Simply_Business

If it's under a labour-only sub-contracting basis (i.e. working under their company name, under their instruction, with their equipment etc) then it falls under the other firm's Employers' liability (which they should have by law). If it's on a bona-fide basis then it would be your own insurance usually expected to cover it. Hope that helps

Do not work for a company without insurance - ever! You will be better off starting your own business and getting appropriate insurance covers for your peace of mind. Consider becoming an independent contractor with your own brand name. This will give you more flexibility and you will feel safer. Sure there are risks (big one being finding work), but a lot of it has to do with being proactive and networking with people in the industry (on forums like this one, for example). Good luck!

Hi Ben, If you are looking for a policy that covers public liability, employers liability and your kit as well - let us know via Online customer support and we would be happy to put a quote together for you. Kind Regards Tim

Hi Dangerous Brian, If you are looking for a quote for public liability please feel free to get in touch via Online customer support Kind Regards Tim

Hi Chris, I work for a business insurance broker and I thought I'd just give you a brief overview some of the aspects to look for. Bearing in mind the kind of work you do - working at heights and working with chainsaws is key to have included. You can get policy's that include and exclude these parts (make sure yet get it included!!) As far as I'm aware there isn't a difference between domestic and commercial work from an underwriting point of view - but always check with the insurer as some again may exclude work in certain locations. If you have any queries or questions please feel free to contact me via Online customer support Kind Regards Tim

As a sub contractor it can depend on the company you are contracting to. I have Tradesmen ring me all the time who need their own PL to get paid sometimes if they haven't been asked to produce a certificate you may be covered under the companies PL and EL In regards to Personal Accident we offer cover that is 24 Hour so it also covers you outside of work. If you would more details let me know be happy to help

Hello button1803, Just wanted to say that I work for a business insurance broker and thought I would give you some background information around the ins and out's of business cover. Regardless of whether you are only doing 1 or 2 jobs a week or if you are working 5 days a week self employed the insurance will be the same. Your main focus, as you've mentioned, is going to be public liability. This basically kicks in if you cause any damage to your clients property or even to your client directly! Depending on the services you offer it is important to have working at heights included in your cover. You can also get tools cover which can protect your tools even if you drop them. Another key cover you will need if anybody is working for you either as a sub-contractor or full time is employers liability. If they get injured whilst working for you - legally they could sue you for any loss of earnings and medical bills - even if they have only worked for you 1 hour a week. If you have any queries or questions around business insurance feel free to contact me via Online customer support Kind Regards Tim

Hi Woody1 - I work for an business insurance broker and you're not alone - I've spoken to lots of people in your position where they are unsure what level of PL to have. What I tend to say if I'm asked is you should look at the value of the contracts you are working on and consider what would be the situation in a worst case scenario. You can get cover from £1m, £2m, £5m and even £10m in some scenarios (more and more councils are now asking £5m but this isn't the same with all of them) Of course you can always cover tools and equipment too. Kind Regards Tim

The importance of having at least public liability insurance in place as a minimum cannot be ignored. I work in the business insurance sector and I've heard about cases where people haven't had cover in place - and then a seemingly simple incident explodes - and becomes a life changing event for those people paying for it themselves. As per the previous post from Tree_Surgeon_Essex having insurance in place gives your customers confidence not only that you know what you're doing - but that if something unexpected happens you are insured and they are protected. If you want to discuss your options just send me a message. Kind Regards Tim

Hi Frank, Just thought I would add that if you are providing your services on a sub contractor basis you would probably benefit from public liability (PL) insurance - some contracts may even require you to have it in place before you work for them. That said if you are working directly / full time for a company you would normally come under their insurance. Allot of council contracts now require a minimum of £5m PL. If you have any queries about insurance feel free to direct message me. Kind Regards Tim