Builders Insurance
Protect your building business against on-site accidents, property damage claims and tool theft with cover designed for the construction trade.
Get in touchWhat is builders insurance?
Builders insurance is a comprehensive package of policies that protects building contractors and construction businesses from the wide range of risks involved in construction work. It typically includes public liability, employers liability, tools cover and contract works insurance.
Construction sites present significant risks, from scaffolding collapses to accidental damage to neighbouring properties. Having the right cover in place means a single incident will not threaten your business.
Cecil works with insurers who specialise in construction, so you get a policy priced for the work you actually carry out rather than a one-size-fits-all tradesperson product.
Public Liability
Covers third-party injury or property damage claims arising from your building work.
Employers Liability
Legally required if you employ anyone, covering workplace injury and illness claims.
Tools and Equipment
Covers the cost of replacing stolen or damaged tools and plant equipment.
Professional Indemnity
Protects against claims that your design work or advice caused a client financial loss.
Products Liability
Covers claims arising from products you supply or install as part of a building project.
Who needs builders insurance?
General builders
Undertaking a range of domestic and commercial construction work
House builders
Building new residential properties from the ground up
Extension specialists
Adding extensions, loft conversions and structural alterations
Renovation contractors
Carrying out refurbishment and restoration projects
Building subcontractors
Working under a main contractor on larger sites
Property developers
Building or converting properties for sale or rent
Licensing and accreditation for builders
Building contractors are not required to hold a formal licence, but work on residential properties is heavily regulated by Building Regulations, which cover structural safety, fire safety, and accessibility. Builders must either obtain Building Regulation approval before starting work or employ a registered person (such as NHBC, LABC, or similar scheme member) to sign off the work. Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can leave the property unmortgageable.
Most homebuyers, mortgage lenders, and local authorities require evidence that building work was either approved by Building Control or carried out by a registered person scheme member. Contracts often specify these requirements upfront, and insurance certificates are routinely requested by clients.
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement but is essential in practice. Clients, mortgage lenders, and local authorities expect builders to carry substantial cover. Many larger clients and developers will not engage a builder without proof of insurance.
Insurance protects you against third-party claims arising from building defects or accidents on site. When combined with Building Regulations compliance or scheme membership, it demonstrates to clients and lenders that you operate to professional standards.
How much does builders insurance cost?
£250 – £600 per year for sole traders; building contractors with employees or those undertaking large commercial projects may pay £800 – £1,800
Real claims: what builders insurance covers
A builder's structural work on a house extension caused cracks in the neighbouring property's foundation, affecting the structural integrity of the property.
Public liability covered the full cost of remedial foundation work to the neighbour's property, specialist structural engineer reports, and legal costs incurred in negotiating the settlement.
£31,500 total — £24,000 foundation remedial works, £5,000 specialist structural reports, £2,500 legal and negotiation fees
A builder's employee fell from scaffolding while working on a roof replacement, sustaining multiple fractures and requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Employers liability covered the employee's full compensation claim for pain and suffering, lost wages during recovery, medical treatment, and retraining costs.
£58,000 total — £48,000 compensation for injury and lost earnings, £7,000 medical and rehabilitation costs, £3,000 legal fees
A builder's defective brickwork on a property allowed water ingress, causing severe damp and structural damage that appeared two years after completion.
Professional indemnity covered the cost of remedial repairs (repointing and damp treatment), compensation to the homeowner for diminished property value, and the insured's legal defence costs.
£22,400 total — £15,000 remedial repairs, £5,400 diminished value compensation, £2,000 legal and expert fees
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Construction-specific cover
Building work carries higher risks than most trades. Find insurers who understand construction, so your policy covers everything from groundworks to final fix.
Cover for your full scope of work
Whether you are building extensions, converting lofts or managing new builds, we find policies that reflect the range of work builders actually do.
Competitive quotes, fast
Tell us about your building projects and we will find options from construction insurers. No need to call around brokers or fill in lengthy proposal forms.
Claims handling you can rely on
Construction claims can be large and complex. Cecil works with insurers who have dedicated construction claims teams and a track record of settling claims fairly.
Common questions about builders insurance
Do builders need public liability insurance in the UK?
Public liability insurance is not a strict legal requirement, but it is a practical necessity for builders. Most clients, main contractors and local authorities require you to hold a minimum level of cover before you can work on their sites.
What level of public liability do builders need?
Most builders carry between £1m and £10m of public liability cover. Commercial clients and main contractors often require at least £5m. Cecil helps you choose the right level based on the contracts you typically work on.
Does builders insurance cover subcontractors?
It depends on the policy. Some policies extend cover to labour-only subcontractors, while others require subcontractors to hold their own insurance. It is important to check this before work begins.
Do I need contract works insurance as a builder?
Contract works insurance covers the value of the work you are carrying out and the materials on site against damage from fire, theft, flooding and other perils. If you are responsible for the works under your contract, this cover is essential.
Do I need Building Regulations approval for every job I do?
Most structural and material changes require Building Regulations approval. Minor repairs and certain maintenance work may be exempt. If you are unsure, assume it requires approval — failing to get it can make the property unmortgageable and leave you liable for enforcement action by your local authority.
What happens if Building Control later finds a defect in my work?
If Building Control issues a notice of non-compliance, you must either rectify the work or appeal the decision. Professional indemnity insurance can cover your costs in addressing defects and any claims from the property owner. Always inform your insurer of any notices or disputes immediately.
Am I covered if I employ subcontractors for specialist work?
Yes, your policy typically covers direct employees and labour-only subcontractors working under your supervision. However, if you engage specialist subcontractors (electricians, roofers, etc.), confirm whether they need their own insurance or whether you are extending cover to them.
Does public liability cover damage during demolition or excavation?
Yes, but demolition and excavation carry higher risks. Confirm your policy specifically covers these activities, as some standard cover may exclude or limit them. You may need a specific endorsement or separate cover if you carry out substantial ground works.
What if a property defect is discovered years after I completed the work?
Professional indemnity insurance covers claims notified during the policy period, even if the work was completed years earlier. However, cover periods vary — discuss how long you need retrospective cover to extend, especially if you work on long-term renovation contracts.
Interested in Builders insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.