Tradesman Insurance Compared
We compared 5 insurance providers for UK tradesmen on price, cover breadth, and suitability for sole traders, small firms, and subcontractors. This is the full guide covering all cover types.
Simply Business is the best starting point for most tradesmen. For comprehensive direct cover, Hiscox offers the best package. For the cheapest, Tradesman Saver includes 5 covers as standard. For detailed public liability analysis, see our tradesman PL comparison.
| Provider | Best for | PL cover | From | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Business Top pick | Most tradesmen | £1m - 10m | ~£5.64/mo | 4.6 / 5 |
| Hiscox | Comprehensive | £1m - 10m | ~£9/mo | 4.5 / 5 |
| Tradesman Saver | Budget cover | £1m - 10m | ~£5/mo | 4.3 / 5 |
| Direct Line | Tools protection | £1m - 10m | ~£10/mo | 4.2 / 5 |
| Rhino Trade | Same-day cover | £1m - 5m | ~£3/mo | 4.0 / 5 |
Prices based on a sole trader decorator in England with no claims and no employees. Your quote will vary by trade, turnover, location, and cover level. All prices exclude IPT.
What is tradesman insurance?
Tradesman insurance is a package of covers for builders, plumbers, electricians, decorators, roofers, joiners, and dozens of other trades. A comprehensive policy includes public liability, tools cover, employers liability, personal accident, contract works, and legal expenses.
Legal requirement: If you employ anyone, employers liability is required by law. Trade bodies like the FMB and Electrical Safety First also require members to hold adequate insurance.
- Public liability (injury or property damage to third parties)
- Tools and equipment cover (theft, damage, loss)
- Employers liability (legal requirement with any employees)
- Personal accident (covers you if you are injured and cannot work)
- Contract works (protects work in progress from fire, storm, vandalism)
- Hired-in plant (covers hired equipment while in your possession)
Provider-by-provider breakdown
Simply Business compares quotes from AXA, Hiscox, Covea, Churchill, and Zurich. Over 250,000 tradespeople insured, covering 1,500+ trades. From 5.64 pounds per month. UK claims team rated 9/10 on Feefo.
Build your policy with PL, EL, tools, personal accident, contract works, and legal expenses. For most sole traders, Simply Business consistently returns the lowest prices.
- 250,000+ tradespeople insured
- Compare multiple insurers
- From 5.64 pounds per month
- 1,500+ trades covered
- UK claims team rated 9/10
- Broker model, not direct
- Tools cover varies by insurer
- Phone hours limited
Direct insurer with a dedicated construction and tradesman product. Public and product liability included as standard with professional indemnity available. Clear policy wording and well-regarded claims process.
Best for tradesmen wanting a single comprehensive policy from a reputable direct insurer. Slightly more expensive but higher quality cover.
- Direct insurer, specialist cover
- Professional indemnity available
- Clear policy wording
- Strong claims reputation
- PL up to 10 million
- More expensive than brokers
- Not all trades available online
- No tools-only option
Five covers as standard: PL, products liability, financial loss, legal expenses, accidental death. Since 1984. 4.7 Trustpilot from 1,200+ reviews. Flat 10 pound admin fee.
Tools, EL, and contract works are optional extras. Smaller operation but hard to beat on price for straightforward PL cover.
- 5 covers as standard
- From 54 pounds per year
- 4.7 Trustpilot rating
- Low admin fee
- Simple online quote
- Tools and EL are extras
- Smaller provider
- Standard PL caps at 5m
Stands out for 24-hour tools insurance covering overnight van theft, which most providers exclude. Over 500,000 business policies. Contract works up to 1 million. No admin fees. 0% APR monthly payments in year one.
Higher quotes than brokers but the tools cover and extras justify the premium for tradesmen with valuable equipment. EU-wide cover included.
- 24-hour tools including overnight
- 500,000+ policies
- Contract works to 1m
- No admin fees
- 0% APR year one
- Higher than broker prices
- Limited phone hours
- Slower online quote
Cheapest entry point: PL from 35 pounds per year. Insurance Times Specialist Broker Award 2022. 3,500+ five-star reviews. 30-second indicative quotes. UK team 6 days a week.
Some claims transparency concerns reported. PL caps at 5m. Best for tradesmen wanting cheapest possible cover who check exclusions carefully.
- From 35 pounds per year
- 30-second indicative quote
- 3,500+ five-star reviews
- UK team 6 days a week
- Award-winning broker
- PL caps at 5 million
- Some claims concerns
- Check exclusions carefully
What to look for
Hired-in plant cover protects you if hired equipment (scaffolding, diggers, generators) is stolen or damaged while in your possession. You are usually liable for hired equipment from the moment it arrives. Check whether your policy covers this or if you need a separate add-on.
Common questions
How we compared these providers
We researched each provider by reviewing their policy documents, getting test quotes, checking customer reviews on Trustpilot and Feefo, and speaking to business owners. Our ratings reflect price, cover, claims reputation, and ease of use. We update quarterly. FixList may earn a commission if you click through and purchase. This does not affect our ratings.