes - cover can be arranged for domestic, commercial and site work, subject to the
activities, height limits and any specific exclusions agreed with insurers.
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Can I pay for my builders insurance monthly?
In many cases yes - premium finance may be available (subject to status), allowing you
to spread the cost of your cover in monthly instalments.
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Do I need Public Liability Insurance as a self-employed builder?
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Do I need Employer’s Liability if I’m a sole-trader?
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Are my tools covered in my van overnight?
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Will this policy cover me on building sites and in private homes?
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Can I pay for my builders insurance monthly?
Related Covers
Sole-trader pages should keep users focused on related construction insurance pages by connecting self-employed questions to liability, tools, contract-works and planning content. These links do that directly.