Scaffolding insurance

Why scaffolding insurance matters right now

The right insurance protects scaffolders from the real-world risks that come with working at height and operating around the public. It can cover injury to third parties, damage to property, employee accidents, contract works, tools and plant, and professional advice. For many firms it is the difference between a painful setback and a business-ending event.

The UK market context is shifting. Scaffolding services revenue sits around £3.8bn in 2025 after a slight five-year contraction, influenced by the pandemic’s construction slowdown. As housing initiatives gather pace, activity should improve, but volatility remains a fact of life. At the same time, insurance capacity has broadened in 2025, with many construction lines seeing rate reductions of up to 20% on traditional projects and more flexible terms, although complex engineering remains tightly underwritten with flat or cautious pricing.

There is also a protection gap. A significant share of UK SMEs either lack insurance altogether or are underinsured, often due to cost pressures. Construction trades face higher average insurance costs per employee, which can tempt businesses to trim cover. That can be risky if a serious claim arises or a contract demands specific limits.

Insurance can offer real financial protection, but only when you understand what is covered - and where the gaps are.

This guide sets out how scaffolding insurance works in Great Britain, what it typically includes, where exclusions apply, and how to compare options. The aim is simple: clear, reliable information so you can select cover that matches your work profile, contract requirements, and appetite for risk.

What is covered and how claims usually work

Scaffolding insurance is a package of policies that address the hazards of erecting, altering, inspecting, and dismantling scaffold. Core protection starts with public liability, which responds if a member of the public or client property is harmed as a result of your activities. Employers’ liability is a legal requirement in the UK for most businesses with staff or labour-only subcontractors and protects against employee injury claims. Contract works or contractors’ all risks can cover damage to the works in progress, including temporary structures, while tool and plant insurance covers owned or hired-in equipment against theft or accidental damage, usually subject to security conditions.

Professional indemnity is increasingly accessible in 2025 and can protect against financial loss from alleged errors in design, specification, advice, or temporary works calculations. Insurers may request detail on who signs off designs and whether you work on complex structures, rail, or petrochemical sites. For many scaffolders, PI sits alongside liability cover to help reduce gaps.

Claims generally begin with prompt notification, evidence gathering, and cooperation with loss adjusters. A public liability example might involve a pedestrian injured by falling debris. The policy could respond to legal costs and compensation, subject to your excess and policy conditions like exclusion of deliberate acts. A contract works claim could follow weather damage to partially erected scaffold. Exclusions are common for gradual wear and tear, defective workmanship, hot works conducted without permits, or theft from unattended vehicles without approved security. Height limits, use of flame cutting, or work over water may require referral or specific endorsements.

Insurance is there to help you recover, but it is not a maintenance plan. Keeping risk controls sharp remains essential.

Who benefits from this cover

This insurance suits UK scaffolders of all sizes - from sole traders to regional contractors - who erect, alter, and dismantle access and support structures on domestic, commercial, and industrial sites. It is particularly valuable where you work in public areas, on busy high streets, on multi-storey projects, or under contract terms that stipulate minimum liability limits or named endorsements.

Those who design or advise on temporary works benefit from adding professional indemnity, especially as the market is currently flexible on premiums and limits. If you have no employees, only work on private property for family members, and never interact with the public, you may not need every element described here. Even then, client contracts or site rules can still mandate specific cover, so check carefully.

Choosing a level that fits your work

1. Basic - core liability

• Public liability: typically £1m to £2m limit, with options to increase.
• Employers’ liability: £10m standard limit where legally required.
• Focus: small domestic jobs, low complexity, limited height.
• Typical exclusions: work over specified heights, hazardous sites, heat work without permits.

2. Standard - broader protection

• Public liability: often £5m limit to meet council or main contractor requirements.
• Employers’ liability: £10m, including labour-only subcontractors.
• Contract works: covers temporary works and materials on site.
• Tools and owned plant: theft and accidental damage subject to security conditions.
• Focus: mixed domestic and commercial portfolios, regular street works, moderate heights.

3. Comprehensive - complex or higher-risk projects

• Higher public liability limits: £10m or more via primary and excess layers.
• Hired-in plant: on CPA terms, with continuing hire charges cover.
• Professional indemnity: for design input and temporary works advice.
• Business interruption: financial support after insured events affecting operations.
• Focus: city-centre sites, façade retention, large frames, complex logistics.

Optional add-ons to consider

• Non-negligent liability (JCT 6.5.1) where contracts require it.
• Terrorism cover if you operate in dense urban locations.
• Personal accident for directors and key operatives.
• Efficacy or defective workmanship extensions where available.
• Cyber for digital project files, drawings, and ransomware risks.

