What insurance is recommended for tradespeople?
radespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, and builders, need a combination of covers to protect themselves and their clients. Public liability insurance is essential—it covers injury or damage caused by your work. Employer’s liability insurance is legally required if you hire staff. Tool insurance protects equipment stored in vans or on-site. For those working in high-risk environments, contract works insurance may also be advisable, covering materials and partially completed work. If you provide advice or designs as part of your service, professional indemnity insurance is worth considering. Tradespeople also benefit from income protection in case of illness or injury. Insurance not only protects your business—it helps win client trust and may be required by contractors or developers you work with.
Do I need professional indemnity insurance for consulting?
Yes, if you’re offering consultancy or professional advice, professional indemnity insurance (PI) is essential. It protects you if a client claims that your advice, services, or designs caused them a financial loss. Even with the best intentions, misunderstandings or errors can lead to costly legal disputes. PI insurance covers legal fees and any compensation awarded. It’s commonly required in sectors like IT, marketing, finance, HR, and engineering. Some clients may insist on it before entering into a contract. The amount of cover needed depends on your contracts and perceived risk, but many consultants start with £250,000 to £1 million. If you’re regulated by a professional body, such as the FCA or ICAEW, PI may be mandatory. It’s a crucial policy that protects your finances and your professional reputation.
What cover should a landlord have for rental properties?
Landlords should consider landlord insurance, which typically includes buildings insurance, property owners’ liability, and optional extras like contents cover (for furnished properties), loss of rent, and legal expenses. Buildings insurance covers structural damage from fire, flood, or vandalism. Property owners’ liability protects you if a tenant or visitor is injured on the premises. You can also add rent guarantee insurance to protect income if tenants can’t pay. Some policies include cover for emergency repairs, such as broken boilers or locks. If you rent to students or multiple tenants (HMOs), make sure your policy reflects that. Standard home insurance usually won’t cover rental activities, so a specialist policy is essential to stay protected and compliant.
Is product liability insurance essential for e-commerce businesses?
Yes, e-commerce businesses that manufacture, import, or sell physical products should have product liability insurance. It protects against claims of injury or property damage caused by your products. Even if you didn’t make the item, as the seller you could still be held liable. This is especially relevant if you’re selling through your own website, marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, or if you’re importing goods from outside the UK. Claims could include allergic reactions, electrical faults, or items that cause harm due to incorrect instructions. The cost of a single claim can be significant—even more so if legal action is involved. Product liability insurance is a safety net that protects your business from financial loss and gives customers confidence when buying from you.
What insurance is suitable for restaurants and cafés?
Restaurants, cafés, and other hospitality businesses should have a package policy tailored to the industry. Essential cover includes public liability and employer’s liability insurance, especially for staff-heavy or customer-facing environments. Business contents insurance protects furniture, stock, and kitchen equipment. Business interruption insurance is also vital—it covers lost income if you’re forced to close due to fire, flood, or other damage. Many policies also offer stock deterioration cover, ideal for perishable goods stored in freezers or fridges. If you serve alcohol, licensing protection and loss of licence cover may be relevant. For takeaways or delivery services, you may also need commercial vehicle cover. A broker can tailor a policy that covers all aspects of your hospitality business under one roof.
Do I need special insurance for events or exhibitions?
Yes, if you’re organising or participating in events, you’ll need event insurance. This typically includes public liability insurance to cover injury or damage caused during the event, equipment cover for staging, tech, and displays, and cancellation insurance in case the event is postponed or cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. If you’re hosting, you might also need employer’s liability for staff or volunteers. Some venues insist on proof of cover before letting you use their space. If you’re exhibiting at trade shows, product liability or demonstration-related risks should also be considered. A tailored policy gives peace of mind and allows you to focus on delivering a great event, knowing you’re protected from unexpected costs or claims.
What cover do I need as a freelance creative or designer?
Freelancers offering creative services—such as graphic design, copywriting, or video production—should consider professional indemnity insurance. It protects you if a client alleges that your work caused them financial loss, reputational harm, or failed to meet contractual expectations. Even simple errors, missed deadlines, or design misunderstandings can lead to disputes. Public liability is advisable if you meet clients in person or attend events. You may also want equipment insurance for laptops, cameras, or specialist tools. If you work from home, remember that standard home insurance may not cover business equipment or third-party claims. For added protection, cyber insurance is useful if you handle client data or rely heavily on digital platforms. Insurance not only protects you—it can enhance your credibility with clients too.
How do I insure tools or equipment used on-site?
Tools and equipment insurance covers theft, loss, or damage to items used in the course of your work. It’s particularly important for tradespeople, contractors, and mobile workers. Cover can apply whether tools are stored on-site, in your vehicle, or at your premises. Some policies allow you to insure specific high-value items, while others provide blanket cover up to a certain limit. You can also add overnight cover for tools stored in locked vans or site boxes. Always check the exclusions—for example, theft from an unlocked vehicle may not be covered. Keeping an up-to-date inventory and receipts can help with claims. This type of cover ensures you’re not left out of pocket and can continue working with minimal disruption.
What insurance is required for haulage or logistics firms?
Haulage and logistics businesses require a combination of policies to protect their vehicles, staff, and cargo. Essential cover includes goods in transit insurance, which protects items being transported against loss or damage. Commercial vehicle insurance is needed for all vehicles used in the business. If you have multiple vehicles, fleet insurance may be more cost-effective. Public liability and employer’s liability are also important to cover interactions with clients and employees. Some firms may need marine cargo insurance for international shipments. You can also add business interruption insurance to protect income during unforeseen disruptions. Insurers often tailor packages to the specific needs of your operation, including factors like driver age, vehicle size, and cargo type. A broker can help ensure all risks are properly covered.
