Rate Sorted Tradesman insurance checklist
Use this before you compare policies. Each item links to its GOV.UK, HSE or Business.gov.uk source.
Sources checked on . Your ticks stay put when you come back on this phone.
This is not legal, tax or insurance advice. It does not recommend a broker, insurer or policy.
Check this if: You work with the public, visit clients, or a client or venue requires cover in its contract.
Business.gov.uk says this cover protects against claims from the public.
That means injury to a member of the public, or damage to property, caused by your business.
It says almost all businesses need it, but this is not the same as a universal legal requirement.
Check this if: You employ people. Check the employment status and the exemptions on the official page.
GOV.UK says employers must get this cover as soon as they become an employer.
It sets a minimum level of cover and says the insurer must be authorised.
It also lists limited exemptions and certificate duties.
Check this if: You rely on tools, machinery, stock or other equipment, and replacing them would be expensive.
Business.gov.uk lists equipment insurance as cover a business may need.
It names businesses that rely on equipment to operate.
Check the policy wording for where and how your tools are covered.
Check this if: You move customers’ goods or materials, or a contract makes you responsible for them.
Business.gov.uk does not list goods in transit among the covers it names.
This is a policy scope check, not a claim that the cover is legally required.
Ask the insurer what is covered while goods are in your vehicle.
Then check the exclusions, limits and conditions in the policy wording.
Check this if: You drive a van or car for work, including your own car on a job.
Business.gov.uk says motor insurance is legally required if you use vehicles in your business.
It says that includes using your personal vehicle for business purposes.
GOV.UK says third party insurance is the legal minimum to drive on UK roads.
Check this if: You build or alter something that sits on site while the job is unfinished, or a contract asks you to insure the works.
Business.gov.uk does not list contract works cover among the covers it names.
This is a policy scope check, not a claim that the cover is legally required.
Ask the insurer whether unfinished work and materials on site are covered.
Check this if: The business stops earning if you cannot work.
Business.gov.uk does not name personal accident cover.
Its nearest named cover is key person insurance, for losses when a key person becomes critically ill or dies.
It says you need this if the business relies heavily on one person.
Check this if: A dispute over a job, a payment or a contract would cost you to fight.
Business.gov.uk does not list legal expenses cover among the covers it names.
Its intellectual property cover pays legal costs for patent, trademark, copyright or design disputes only.
Ask the insurer what disputes a legal expenses policy covers.
Check this if: Your advice or service could cause a client financial loss, or your regulator requires it.
Business.gov.uk says it covers claims that your advice, work or services cost a client money.
It lists advice, professional services and industry or regulator requirements as triggers.
GOV.UK says a sole trader has unlimited liability, so the owner is personally responsible for business debts.
That does not tell you which policy to buy. It is a reason to read the risks and policy wording carefully.
Business.gov.uk says to compare the cover, not just the price.
Check what each policy covers, what it excludes, its limits and its conditions. Read its guidance.
Keep the documents where you can find them.
Pricing a job? Use the job profit margin calculator, materials calculator or van cost calculator.