Plumbers insurance

A steady guide to cover that fits real plumbing work

Plumbers insurance is a set of policies designed to protect you and your customers when things go wrong on a job. At its core is public liability insurance, which can pay compensation and legal costs if your work causes injury or property damage - for example, water damage after a burst, or a customer tripping over your kit. If you employ anyone, even part-time or temporary, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in Great Britain and protects against employee injury or illness linked to work.

Why does this matter? Water leak claims are among the most common issues in plumbing, and even a small mistake can lead to costly repairs and reputational harm. Affordable cover exists, with some plans starting from around £8.40 per month depending on your business size and chosen limits. The right package can also extend to your tools, your premises, cyber risks, and legal support.

Insurance should remove uncertainty - not add to it. The goal is clear protection you understand and can rely on.

This guide sets out what is typically covered, how claims work, what affects your premium, and how to compare options safely. It is not about selling you the maximum cover at any cost. It is about clarity, so you can choose protection that genuinely suits the way you work.

What is covered in practice - and where limits apply

Public liability usually covers accidental third-party injury and property damage arising from your work. Think a soldered joint fails and leaks through a ceiling, or a customer slips on a wet floor you created. Employers’ liability covers employee injuries or illnesses related to their job, which is mandatory if you have staff. Many plumbers add cover for portable tools, plant, and stock, plus commercial property if you operate from a workshop or office. You can also buy cyber and data cover if you store customer details, take card payments, or rely on digital booking systems. Legal expenses cover can help with contract disputes or pursuing unpaid invoices.

There are limits. Policies often exclude deliberate acts, gradual wear and tear, defective design, or pre-existing damage. Work outside your declared trade, heat work exclusions, or depth and height limits may apply unless you agree them upfront. Tools left in unlocked vehicles or overnight may not be covered without specific conditions. Claims generally start with notifying your insurer as soon as practical, sharing photos, job notes, invoices, and any third-party correspondence. The insurer will investigate liability, appoint loss adjusters where needed, and handle negotiations. If a claim is covered, they settle up to your policy limits after excesses are deducted.

Who benefits - and when you might not need it

This cover suits self-employed plumbers, limited companies, and contractors working in homes, small commercial sites, or on new builds. If you deal with hot works, high-pressure systems, or older pipework, the risk of accidental damage is real, so liability cover is especially important. If you have apprentices or employees, employers’ liability is not optional - it is the law.

If you only perform occasional handyman tasks with no plumbing elements and never work at a client’s property, a full plumbers insurance package may be more than you need. Likewise, if you are employed by a firm, your employer’s policies may already cover you for your employed work - but not for any side jobs.

Choosing levels of protection

1. Basic - core liability

   • Public liability: typically £1m to £2m limit.
   • Optional tools cover with lower single-item limits.
   • Suits sole traders handling low-risk domestic jobs.

2. Standard - core plus essentials

   • Public liability: often £2m to £5m for wider client requirements.
   • Employers’ liability: £10m limit if you have staff.
   • Portable equipment, hired-in plant, and personal accident options.
   • Good balance for most small plumbing businesses.

3. Comprehensive - higher limits and extras

   • Public liability: £5m to £10m where main contractors demand it.
   • Employers’ liability included if applicable.
   • Commercial property, business interruption, contract works.
   • Cyber and legal protection for data, disputes, and invoice recovery.

4. Optional add-ons to consider

   • Contract works for installations in progress.
   • Professional indemnity for design or specification advice.
   • Goods in transit for parts and materials.
   • Inspection cover for pressure vessels where relevant.

Match limits to your work type, client expectations, and worst-case loss scenarios rather than choosing on price alone.

What it costs and why prices vary

Prices are indicative only. Always compare like-for-like limits, excesses, and exclusions.

Who can apply and common checks

Most UK-based plumbers operating as sole traders, partnerships, or limited companies can apply. Insurers will ask about your trading status, turnover, number of employees, types of work, use of heat, heights or depths, and your claims history. You may be asked for qualifications, risk assessments, method statements, and proof of tool ownership. Declines can occur if you have undeclared criminal convictions, frequent unpaid claims, unsafe working practices, or work outside the insurer’s appetite, such as certain hazardous industrial environments. Be accurate and complete in your disclosure. It helps avoid disputes and ensures the cover you buy matches what you do day to day.

From quote to claim - the simple path

1. Gather details - turnover, staff, work types, tools and limits needed.
2. Get quotes - compare limits, exclusions, excesses, and endorsements carefully.
3. Choose cover - select levels that match client requirements and real risks.
4. Buy policy - review schedules and certificates for accuracy before filing.
5. Keep records - jobs, photos, invoices, risk assessments, and maintenance logs.
6. Report incidents - notify the insurer promptly and follow guidance provided.

The balance of benefits and trade-offs

Key checks before you commit

Review policy schedules line by line. Confirm public liability limits meet your largest client’s requirements. Read exclusions on heat use, heights, depths, sub-contractors, and defective workmanship. Check excesses for water damage, theft from vehicles, and escape of water. Understand any waiting periods for new covers and how renewal pricing may change after a claim. Keep copies of certificates, method statements, and training records, which may be requested if you need to claim. Accuracy at purchase reduces the risk of disputes later.

Alternatives that might fit better

1. Tradesman liability - for multi-trade work where plumbing is only part of your services.
2. Professional indemnity - if you design, specify, or sign off complex systems.
3. Home emergency cover - more relevant for homeowners seeking response for domestic breakdowns.
4. Tools-only insurance - if you need protection for kit but have minimal third-party exposure.
5. Contractors all risks - for building projects needing cover for works in progress and materials.

FAQs

Q: Is public liability insurance legally required for plumbers in the UK? A: It is not a legal requirement, but many clients insist on it and it is widely recommended. Employers’ liability is legally required if you employ anyone, including temporary or part-time staff.

Q: How much public liability cover do I need - £1m, £2m, or £5m? A: Choose a limit that matches your worst credible loss and client demands. Domestic work often needs £2m-£5m. Larger commercial sites and main contractors may specify £5m or higher.

Q: Are water damage claims actually common for plumbers? A: Yes. Escape-of-water incidents are among the most frequent claim types. Even small leaks can cause extensive damage across multiple rooms, so ensure your excess and limits are realistic.

Q: Will my tools be covered in a van overnight? A: Only if the policy allows it and security conditions are met. Many insurers require approved locks, marked parking, and item limits. Some exclude overnight cover entirely without an endorsement.

Q: What affects the price the most? A: Your cover limits, type of work, turnover, claims history, and any additions like tools or property cover. Entry-level policies can start from around £8.40 per month, but your profile will determine the final cost.

What to do next

List the jobs you actually undertake, the largest client requirement you face, and the equipment you rely on. Compare like-for-like quotes with the same limits and excesses, then choose the policy that clearly explains what is covered and what is not. You stay in control throughout.

Important note

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the schedule and wording carefully and ask the provider to confirm anything that is unclear before you buy.