What does public liability insurance for plumbing and heating engineers cover?
Public liability insurance covers claims made against you for accidental injury or damage caused to third parties or their property during your work.
For example, if a leak from a pipe you’ve installed causes water damage to a client’s home or someone trips over your tools and gets injured, you could be held liable. Public liability insurance steps in to cover legal fees, repair costs, and compensation so you can focus on your job without the stress of unexpected expenses.
Public liability insurance typically includes:
- Accidental damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing property you accidentally damage during a job.
- Injury to third parties: If someone is injured as a result of your work—like tripping over a pipe or slipping on a wet floor—your policy can cover legal fees and compensation.
- Legal costs: Provides financial support if you need legal representation for a claim.
How much public liability insurance do plumbing and heating engineers need?
The level of cover you need depends on the size and scope of your jobs. Most plumbing and heating engineers opt for at least £2 million of cover, but larger projects might require more.
Consider the risks:
- Are you working in residential homes or commercial properties?
- How costly could it be to repair or replace the property you’re working on?
- Do your clients or contracts specify a minimum level of cover?
When in doubt, it’s better to choose a higher level of public liability cover to ensure you’re fully protected.