Self-Employed Painter & Decorator Insurance

Specialist insurance for sole-trader painters and decorators working in homes, commercial premises, and construction environments

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We compare quotes from leading UK insurers

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

Insurance Built for Self-Employed Painters & Decorators

If you are a self-employed painter and decorator, your work exposes you to daily risks – from damaging a client’s property to accidental injury caused by paint spills, ladders, or equipment. Whether you work alone, subcontract on construction sites, or take on domestic redecorating projects, the right insurance protects your income, reputation, and livelihood.

Essential Covers for Self-Employed Painters & Decorators

Public Liability Insurance


Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes injury to a third party or damages their property. For painters and decorators, this is the most important policy and is often required by clients, landlords, letting agents, and construction contractors.

  • Paint spills on carpets, flooring, or furniture
  • Accidental damage to fixtures, windows, or fittings
  • Injury caused by ladders, tools, or wet surfaces
  • Cover typically from £1m to £5m

Tools & Equipment Insurance


Your tools are essential to your business. Tools and equipment insurance covers the cost of replacing stolen, lost, or damaged items, whether taken from a van, site, or storage location.

  • Hand tools, sprayers, rollers, ladders
  • Theft from vehicles or job sites
  • Accidental damage cover
  • Optional hired-in equipment cover

Personal Accident Insurance


As a self-employed painter and decorator, you don’t receive sick pay if you’re injured. Personal accident cover provides a financial safety net if you’re unable to work following an accident.

  • Weekly income replacement
  • Cover for fractures and serious injuries
  • Lump sum benefits for permanent disability

Professional Indemnity (Optional)


If you offer advice on finishes, materials, colour schemes, or surface preparation, professional indemnity insurance protects you against claims that your advice caused financial loss.

  • Advice-related disputes
  • Design or specification errors
  • Rectification and legal defence costs
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Why Insurance Is Critical for Sole-Trader Decorators

Many self-employed painters and decorators underestimate their exposure to claims. A single incident can result in thousands of pounds in compensation, repair costs, and legal fees.

  • Clients increasingly demand proof of insurance
  • Domestic claims are rising due to high-value interiors
  • Construction sites require minimum liability limits
  • Uninsured claims come directly from your own pocket

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+- Do self-employed painters need public liability insurance?

Yes. Public liability insurance is essential for self-employed painters and decorators and is often required by clients and contractors.

+- How much public liability cover do I need?

Most sole traders choose between £1 million and £5 million, depending on the type of work and contract requirements.

+- Are my tools covered in my van?

Yes, with tools insurance. Policies can include theft from locked vehicles, subject to security conditions.

+- Do I need employers’ liability if I work alone?

Not if you work entirely alone. However, you must have it if you hire labourers, apprentices, or casual help.

+- Does insurance cover working at height?

Yes, most painter and decorator policies include work at height using ladders and access equipment, subject to safe working practices.

+- Can I insure subcontract work?

Yes. Our policies cover subcontract work for builders, property developers, and main contractors.

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