Why do plumbers need insurance?
An injured customer
When working in a customer’s home, you spring a leak while fixing pipes in their kitchen. The customer walks into the kitchen and slips on the wet floor, suffering an injury as a result.
Injuries are upsetting and stressful for everyone involved. But they can also cost you time and money and damage your reputation.
Public liability insurance for plumbers can help if someone takes you to court claiming they were hurt or their property was damaged as a result of your plumbing work.
Pipework errors
When helping to fit a kitchen, you accidentally fail to fix the pipes together properly. Your oversight causes a leak and damages the new kitchen floor.
Rather than asking you to correct the problem, your customer hires different contractors to fix the piping and replace the flooring. They then present you with a bill for this work.
Public and products liability insurance could cover some financial losses caused by defective workmanship. However, this may be subject to limits and exclusions.
Stolen tools
After finishing a job, you put your tools in your van. You head back inside to check you haven’t left anything, only to return to a vehicle that’s been broken into and emptied of its contents.
At Hiscox, we understand that your tools are essential to your role.
With property away and in transit insurance, you can get help with the cost of replacing plumbing equipment that is lost, damaged or stolen when you’re on the move. Sometimes called tool insurance, it could help you return to work as soon as possible.
What insurance is available for plumbers?
Public liability insurance
As a plumber, public liability insurance provides you with financial protection if someone claims they’ve been injured, or their property was damaged, as a result of your work. Even clean water can result in damage to properties, making it useful to have cover in the event of an accident.
Public liability insurance for plumbers can help with compensation costs, allowing you to defend yourself properly.
Employers' liability insurance
If you employ anyone in your business, you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance (external link). This cover can pay compensation should an employee suffer an illness or injury related to their work and take you to court.
It’s not just for full-time workers – even a friend helping at the weekend could make a claim against you. If they do, the right insurance for your plumbing business can help with the costs of defending yourself and any settlement you may have to make.
Tool insurance
Plumbing requires specialist equipment, and without insurance, your tools could be at risk. As a highly skilled trade, your job depends on your specialist experience and know-how. But without your equipment, things just can’t get done.
Tool insurance covers your equipment against loss, theft and accidental damage while away from your normal premises. It’s there to ensure you can get your tools repaired or replaced as quickly and easily as possible, keeping your promises – and minimising project delays.
As a plumber, you may benefit from other insurances, such as portable equipment insurance, commercial property insurance, cyber cover, and legal protection insurance. Build the perfect level of cover with Hiscox today.
Tell us about your plumbing business – we’ll help you to build your insurance plan and find the right policy for you.
Build my coverInsurance for plumbers: FAQs
Is a plumber liable for water damage in the UK?
Yes, a plumber can be held liable for water damage provided it’s occurred as a result of their work. For example, if a plumber bursts a pipe and the escaped water wrecks a customer’s carpets or upholstery, public liability insurance for plumbers can help.
What insurance do I need if I’m a plumbing contractor?
If you’re a plumbing contractor, you’ll likely opt for similar covers to other plumbing businesses. So, public liability to guard against injuries to the public or property damage, and tool insurance to cover you if your tools are stolen or damaged. One of the main things to consider as a contactor is your status. Are you a self-employed contractor providing services to a client, or are you paid like an employee? This can affect your responsibilities when it comes to insurance.
How much does plumbers’ insurance cost?
The cost of insuring your plumbing business will vary greatly depending on your firm. However, business insurance with Hiscox can start from as little as £8.40*. Speak to us today to find a competitive price for your business.
*Figures based on an average of all business insurance policies sold to at least 10% of our customer base between April 2023 and April 2024
Related articles and guides
Sole trader vs limited company
Explore the differences between a sole trader vs a limited company, plus the differences between running either.
How to fill in a Self Assessment tax return
If you need to fill in a Self Assessment tax return, our comprehensive guide can provide you with everything you need to know and help you steer clear of mistakes.
How to start a plumbing business
Thinking of starting a plumbing business? Our guide to the industry can provide you with a checklist of things to consider before you begin your new venture.