Kitchen Fitters Insurance
Protect your kitchen fitting business from installation damage claims, tool theft and client disputes with cover designed for kitchen professionals.
Get in touchWhat is kitchen fitters insurance?
Kitchen fitters insurance is a trade-specific policy that covers professionals who install fitted kitchens, worktops, appliances and associated plumbing and electrical work. It typically includes public liability, employers liability, tools cover and products liability.
Kitchen installation involves working in the most expensive room in most homes, with risks including damage to worktops, appliances and plumbing. A single mistake can result in a costly claim.
Find cover options from specialist insurers who cover kitchen installation specialists, so your premium reflects the specific risks of fitting kitchens.
Public Liability
Covers claims for property damage or injury caused during kitchen installations.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ staff, covering workplace injury and illness claims.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your power tools, jigs, routers and specialist fitting equipment.
Products Liability
Covers claims arising from kitchen units or worktops you have supplied.
Who needs kitchen fitters insurance?
Independent kitchen fitters
Installing kitchens from various suppliers in domestic properties
Kitchen design and install companies
Designing, supplying and fitting complete kitchens
Worktop specialists
Templating and fitting granite, quartz and solid surface worktops
Commercial kitchen fitters
Installing kitchens in restaurants, hotels and care homes
Kitchen refurbishment specialists
Replacing doors, worktops and upgrading existing kitchens
Licensing and accreditation for kitchen fitters
Kitchen fitters are not required by law to hold insurance, but most residential clients and all commercial contracts expect proof of public liability cover. Typical minimum cover is £1m to £2m for domestic kitchens and £2m to £5m for larger commercial installations.
The Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA) and the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installers (BIKBBI) promote professional standards and accreditation. Professional membership does not provide insurance but demonstrates competence and compliance with industry best practices.
Kitchen installation must comply with Building Regulations, particularly regarding electrical safety, water supply and drainage connections. If your work involves Gas Safe-related work such as cooker connections, you must hold Gas Safe Registration. Standard public liability covers accidental damage during installation but not defective workmanship or non-compliance with Building Regulations.
Kitchen fitters often work with plumbing, electrical and gas connections. If you carry out these works yourself, you must hold appropriate certifications (Gas Safe, NICEIC or equivalent). Insurance does not replace these legal requirements but protects you if an accident occurs despite proper installation.
How much does kitchen fitters insurance cost?
£220 – £550 per year for most sole traders; teams with employees may pay £550 – £1,100 annually depending on project volume, installation complexity and use of specialized tools
Real claims: what kitchen fitters insurance covers
A kitchen fitter's improper water connection causes a leak beneath the sink that damages kitchen units and water damage spreads to the floor below the kitchen.
The policy covered the cost of kitchen unit replacement, water damage restoration and professional remedial works. Public liability settled the claim at £4,800.
£4,800
A kitchen fitter accidentally damages electrical wiring while installing a unit, causing an arc that damages nearby appliances and creates a fire hazard requiring emergency electrician call-out.
The policy covered the cost of emergency electrical repairs and replacement appliances. Public liability settled the claim at £3,200.
£3,200
A kitchen fitter drops a heavy granite worktop during installation, and it strikes the client's foot, causing a fractured metatarsal requiring surgery and 6 weeks off work.
The policy covered the client's medical costs, surgery and compensation for pain and suffering. Public liability settled the claim at £5,100.
£5,100
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Cover for high-value installations
Kitchens are expensive and clients have high expectations. Cecil finds insurers who cover the full value of potential claims.
Products liability included
If you supply units, worktops or appliances, products liability covers claims if they are defective. Cecil makes sure this is part of your package.
Trade-specific quotes in minutes
Get options from specialist insurers to find kitchen fitters insurance from specialist trade insurers. No lengthy forms or irrelevant questions.
Claims support for installation disputes
Kitchen installation disputes can be contentious. Cecil partners with insurers who resolve claims efficiently.
Common questions about kitchen fitters insurance
Do kitchen fitters need public liability insurance?
Public liability is not legally required, but it is essential. You are working in clients' homes with expensive materials, so the potential for claims is significant.
Does kitchen fitters insurance cover damage to worktops?
Yes, accidental damage to worktops, units and appliances during installation is covered under public liability.
Do I need products liability as a kitchen fitter?
If you supply kitchen materials as part of your service, products liability covers claims if those products are defective.
What level of public liability do kitchen fitters need?
Most kitchen fitters carry between £1m and £2m. Commercial projects may require higher limits.
Does kitchen fitters insurance cover plumbing and electrical work?
Your policy needs to cover all trades you carry out. If you do plumbing or electrical work, make sure your insurer knows.
Do kitchen fitters need Gas Safe Registration?
Only if you are disconnecting, connecting or servicing gas cookers or hobs. If you are only installing kitchens and leaving gas work to a Gas Safe engineer, you do not need Gas Safe Registration, but you must ensure any gas work is carried out by a certified installer.
What level of public liability do kitchen fitters typically carry?
Most kitchen fitters carry between £1m and £2m of public liability cover. Larger commercial installations and high-value kitchens may require £2m to £5m.
Is professional indemnity insurance needed for kitchen fitters?
Professional indemnity is not mandatory but is recommended if you provide design advice or guarantee specific measurements or appearances. This covers costs if your design or calculations are incorrect.
Does kitchen fitting insurance cover damage if the installation fails or leaks?
Leaks or failures in plumbing connections you have made are generally covered if they are accidental during installation. However, leaks caused by poor workmanship or non-compliance with Building Regulations are not covered by public liability.
Do kitchen fitters need insurance if they only supply kitchens and do not install them?
If you only supply kitchens and do not install them, you do not need kitchen fitter's insurance. However, you should hold products liability cover for the kitchens and appliances you supply to customers.
Interested in Kitchen Fitters insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.