Is more cover always better?

Higher limits reduce your exposure and may not cost much more, but it makes sense to match the level to your contracts rather than buying more than you need.

Can I increase cover for one job?

Often, yes. Brokers can sometimes adjust your limit if a specific contract needs a higher amount, so ask before you start.

Does the cover limit reset each claim?

It depends on the policy. Some apply the limit to each claim, others to the whole policy period, so check the wording.

Trades

How much public liability cover do I need?

How much public liability cover a tradesperson needs usually depends on clients and contracts. Common limits run from £1 million to £10 million.

Most tradespeople carry somewhere between £1 million and £10 million of public liability cover. The right level is usually set by the clients and contracts you work for, rather than by guesswork.

What the limit means

Your public liability limit is the most the policy will pay out for a claim (or, on some policies, for all claims in the policy period). If a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your work, compensation and legal costs come out of this limit. If a claim is bigger than your limit, you could be left to pay the difference.

Choosing your level

There is no single correct figure, but your choice is often driven by who you work for. As a rough guide:

£1 million to £2 million is often enough for smaller domestic and private jobs
£5 million is commonly asked for by commercial clients and main contractors
£10 million is often specified for local authority, public sector and larger site work

Check the contract first

Check each contract's wording before you quote for it, as winning a tender can depend on holding the stated limit. Some clients will ask for a copy of your certificate before you start.

Weighing up cost and cover

Raising your limit may add only a modest amount to your premium, so it is worth looking at more than one level rather than under-insuring and risking a shortfall on a large claim. Equally, there is little point paying for far more cover than any of your work requires.

Getting quotes

Public liability is usually the core of a tradesman insurance policy. With Kompare, you fill in a short form and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you about quotes at the level you need. Read how we work for more.