Subcontractor Insurance UK - Cover for Labour-Only & Bona Fide Subcontractors

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Subcontractor insurance protects individuals working under contract for builders or main contractors. Whether you are labour-only or operate as a bona fide subcontractor, having your own insurance is often a requirement before work starts on-site.

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Types of Subcontractors

Labour-Only Subcontractors

Typically work under the direction of the main contractor and may be covered under their policy, but not always.

Bona Fide Subcontractors

Operate independently and are generally expected to have their own insurance cover in place.

What Cover Do Subcontractors Need?

  • Public liability insurance
  • Tools and equipment cover
  • Employers' liability if hiring staff

Why Subcontractor Insurance Is Essential

  • Required by most contractors before working on-site
  • Protects against injury and damage claims
  • Covers tools and work risks

For broader cover across several risks, visit our contractor insurance page.

If you work alone, our self-employed contractor insurance guide may also be relevant.

For liability-only cover, see contractor public liability insurance.

To protect hand tools and portable equipment, visit contractor tools insurance.

Subcontractor Insurance Review Points

Subcontractors should check whether they are labour-only, bona fide, self-employed, employing others or working under a main contractor's direction. The answer affects whether the main contractor's policy may respond or whether the subcontractor is expected to carry its own public liability, tools, employers' liability or professional indemnity cover.

Before quoting, prepare the trade, site types, contract requirements, tools values, use of helpers, maximum height or heat work, claims history and whether certificates are needed before starting work. This helps avoid a policy that does not match the actual working arrangement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Do subcontractors need their own insurance?

Many subcontractors do, especially bona fide subcontractors operating independently.

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What is the difference between labour-only and bona fide subcontractors?

Labour-only subcontractors usually work under the main contractor's direction, while bona fide subcontractors operate more independently and normally carry their own cover.

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Can subcontractor insurance include tools cover?

Yes. Many subcontractor policies can include cover for tools and equipment.

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Do subcontractors need public liability insurance?

Public liability cover is often required by the contractor or client before work starts.

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Can self-employed subcontractors get cover?

Yes. Cover can be arranged around the type of work carried out and the contract requirements involved.

Related Subcontractor Guides

These guides help separate labour model questions from cover-structure questions, which is usually where subcontractor insurance decisions become clearer.

Contractor insurance resources

Explore Related Contractor Cover

Choose the route that best matches the scale of the work, the equipment involved and the way labour is organised.

Subcontractor Risk

Using subcontractors can increase liability exposure and may require additional cover. Businesses working across multiple trades may also need contractor insurance.

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