Employers’ Liability Insurance for Painters & Decorators

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Legal protection for painting & decorating businesses with employees or labour-only subcontractors

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We compare employers’ liability quotes from leading UK insurers

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

What Is Employers’ Liability Insurance?

Employers’ liability insurance protects painting and decorating businesses against claims made by employees who suffer injury or illness as a result of their work. It is a legal requirement in the UK for most businesses that employ staff or use labour-only subcontractors.

If a decorator falls from height, suffers solvent exposure, develops respiratory illness or is injured using equipment, employers’ liability insurance covers compensation, legal defence costs and associated expenses.

Is Employers’ Liability Insurance Mandatory?


  • Legally required under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969
  • Mandatory if you employ staff, apprentices, or labour-only subcontractors
  • Fines of up to £2,500 per day for non-compliance
  • Minimum £5 million cover required by law (most policies offer £10 million)
  • Certificates must be available for inspection

Who Needs Employers’ Liability Insurance?

Many painters assume they do not need employers’ liability insurance - often incorrectly. You will usually require cover if you have any control over how someone works for you.


  • Limited company painting contractors
  • Sole traders employing staff
  • Businesses using labour-only subcontractors
  • Decorating firms hiring apprentices or trainees
  • Companies supplying tools, PPE or materials to workers

What Does Employers’ Liability Insurance Cover?


  • Employee injury claims (falls, cuts, strains)
  • Occupational illnesses (asthma, dermatitis, solvent exposure)
  • Legal defence costs and solicitor fees
  • Compensation awards and settlements
  • Court attendance and investigation costs

Common Employers’ Liability Claims in Decorating

Painting and decorating involves working at height, using chemicals, and repetitive manual tasks - all of which increase employer exposure.


  • Falls from ladders or scaffolding
  • Paint fumes causing respiratory illness
  • Skin reactions from solvents and coatings
  • Back injuries from lifting equipment
  • Inadequate PPE or training claims
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Insure24 helped us stay compliant and win council decorating contracts. Clear advice and the right level of cover.

Director – Painting Contractor, UK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Is employers’ liability insurance legally required?

Yes. UK law requires employers’ liability insurance if you employ anyone or use labour-only subcontractors. Failure to comply can result in daily fines.

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Does it cover labour-only subcontractors?

Yes. Labour-only subcontractors working under your control are typically classed as employees for insurance purposes.

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How much cover do painters need?

Most policies provide £10 million cover, which exceeds the legal minimum and satisfies commercial contract requirements.

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Do limited companies need employers’ liability insurance?

Yes. Limited companies must hold employers’ liability insurance if they employ staff or labour-only subcontractors, even if the director is the only employee.

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How quickly can cover be arranged?

In most cases, employers’ liability insurance can be arranged the same day, often within minutes.

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