Scaffolders on complex engineering or rail may see tighter underwriting and specific endorsements. A broker with sector expertise can help you match cover to site realities and tender demands.

What it costs and what shapes your premium

Below are indicative ranges and common rating factors in Great Britain. Figures are illustrative only and will vary by insurer and risk profile.

Lower rates and broader capacity are available in 2025 for standard risks, but complex engineering and high-hazard sites often retain stricter terms and pricing.

Can you apply - and what insurers ask for

Most UK-based scaffolders can apply, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Insurers typically ask for last year’s turnover, the coming year’s estimate, wage roll split between direct employees and labour-only subcontractors, details of height and project types, and the proportion of domestic versus commercial work. They may also ask for method statements, risk assessments, training records such as CISRS, and information about storage security.

Common restrictions include maximum working heights without referral, hot works requiring permits, and exclusions for work over water, near airports or rail, or in petrochemical plants unless specifically agreed. Previous insolvency issues or a pattern of unpaid premiums can be a concern. Given financial pressures across construction, underwriters may review your supply chain resilience and contract terms, especially where delays or insolvencies could trigger claims under third party rights legislation.

From quote to claim - the simple pathway

1. Gather turnover, wage roll, heights, and claims history for an accurate quote.
2. Choose liability limits that meet client contracts and council requirements.
3. Add options like contract works, plant, and professional indemnity if needed.
4. Confirm security measures for tools, vehicles, and site storage to meet conditions.
5. Review endorsements, exclusions, and excesses before you bind the policy.
6. Report incidents promptly and keep records, photos, and witness details for claims.

Insurance should match the height you work at - and the sites you enter.

The upsides and the trade-offs

Key checks before you commit

Read the schedule and wording carefully. Confirm public liability limits meet local authority and main contractor requirements, and that any excess layer is clearly shown. Review height limits, territorial scope, and any endorsements for hazardous locations. Note the excess for each section, including higher theft excesses from unattended vehicles and inner limits for overnight storage. For hired-in plant, check CPA conditions, continuing hire charges, and security obligations. Confirm any waiver of subrogation or JCT clause requirements are endorsed. Ask how renewal pricing may change after a claim, how mid-term adjustments are handled, and what evidence is needed at audit for wage roll and turnover. Keep proof of RAMS, training, inspections, and permits to support any claim.

Other covers to consider

1. Public liability only - minimal cover where contracts are simple and risks low.
2. Standalone tools and plant - if you own substantial kit or frequently hire in.
3. Contract works only - where a principal provides other liability covers.
4. Professional indemnity standalone - for firms with significant design advisory work.
5. Personal accident and income protection - to support individuals after injury.
6. Cyber insurance - protects digital files, drawings, and business emails.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is employers’ liability compulsory for scaffolders? A: In the UK, most businesses with employees or labour-only subcontractors must hold employers’ liability. There are limited exemptions. It is typically set at a £10m limit and authorities can issue fines for non-compliance.

Q: What public liability limit do councils or main contractors require? A: Requirements vary, but £5m is common for street works and larger sites. Some projects ask for £10m or more, which can be achieved using an excess layer on top of your primary policy.

Q: Are tools covered in vans overnight? A: Often only with enhanced security and within stated hours, and sometimes excluded entirely. Many policies apply higher excesses or inner limits for theft from unattended vehicles. Check wording and consider secure storage where possible.

Q: Do I need professional indemnity if I follow an engineer’s design? A: If you provide no design or advice, PI may be less critical. If you adapt designs, produce drawings, or give technical advice, PI can protect against alleged errors. The 2025 market is relatively flexible on limits and terms.

Q: Will complex sites affect my premium? A: Yes. Projects involving high-rise façades, rail interfaces, or petrochemical risks are more cautiously underwritten, with stricter terms and sometimes flat pricing compared with standard risks that benefit from reduced rates in 2025.

Q: How fast are claims paid? A: Timelines depend on the claim type and evidence. Prompt notification, photos, permits, training records, and witness statements help. Complex liability claims can take months, while straightforward property claims may settle faster.

Ready to move forward

If scaffolding insurance suits your work, gather your key details and compare quotes across a few specialist UK insurers. Focus on fit over price, check endorsements carefully, and choose limits that satisfy your contracts. You control the pace - take the time to get it right.

Next step suggestion: list your contracts’ minimum insurance requirements before seeking quotes.

Important notice

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Policy features, limits, and exclusions vary by insurer. Always read the full wording and schedule and seek qualified advice if you are unsure whether a product is suitable for your circumstances.