Bricklayers Insurance
Protect your bricklaying business from structural damage claims, on-site injuries and tool theft with cover built for the bricklaying trade.
Get in touchWhat is bricklayers insurance?
Bricklayers insurance is a trade-specific policy that protects bricklaying contractors from the risks of building walls, extensions and structural elements. It typically includes public liability, employers liability and tools cover.
Bricklaying is physically demanding work that involves heavy materials and structural responsibility. If a wall you built collapses or materials fall and injure someone, the financial consequences can be severe.
Get options from specialist insurers to find policies from insurers with experience covering bricklayers, so your cover is priced fairly and accounts for the structural nature of your work.
Public Liability
Covers claims for injury or property damage arising from your bricklaying work.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ anyone, covering workplace injury and illness claims.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your trowels, mixers, levels and specialist bricklaying equipment.
Products Liability
Covers claims arising from structural work after completion and handover.
Who needs bricklayers insurance?
Self-employed bricklayers
Working on domestic extensions, walls and garden projects
Commercial bricklaying contractors
Building walls and structural elements on commercial sites
Subcontract bricklayers
Working under a main contractor on housing developments
Repointing specialists
Carrying out mortar repointing and restoration work
Stone masons
Working with natural stone on traditional and heritage buildings
Licensing and accreditation for bricklayers
Bricklayers are not required by law to hold insurance, but virtually all commercial construction projects and new-build contracts require proof of public liability cover. Main contractors and developers typically demand a minimum of £2m, and major projects may specify £5m or more.
The British Standard for bricklayers and the Federation of Master Builders recommend insurance as best practice. Professional membership through the FMB or similar bodies does not provide insurance but demonstrates competence and commitment to standards.
If you work on scaffolding or access equipment above ground level, you must comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Insurance does not replace your legal obligations for safety training and equipment inspection, but it protects you if an accident occurs despite your precautions.
Building Regulations require brickwork to meet structural and weather-resistance standards. Public liability protects you if your brickwork fails and causes property damage or injury, though you remain legally responsible for meeting Building Regulations.
How much does bricklayers insurance cost?
£180 – £450 per year for most sole traders; teams with employees may pay £450 – £850 annually depending on project size and whether you work at height on scaffolding
Real claims: what bricklayers insurance covers
A bricklayer accidentally drops a trowel from scaffolding that hits a pedestrian on the pavement below, causing a scalp wound requiring stitches.
The policy covered the pedestrian's A&E treatment, follow-up care and a settlement for pain and suffering. The claim was settled at £4,100.
£4,100
A bricklayer's poor mortar mix causes the outer leaf of a cavity wall to become unstable. Settlement occurs, and the client demands structural repairs and partial demolition and rebuilding.
Professional indemnity cover (if held separately) would cover rectification costs. Standard public liability does not cover defective workmanship unless external damage is also proven. This claim would not be covered without professional indemnity.
Not covered
A bricklayer's mortar splashes onto a client's parked car, damaging the paintwork. The client demands a full respray.
The policy covered the cost of professional car repainting. Public liability settled the claim at £1,200.
£1,200
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Structural work covered properly
Bricklaying is structural work and claims can be serious. Cecil finds insurers who cover structural trades without exclusions.
Fair premiums for bricklayers
Cecil works with insurers who differentiate between construction trades. You get a premium that reflects bricklaying risks specifically.
Quick, trade-focused quotes
Answer a few questions about your business and Get your cover options from specialist trade insurers. No unnecessary paperwork.
Claims support when it matters
Structural claims can be expensive and contested. Cecil partners with insurers experienced in handling bricklaying claims.
Common questions about bricklayers insurance
Do bricklayers need public liability insurance?
Public liability is not legally required but it is essential for bricklayers. Most clients and main contractors require it.
What level of public liability do bricklayers need?
Most bricklayers carry between £1m and £5m of public liability cover. Commercial sites may require at least £5m.
Does bricklayers insurance cover structural defects?
Your public liability covers accidental damage and injury. Structural defects after handover may be covered under products liability.
Do self-employed bricklayers need employers liability?
If you are a sole trader with no employees, you do not need it. If you employ anyone, it is a legal requirement with minimum cover of £5m.
What level of public liability do bricklayers typically carry?
Most bricklayers carry between £1m and £2m of public liability cover. Large commercial and new-build projects typically require £2m to £5m, and major structural work may demand £10m or more.
Do bricklayers need employers liability insurance if they work alone?
Employers liability is only legally required if you employ staff. If you are a sole trader, employers liability is not mandatory, but you should ensure you have public liability and consider accidental injury cover for yourself.
Is defective brickwork covered by public liability insurance?
Cracking, mortar failure or structural defects in brickwork you have installed are not covered by public liability, as they are faults in your own work. Professional indemnity insurance is available separately to cover the cost of rectification.
Do bricklayers need insurance if they only work for other contractors?
Yes. Even if you are a subcontractor employed by a main contractor, you must hold your own public liability insurance. Main contractors always ask for evidence of cover before allowing you on site.
Does brickwork insurance cover weather damage or frost damage?
Weather or frost damage to brickwork you have installed is generally not covered by public liability, as it is not caused by accidental damage but by material or workmanship defects. This is where professional indemnity cover becomes important.
Interested in Bricklayers insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.