Contract Works Insurance for Painters & Decorators

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Protection for work in progress, materials on site and unfinished decorating contracts

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We compare contract works insurance from leading UK insurers

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

What Is Contract Works Insurance?

Contract works insurance (also known as contractors’ all risks or work-in-progress cover) protects painters and decorators against loss or damage to unfinished work while a project is underway.

If paintwork is damaged by fire, flood, vandalism, theft, or accidental damage before practical completion, contract works insurance pays to reinstate the work - preventing you from having to absorb the cost yourself.

Why Painters & Decorators Need Contract Works Cover

Many painting contractors assume public liability insurance covers unfinished work - it doesn’t. Without contract works insurance, you are financially responsible for repairing or redoing damaged work before handover.


  • Fire damage to freshly decorated areas
  • Flood or escape of water ruining paintwork
  • Theft of materials from site
  • Vandalism or malicious damage
  • Accidental damage by other trades

What Does Contract Works Insurance Cover?


  • Work in progress prior to completion
  • Decorated surfaces not yet handed over
  • Materials stored on site
  • Temporary works and protective coverings
  • Reinstatement and re-decoration costs

Common Contract Works Claims in Decorating

Decorating work is often completed late in a project, meaning it is highly exposed to damage by other trades or environmental risks before final sign-off.


  • Electrical fire damaging completed paintwork
  • Water leak from plumbing ruining finished walls
  • Scaffolding removal damaging external coatings
  • Break-ins stealing paint, materials or equipment
  • Weather damage on external decorating projects

Who Should Have Contract Works Insurance?


  • Painting contractors on commercial sites
  • Decorators working on new-build projects
  • Contractors working under JCT or NEC contracts
  • Limited companies tendering for developers
  • Painters responsible for materials on site
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After a flood destroyed our finished work, contract works insurance covered the full cost of re-decoration. Essential cover.

Director – Painting Contractor, UK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Is contract works insurance mandatory?

It is not legally required, but many commercial contracts and developers insist on contract works cover as a condition of work.

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Does public liability insurance cover unfinished work?

No. Public liability covers injury and third-party property damage, not damage to your own work in progress.

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Does it cover materials stored on site?

Yes, contract works insurance typically covers materials on site, subject to security and storage conditions.

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How much cover should decorators have?

Cover should reflect the maximum value of work you have on site at any one time, including labour and materials.

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Can cover be arranged quickly?

Yes. In most cases contract works insurance can be arranged the same day, often within minutes.

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