Tradespeople in the UK, from handymen to plumbers and carpenters, often face unique risks linked to their specific work environments and the tools they use daily. While many tradesman insurance policies offer core protections, certain trades may benefit from tailored cover that reflects their particular hazards and responsibilities.

This guide explores key insurance options for handymen, plumbers, and carpenters, focusing on how policies can be arranged to support the way each trade operates.

Why Tradesman Insurance Needs to Match Each Trade

Not all trades carry the same level of risk. For example:

• Handymen often work across multiple sites and handle a wide variety of small jobs.

• Plumbers regularly manage water systems and may face flooding or damage claims.

• Carpenters frequently work with power tools, sharp equipment, and high-value materials.

Selecting tradesman insurance tailored to each trade’s specific risks can help ensure that cover levels are appropriate and that critical exposures are not overlooked.

Essential Insurance for Handymen

Handymen are typically exposed to risks linked to minor repairs, property maintenance, and small construction tasks.

Key Insurance to Consider:

• Public liability insurance to help protect against claims if a customer’s property is accidentally damaged or someone is injured due to the work.
• Tools and equipment cover to offer protection if essential tools are stolen, damaged, or lost while working across multiple locations.
• Personal accident insurance to support income protection if an injury prevents work for a period of time.

It is important to check whether the tools cover includes equipment stored in vans overnight, as many policies may impose specific security conditions.

Specialist Cover for Plumbing Trades

Plumbers frequently work in environments where water damage is a key risk. Even minor errors can cause substantial property damage.

Plumbing Insurance Should Typically Include:

• Public liability insurance with cover limits that account for the potential cost of water damage claims.

• Employers’ liability insurance if the plumber employs staff, including apprentices or casual labourers.

• Contract works insurance to help protect materials and partially completed projects, particularly for larger plumbing installations.

Plumbers may also benefit from checking whether their policy covers accidental damage to underground services, which can be a significant exposure when working on external pipework.

Tailored Protection for Carpenters

Carpenters often work with expensive materials and power tools that can present both safety and financial risks.

Key Carpenter Insurance to Consider:

• Tools and equipment insurance that includes power tools and covers both on-site and in-transit storage.

• Public liability insurance to help cover third-party injury or property damage claims, especially when working in client homes or commercial buildings.

• Goods in transit insurance to offer protection for materials, equipment, and completed workpieces while being transported to job sites.

Carpenters may wish to confirm whether the policy provides cover for accidental damage to client property during installation.

Common Policy Exclusions and Considerations

Tradespeople across all industries may need to review:

• Whether tools left in unattended vehicles overnight are covered.

• Security requirements for job sites, vans, and tool storage.

• Policy limits that accurately reflect the total value of tools, materials, and equipment.

Keeping detailed records of equipment, including serial numbers and purchase receipts, can help support a smoother claims process if a loss occurs.

Additional Cover for Tradespeople to Consider

Alongside tailored cover for their trade, handymen, plumbers, and carpenters may also explore:

• Hired-in plant insurance if regularly using rented machinery.

• Business interruption cover to help protect income following a temporary closure caused by an insured event.

• Legal expenses insurance to support with contract disputes, employment issues, or debt recovery.

Working with brokers can assist tradespeople in sourcing competitive policies that align with the specific risks of their trade.

Key Insights for Tradespeople

Handyman, plumbing, and carpentry insurance can often be arranged with tailored cover options that reflect the distinct risks each trade faces. Selecting suitable public liability limits, tools and equipment protection, and specialist cover for key trade activities can help support tradespeople in managing risk confidently and protecting their businesses effectively.

Reviewing cover levels regularly and working with brokers to arrange policies that match changing business needs can help ensure that protection remains suitable as the business grows.