What insurance does a gas engineer need?
Whether you’re self-employed or part of a team, having the right gas engineer insurance isn’t just a formality — it’s a business essential. The core cover most engineers start with is public liability insurance, which protects you if something you do causes injury to someone or damage to their property.
But let’s not forget about your tools, employees, your professional advice or business in general. They all deserve your consideration and you may benefit from having insurance in place to protect them.
Gas engineer insurance typically includes:
- Public liability insurance—to protect against injury or property damage to third parties
- Employers' liability insurance—legally required if you have staff
- Professional indemnity insurance—if you provide advice, design, or consultancy
- Tools & business equipment cover—to cover the cost of replacing stolen or damaged tools
- Commercial legal expenses insurance—for help with contract disputes, debt recovery, and legal claims
Having the right mix of cover means you can focus on the job, not the what-ifs.
What does public liability insurance cover?
In simple terms, gas safe public liability insurance covers you if your work causes injury to someone or damage to property.
Example 1: You’re replacing a boiler and accidentally flood the kitchen. Public liability insurance can help cover the cost of the damage.
Example 2: A customer trips over your tool bag and injures themselves. This cover can help with legal fees and compensation.
So, how does it actually work if a claim is made?
- Incident occurs – A client reports damage or injury linked to your work.
- Claim submitted – You notify your insurer, providing details and any evidence.
- Investigation begins – The insurer reviews the circumstances, assesses liability, and may appoint legal representation if needed.
- Cover kicks in – If you're found liable, your insurance covers the cost of legal fees, compensation, and any related expenses — up to your policy limit.
It’s not just about financial protection — some clients and larger contractors may require proof of insurance before giving you the job.
Other insurance for gas engineers
Depending on how you work, there are a few other covers worth thinking about:
Employers' liability insurance
If you employ anyone — even part-time or temporary staff — you're legally required to have employers' liability insurance. It covers claims if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their work.
Example: Your apprentice slips while lifting a heavy boiler and suffers a back injury. Employers liability insurance helps cover the costs if they make a claim.
Professional indemnity insurance
If your work involves advising customers on heating systems, designing solutions, or making recommendations, professional indemnity insurance is worth having. It protects you if a client claims your advice caused them financial loss.
Example: You recommend a specific boiler setup for a client’s property, but it turns out to be incompatible with their system, leading to extra costs and delays. If they decide to make a claim, this policy can help cover legal costs and compensation.
Tools & business equipment cover
You’ve invested in specialist tools for a reason — and replacing them isn’t cheap. Trade tools insurance protects your gear if it’s lost, stolen or accidentally damaged.
Example: Your van gets broken into overnight, and your gas testing kit and power tools are gone. This cover helps you replace them quickly and keep working.
Commercial legal expenses
From tax investigations to contract disputes, legal costs can spiral quickly. Commercial legal expenses insurance helps with solicitor fees, representation, and even debt recovery.
Example: A client refuses to pay for a completed job. Legal expenses cover can help you take action to recover what you're owed.
