How much public liability cover do I need?
Most tradespeople carry between 1 million and 10 million pounds of public liability cover, with the right level usually set by the contracts and clients you work for.
Choosing your level
There's no single correct figure, but your choice is often driven by who you work for rather than guesswork. As a rough guide:
- 1m-2m often suits smaller domestic and private jobs
- 5m is commonly required by commercial clients and main contractors
- 10m is frequently specified for local authority, public-sector and larger site work
Check each contract's wording before you quote for it, as winning a tender can hinge on holding the stated limit. Higher cover usually adds only a modest amount to your premium, so it's worth comparing levels rather than under-insuring and risking a shortfall on a big claim.
Compare tradesman insurance quotes
Answer a few quick questions and compare cover from specialist UK brokers.
Get my quote →Related questions
Is more cover always better?
Higher limits reduce your exposure and often cost little extra, but match the level to your contracts rather than over-buying blindly.
Can I increase cover for one job?
Often yes, brokers can sometimes adjust your limit if a specific contract needs a higher amount; ask before you start.
Does the cover limit reset each claim?
It depends on the policy; some apply the limit per claim, others to the period, so always check the wording.