Why do carpenters need insurance?
Carpentry might look like a creative dream job, but let’s be honest—it’s not all dovetails and finishing touches. Mistakes happen, and when they do, the financial consequences can be significant. That’s why insurance for carpenters is essential.
Picture this: you’re fitting a new staircase, and an accidental slip damages the client’s flooring. Or perhaps a passerby trips over your tools while you’re on-site. Insurance ensures that whether it’s an injured third party, damaged property, or a mishap with your tools, your business doesn’t take a financial hit.
Public liability insurance for carpenters
If you only invest in one type of cover, make it public liability insurance for carpenters. This policy protects you against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage caused by your work.
Whether it’s a dropped hammer cracking a client’s marble countertop or a visitor tripping over your power cables, this insurance has your back.
Many clients will insist on proof of public liability insurance before hiring you, making it not just a safeguard but also a necessity for building trust in your professional reputation.
Professional indemnity insurance for carpenters
Carpenters who provide bespoke designs or consultations know that not every project goes exactly as planned. Professional indemnity insurance for carpenters protects you when a client claims your advice or designs caused them financial loss.
For example, a custom-built shelving unit warps after installation due to a recommendation on materials that didn’t pan out. This cover helps with legal fees and compensation, keeping your reputation intact.
Whether you work on ambitious architectural features or intricate decorative details, this insurance ensures you can take creative risks without the worry of financial fallout.
While it’s not needed for every carpenter, those involved in bespoke or high-value projects should consider it essential.
Other types of insurance for carpenters
While public liability and professional indemnity insurance are vital, there are other types of cover that can protect your carpentry business:
Employers’ liability
If you employ staff, even on a casual basis, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement. It protects you if an employee is injured or falls ill while working for you. From an apprentice nicking their hand with a chisel to a labourer suffering from repetitive strain, this cover keeps your business compliant, and your team cared for.
Carpenter tool insurance
Your tools are the heart of your craft, and losing them can bring your business to a standstill. Tools and materials insurance ensures you’re covered if your equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged. From your trusty saw to that stash of oak planks, this cover ensures you’re back in action quickly.
Own & hired in plant
If you regularly rent machinery like forklifts or sanding equipment, hired in plant insurance is worth considering. It covers rented equipment against theft, loss, or damage while it’s in your care, saving you from costly repair or replacement bills.
Contract works
Contract works insurance protects ongoing projects against unexpected damage. For instance, if a partially built wooden structure is damaged by fire or weather, this cover helps ensure you’re not footing the bill to start from scratch.
