What Insurance Do Subcontractors Need?

CALL FOR EXPERT ADVICEGET A QUOTE NOW

The cover subcontractors need in the UK depends on whether they are labour-only or bona fide, what trade they carry out and what the main contractor requires before site access is granted.

Home / Contractor Insurance / What Insurance Do Subcontractors Need?

Core Insurance Questions for Subcontractors

  • Whether you are labour-only or bona fide
  • Whether the main contractor expects your own public liability cover
  • Whether your tools, staff or plant need separate protection

Why This Matters

Subcontractors often assume the main contractor's policy will do everything. In practice, that assumption can fail at exactly the point where a site claim, tool theft or contract dispute happens.

Use this guide with subcontractor insurance, self-employed contractor insurance and contractor public liability insurance.

Related guides: labour-only subcontractor insurance guide, bona fide subcontractor insurance guide, and do contractors need insurance UK.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-

Do labour-only subcontractors always need their own insurance?

Not always, but many still arrange their own protection because contractual responsibility and practical site expectations can differ.

+-

Do bona fide subcontractors need their own insurance?

In many cases yes, because bona fide subcontractors are usually expected to operate with their own liability and business cover.

+-

What cover do subcontractors commonly buy?

Public liability, tools cover and employers' liability where staff are used are among the most common covers.