Should I check a tradesman’s insurance?

Engaging the services of a tradesman to perform work carries with it a number of risks. Tradesman will need to have the correct insurance in place to guard against issues, including work-related accidents or events that cause damage to a client’s home or personal property.

To guard against incidents and ensure full protection against accidents and damages it is wise to ensure that any tradesman hired to perform work has adequate insurance coverage to protect against claims and legal disputes. Without it, homeowners may be exposed to expensive damages without any legal method of seeking compensation.

Most professional tradesmen will carry some sort of insurance. Policies can include protection against a number of liabilities but at the very least a public liability insurance policy should be in place to guard fully against issues.

How to check a tradesman's insurance

Verifying that any tradesman hired is a qualified professional can be done in several ways, from checking references and reviews to membership of trade associations to ensure qualifications and professionalism. Along with making sure that any tradesman has the necessary skills to perform the work, it is wise to request proof of insurance.

Tradesmen that have invested in an insurance policy to protect themselves and their customers from accidents and damages should be able to provide proof of protection without any problem. A number of insurance protections are available to tradesmen and depending on the business structure and the work being performed some may not be essential.

However, for any work that is being undertaken, public liability insurance is a must. It may also be advantageous for tradesmen to have professional indemnity insurance, depending on the type of work they do.

Public Liability Insurance

For accidents or injuries that happen during the course of work, this insurance will shield against compensation claims and legal fees. It will provide protection whether damages occur to the homeowner, other members of the household, or even members of the public. If the tradesman does not have this insurance, the person contracting them to perform work could be personally liable for any claims that arise.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Problems and issues can arise long after building work has been completed. What may look like a professional job could degrade over time due to bad advice or professional negligence. If a tradesman gives advice that, if wrong, could result in a financial loss to a client then professional indemnity insurance can provide a financial buffer.

What to look for

Verifying a tradesman’s insurance in 2026 requires a more rigorous approach due to the sophisticated rise of 'ghost broking' (i.e.g the sale of fake or forged policies). While you should still ask to see an insurance certificate, do not rely on simple photocopies or static images, which are now easily doctored using AI. Instead, request a digital PDF copy sent directly from the broker or a secure, verifiable link to the insurer’s portal. Authentic documents should include the insurer's contact details and a valid policy number that can be independently cross-referenced with the Financial Services Register.

In the case of public liability or professional indemnity insurance, there are some things that should be included on the certificate.

Here’s what to look for:

Business name

The tradesman’s insurance certificate should include the business name or company name. These details should accurately match the person or business that is being hired. Any discrepancies mean that the policy may not provide financial protection in the event of claims being made.

Business description

The description of the business and the work that is insured should be included on the insurance certificate. The wording of business descriptions is typically quite broad but the work being requested should fall within the scope of the insurance cover. If the work being done is highly specialized then additional insurance may be required to provide full protection.

Review dates

This is extremely important to verify that the policy is in date and fully active. An expired policy will provide no protection against any claims made for damages or accidents. It could also leave homeowners open to personal liability. Along with making sure that the policy is active, expiration dates should be checked. Policies expiring during the course of the work could flag potential problems if the renewal is not handled on time.

Call the insurer

To protect against insurance fraud, perform a final validation by contacting the insurer directly. However, never use the phone number printed on the certificate itself, as scammers often include their own numbers to intercept verification calls. Instead, find the insurer’s official contact details through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Firm Checker or their official website. When you call, confirm not only that the policy is active but also that the specific scope of work (e.g., roofing or structural changes) is covered, as narrow policy exclusions are a common cause of rejected claims in 2026.

Check policy limits

In the high-inflation environment of 2026, the 'bare minimum' of coverage is rarely enough. Over the past five years, the cost of building materials, skilled labour, and legal compensation has skyrocketed, meaning that a standard £1 million public liability limit may no longer cover the full cost of a major house extension or a significant property fire. For renovation projects today, homeowners should consider that tradesmen might need at least £2 million to £5 million in public liability cover. Additionally, ensure the policy includes 'Contract Works' to protect the project itself from inflation-linked rebuild costs if damage occurs mid-construction.