Tradesman Insurance is a specialised form of small business insurance which combines several complimentary types of insurance cover into a single policy. As the name Tradesman Insurance suggests, it is specifically of value to independent tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians, decorators and builders. Although primarily an insurance product for the sole trader or partnership, Tradesman Insurance is also available for small businesses with a limited number of employees. Typically a Tradesman Insurance policy will come with a minimum amount of both public liability insurance and employers liability insurance. The policy will also cover loss and damages to tools and equipment, and sometimes personal injury.

Who needs Professional Tradesman Insurance?
Any tradesman, either self-employed, working as a sub-contractor or supervising their own team of employees will benefit from Tradesman Insurance. Every tradesman is required by law to make sure that they have adequate public liability cover. Additionally, if the tradesman employs staff, either as permanent team members or casual labour, then they are also legally required to have employers liability insurance.

A Tradesman Insurance policy is a cost effective way to procure both of these types of insurance cover in a single package. Tradesmen who work alone may only require public liability insurance and not employers liability insurance, most insurance providers offer Tradesman Insurance with or without employers liability insurance for this reason.

Things to look out for when procuring Tradesman Insurance
Possibly the main factor to consider when seeking Tradesman Insurance is how well is the tradesman covered themselves? A tradesman insurance policy may protect the public and any employees, but what happens if the policy holder themselves is injured during the execution of their work? By procuring a Tradesman Insurance policy that incorporate some form of personal injury cover, and possibly also life cover, the tradesman is protected from loss of earnings due to an accident at work.

The only other consideration is that of cover for loss, theft or damage of tools and equipment. Some Tradesman Insurance policies only cover tools and equipment when on-site. If the tradesman regularly carries a large number of tools and pieces of valuable equipment and most are left stored in a van or truck, they may not be fully covered. It is important to check that any policy the tradesman is considering will cover them for their losses should their vehicle be broken into or stolen.