Painter & Decorator Insurance Checklist

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A complete insurance checklist for UK painters & decorating contractors

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We compare painter & decorator insurance from leading UK insurers

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

Why Every Painter & Decorator Needs an Insurance Checklist

Whether you are a sole trader, subcontractor, limited company or growing decorating business, having the right insurance in place is critical. Many painters only discover gaps in their cover when a claim is declined or a contract is lost.

This painter & decorator insurance checklist helps you identify exactly what cover you need, what is legally required, and what commercial clients and contractors expect you to have in place.

Step 1: Check Your Legal Insurance Requirements

Some insurance is required by law, while other covers are contract-driven. Failing to meet legal requirements can result in fines or prosecution.


  • Employers’ Liability – legally required if you employ staff or labour-only subcontractors
  • Minimum £5 million cover (most policies provide £10 million)
  • Valid employers’ liability certificate displayed or available
  • Compliance with Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969

Step 2: Core Insurance Every Painter Should Review

These covers form the backbone of painter & decorator insurance and are required by most domestic, commercial and public-sector clients.


  • Public Liability Insurance – injury or property damage to third parties
  • Accidental Damage Cover – damage to client floors, fixtures or finishes
  • Contract Works Insurance – protection for work in progress
  • Contractual Liability – liabilities assumed under subcontract agreements
  • Professional Indemnity – advice, specification or design errors

Step 3: Tools, Equipment & Vehicle Cover

Tools theft is one of the most common claims for painters and decorators. Van break-ins and overnight theft can quickly halt your business.


  • Tools & Equipment Insurance (on-site and in transit)
  • Tools stored in locked vans overnight
  • Commercial Vehicle Insurance
  • Tools-in-Transit extensions
  • Security conditions met (locks, alarms, tracking)

Step 4: Check Contract & Client Insurance Requirements

Commercial clients, developers and main contractors often impose strict insurance requirements before allowing painters on site.


  • Public liability limits (often £5m minimum)
  • Employers’ liability £10m
  • Contract works limits aligned to project value
  • Contractual liability endorsements
  • Insurance certificates supplied before work starts

Step 5: Risk Management & Compliance Checks

Insurers and clients increasingly assess risk management practices alongside insurance limits.


  • Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
  • Working at height procedures
  • COSHH assessments for paints and solvents
  • PPE provided and documented
  • Training records for staff and subcontractors
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This checklist showed us exactly where our insurance gaps were. Insure24 fixed everything in one call.

Director – Painting & Decorating Business, UK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Is this checklist suitable for sole traders?

Yes. Sole traders, subcontractors and limited companies can all use this checklist to assess their insurance requirements.

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Does this replace professional insurance advice?

No. The checklist is a guide only. Insure24 advisers can review your specific business and contracts to ensure full compliance.

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How often should painters review their insurance?

At least annually, or whenever you take on larger contracts, new staff, subcontractors or higher-risk work.

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Can Insure24 review my current policies?

Yes. Insure24 can review existing policies and highlight gaps or improvements.

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How quickly can cover be arranged?

In most cases, required cover can be arranged the same day, often within minutes.

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