Does a handyman need insurance?
The short answer? Absolutely. The long answer? Picture this: you’re putting up shelves, and a drill slips, leaving a hole where it doesn’t belong. Or a client trips over your ladder and ends up in A&E. Without insurance; these little mishaps could spell big trouble for your business.
Insurance isn’t just a formality—it’s the safety net that lets you work worry-free. Whether you’re a one-person powerhouse or managing a team, having self-employed handyman insurance or broader business coverage is essential.
What insurance does a handyman need?
Handymen are jacks of all trades, and their insurance needs to be just as versatile. It should cover your liabilities and business tools. You should also be able to extend it to cover any employees or hired in plant.
Handyman liability insurance
Handyman liability insurance acts as a shield against the unexpected. If your work inadvertently causes injury or damage, this insurance ensures you’re not footing the bill alone. From slipping ladders to misjudged hammer swings, it’s the safety net every handyman needs.
Handyman public liability insurance
Think of handyman public liability insurance as the cornerstone of your cover. It’s what protects you if a customer, visitor, or passerby is injured or their property damaged as a result of your work.
For example, if a client’s prized antique gets scratched during a job or someone trips over your cables, public liability insurance covers the costs of legal claims, compensation, and repairs. It’s not just smart; it’s often required by clients or venues.
Professional indemnity insurance for handymen
Not all jobs are as straightforward as they seem. Sometimes, giving advice is part of the gig—and that’s where professional indemnity insurance for handymen comes in. If a client claims your guidance led to financial loss or a botched job, this cover handles the fallout.
For instance, if you recommend a material that turns out to be unsuitable, this insurance helps with legal fees and compensation, saving your reputation in the process.
Other useful insurance for handymen
Beyond liability and indemnity, there are additional types of cover that can save the day when the unexpected strikes:
Employers’ liability
If you have employees, even part-time or casual ones, employers’ liability insurance isn’t optional—it’s the law. It protects your business against claims from staff who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.
Tools & materials
Your tools are your livelihood, and without them, work grinds to a halt. Tools & materials insurance ensures that theft, damage, or loss won’t keep you off the job for long. From hammers to high-end power drills, everything’s covered.
Hired in plant
Need to rent equipment for a big job? Hired in plant insurance protects rented machinery from damage or theft while it’s in your care, saving you from potentially hefty replacement costs.
