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We compare contract works insurance from leading UK insurers
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
After a flood destroyed our finished work, contract works insurance covered the full cost of re-decoration. Essential cover.
Director – Painting Contractor, UKFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is contract works insurance mandatory?
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Does public liability insurance cover unfinished work?
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Does it cover materials stored on site?
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How much cover should decorators have?
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Can cover be arranged quickly?
Related Covers
Contract-works pages should route users into the other painter covers that sit closest to unfinished jobs, site materials and reinstatement costs. These links keep work-in-progress intent focused on related painter insurance pages.