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Insurance Questions Painters & Decorators Should Ask Before Saying Yes to a Job

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For many painters and decorators in the UK, every job is different but the risks involved rarely change. Whether working in private homes or commercial buildings, a single mishap could lead to unexpected costs. Before saying yes to a project, it is wise to pause and ask: Is my painters and decorators insurance set up for this work?

We support painters, decorators, and sole traders in arranging cover suited to their trade. Below are the key insurance considerations worth reviewing before starting any new job.

Are You Covered for the Type of Property?

Not all insurance policies automatically cover work on every property. For example:

  • Domestic homes

  • Commercial premises

  • Listed buildings

  • High-value properties

If working on unusual or high-value sites, it could be worth confirming that your public liability insurance extends to those settings. We help arrange policies that reflect the real environments painters and decorators work in.

Do You Have Enough Public Liability Insurance?

Public liability insurance is a core cover for painters and decorators, helping with costs if a third party claims for injury or property damage caused by your work.

Before agreeing to a new job, consider:

  • Does the client require a specific level of cover?

  • Could the project involve higher-than-usual risks?

For instance, working on larger commercial buildings or public spaces may require higher liability limits compared to a standard residential job.

Are Your Tools Properly Insured for This Project?

Moving tools from site to site increases the risk of theft, loss, or damage. Tools insurance can help cover the replacement costs for essential equipment like ladders, paint sprayers, and brushes.

Questions to consider before a new job:

  • Will tools be left on-site overnight?

  • Is secure storage available?

  • Does your current policy cover tools both in transit and on-site?

Does the Job Involve Working at Height?

Many decorating projects involve ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms. Some insurance policies may have specific height limits or exclusions.

We support painters and decorators in finding cover that accounts for working at height. Clarifying this before starting could prevent unexpected issues later.

Are You Subcontracting or Hiring Help?

If you employ others or subcontract part of the work, employers’ liability insurance may be legally required. Even occasional or casual labour could trigger this obligation under UK law.

Before saying yes to larger projects:

  • Are you bringing in extra hands?

  • Is your current insurance policy structured for that?

Understanding these details helps ensure both legal compliance and adequate protection.

Is Your Policy Up to Date?

Taking on larger or more complex projects often means revisiting your existing insurance. Cover arranged when starting as a sole trader may no longer reflect your current work scale.

We help painters and decorators review and update their cover, making sure it stays relevant as businesses grow or specialise.