Tilers Insurance
Protect your tiling business from accidental damage claims, tool theft and client disputes with cover built for tiling professionals.
Get in touchWhat is tilers insurance?
Tilers insurance is a trade insurance package that protects wall and floor tiling professionals from risks including property damage, client injury and tool theft. It typically includes public liability, employers liability and tools cover.
Tiling work involves sharp tools, adhesives and grout in clients' kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Accidental damage to surfaces, fixtures or fittings can result in expensive claims.
Find insurers who understand the tiling trade, so your cover matches the specific work you do.
Public Liability
Covers claims for damage or injury caused by your tiling work.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ anyone, covering workplace injury and illness claims.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your tile cutters, mixers, laser levels and specialist tiling tools.
Products Liability
Covers claims arising from tiles or materials you have supplied to clients.
Who needs tilers insurance?
Bathroom tilers
Fitting wall and floor tiles in domestic bathrooms
Kitchen tilers
Installing splashbacks and floor tiles in kitchens
Commercial tilers
Working on shops, restaurants and public buildings
Natural stone installers
Fitting marble, granite, slate and limestone
Swimming pool tilers
Tiling domestic and commercial swimming pools
Licensing and accreditation for tilers
Tilers are not required by law to be insured, but most residential clients and virtually all commercial projects demand proof of public liability cover. Commercial contracts typically specify a minimum of £1m to £2m, and high-value installations may require £5m or more.
The British Institute of Ceramic and Decorative Tile Specialists (BICDTS) and the Tile Association promote professional standards and best practice, though they do not mandate insurance. Professional membership is widely sought to demonstrate competence and build client confidence.
If you supply high-value tiles or specialist materials such as natural stone or bespoke designs, clients may request evidence of products liability cover. This is particularly important for luxury residential or heritage projects.
Building Regulations require tiling work to meet water resistance and durability standards, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Public liability insurance does not replace your duty to meet these standards, but it protects you if your tiling fails and causes water damage or injury.
How much does tilers insurance cost?
£220 – £550 per year for most sole traders; teams with employees may pay £550 – £1,000 annually depending on work volume and use of specialized adhesives or cutting equipment
Real claims: what tilers insurance covers
A tiler's tile cutter malfunctions and a shard of porcelain embeds itself in a client's arm whilst the tiler is working in their bathroom.
The policy covered the client's A&E treatment, wound cleaning and specialist removal of the ceramic fragment. The claim was settled for £1,800 under public liability.
£1,800
A tiler accidentally cracks a newly-installed, high-value natural stone shower enclosure whilst grouting adjacent tiles, and the client demands a full replacement.
Products liability within the policy covered the cost of replacement stone and professional re-installation. The claim was settled at £5,200.
£5,200
A tiler's water spray hose leaks whilst mixing adhesive, causing water damage to the client's kitchen cupboards and flooring below the bathroom where work is being done.
The policy covered the cost of drying, repair and replacement of damaged cabinetry and flooring. Public liability settled the claim for £3,400.
£3,400
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Cover for tile damage claims
Cracking an existing surface or damaging a client's bathroom suite during tiling is a common claim. Cecil makes sure your public liability covers these accidents.
Tools and equipment protected
Tile cutters and specialist tools are expensive. Cecil ensures your cover reflects the real replacement cost and includes theft from your van.
Fair pricing for tiling work
Tiling is a skilled trade with moderate risk. Cecil finds insurers who price accordingly.
Simple, fast quotes
Get options from specialist insurers to find tiling insurance options in minutes. No complex forms or unnecessary questions.
Common questions about tilers insurance
Do tilers need public liability insurance?
Public liability is not legally required, but it is essential for tilers working in client properties. Accidental damage to fixtures can lead to claims running into thousands of pounds.
Does tilers insurance cover damage to a client's bathroom?
Yes, accidental damage to a client's property during tiling work is covered under public liability.
Do I need products liability insurance as a tiler?
If you supply tiles or materials to clients, products liability covers claims if those products are defective and cause damage.
What level of public liability do tilers need?
Most tilers carry between £1m and £2m of public liability cover. Commercial projects may require higher limits.
Is employers liability required for a tiling business?
Yes, if you employ anyone, employers liability is required by law with at least £5m of cover.
Do tilers need insurance if they only work for other contractors and don't directly employ anyone?
Yes. Even if you work as a subcontractor for building firms or other contractors, you need your own public liability insurance. Clients and main contractors will always ask for evidence of your cover before work begins.
Is damage to newly-installed tiling covered if it cracks or fails?
Cracking or failure of tiling you have recently installed is generally not covered under public liability, as it is a fault in your own workmanship. However, damage caused by accidental impact or external factors (such as an unrelated structural movement) may be covered.
What level of public liability do tilers typically need?
Most tilers carry between £1m and £2m of public liability cover. Commercial projects and high-value residential work often require £2m to £5m, particularly for luxury bathrooms and kitchens.
Does tiling insurance cover water damage if my work causes a leak?
Yes. If your tiling work is defective and water subsequently leaks into the client's property, the resulting water damage is typically covered under public liability as accidental damage caused by your work.
How much tools and equipment cover do tilers typically need?
Most tilers carry between £4,000 and £12,000 of tools cover. Wet saws, professional grout mixers, diamond cutting blades and specialized layout tools can total £10,000 or more for an established tiler.
Interested in Tilers insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.