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Who needs Bricklayer insurance?

It doesn’t matter how much experience you’ve got under your belt, accidents happen and usually when you least expect them. Luckily, getting the right kind of cover can stop the unexpected from catching you out – here’s what to consider when it comes to sorting out bricklayer insurance that suits you.

Why do I need bricklayer insurance?

Like other types of business and tradesman insurance, bricklayer insurance helps cover the cost if something goes wrong.

Policies cover a number of insured events which include things like theft of your tools and accidental damage to a client’s property. Policies can also pay for legal advice and compensation if you end up in court.

Without bricklayer insurance, you’d have to cover any financial losses yourself – which could cost you thousands of pounds.

What does bricklaying insurance include?

Bricklayer insurance combines different types of cover under a single policy. As well as offering a basic package, most insurers will also let you add extra features to your policy – giving you tailored protection based on your exact needs.

Types of insurance include:

• Public liability – covers the cost of legal fees and compensation if a member of the public blames you for injury or damage to their property. Public liability insurance for self-employed bricklayers is probably one of the most important types of cover you can buy because it can save you from forking out significant amounts of money if you’re taken to court.
• Employers’ liability – this covers claims made by employees if they become ill or are injured through work.
• Tools and equipment insurance – compensates you for damage or theft of tools or machinery you use for work.
• Personal accident insurance – makes up for lost income and covers medical fees if you become injured and can’t work. Some policies will also compensate loved ones in the event of your death.
• Legal expenses – pays legal fees and court costs if you need to settle a dispute.
• Contract works insurance – compensates you if you need to rebuild or repair work that has been damaged, for example if a fire destroyed an unfinished extension you were working on.

Do I need bricklayer insurance by law?

You don’t need bricklayer insurance by law. The only type of cover you must have by law, is employers’ liability, even if you only employ part-time or temporary staff. There are a few exceptions but not many – a full list can be found at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

If you have employees but are caught without employers’ liability you can be fined £2,500 every day you go without cover.

What level of cover do I need?

Insurers often set their own limits for certain types of cover – for instance, tools insurance could be up to £10,000 depending on the provider. If the level of cover isn’t high enough, you can of course ask for it to be increased – but bear in mind your premium is likely to rise as a result.

On the other hand, some levels of cover will vary so you’ll be able to choose an amount that suits your business needs. For example, public liability usually ranges from £1 million to £10 million – to get the right level, you should consider things like the type of projects you work on and the risks involved. For instance, if you’re a sole trader working alone on small jobs, £1 million may be enough. If you’re a limited company carrying out medium to large scale projects, you may well need £10 million.

You’ll also need to consider who you’re working for – many local authorities will expect contractors to have a minimum of £5 million in public liability.

If you need employers’ liability, the minimum is set by law and you must have at least £5 million.

How much does self-employed bricklayer insurance cost?

Premiums vary considerably depending on the policy you choose, whether you’ve added on extra features, as well as the levels of cover you need. As a general rule of thumb, the more comprehensive the policy, the more you can expect to pay.

Although it’s tempting to buy the cheapest bricklayer insurance you can find, it could be a decision that ends up costing you more in the long run. Cheaper policies might not give you the cover you need and there may be a raft of exclusions (events that aren’t covered). Ultimately, whatever policy you choose, it’s crucial to check the small print to avoid disappointment – the last thing you want, is to find out you’re not covered in the event of a bricklayer insurance claim.

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At Quotezone.co.uk, we understand how important it is to find affordable cover that’s right for you and your business. We also understand that searching for insurance can take up valuable time which is why you only need to tell us what you need once. Simply fill out one short form and we’ll bring back a range of quotes for you to compare – all you need to do, is choose one.