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We compare painter & decorator insurance from leading UK insurers
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
This checklist showed us exactly where our insurance gaps were. Insure24 fixed everything in one call.
Director – Painting & Decorating Business, UKFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is this checklist suitable for sole traders?
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Does this replace professional insurance advice?
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How often should painters review their insurance?
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Can Insure24 review my current policies?
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How quickly can cover be arranged?
Related Covers
Checklist pages should route users into the main policy sections and decision pages instead of leaving cover-planning abstract. These links keep checklist intent focused on related painter and decorator insurance pages.