Plumbers Public Liability Insurance

Why do you need plumbers public liability insurance?

Plumbers are there when people need them most, to protect their homes and businesses from damage, but is your business protected should the worst happen? Whether you’re a sole trader or a large company, plumbers public liability insurance protects your business should your work cause damage or injury.

Why use plumbers public liability insurance?

Plumbers liability insurance is a form of business liability insurance. Public liability insurance protects you, your business or your contractors in the event of an accident caused by your work, whether on your site or elsewhere. Plumbers often work in people's homes, amongst their most prized and expensive possessions. If a pipe you’re working on bursts and damages furniture, a claim could become very expensive.

As with any tradesman, appropriate plumbers public liability insurance can help your customers be confident working with your company. Specific trade associations may also require it.

Who does plumbers public liability insurance cover?

Plumbers public liability insurance can usually cover:

• Sole traders, limited companies and limited liability partnerships
• Gas engineer public liability insurance
• 'Gas Safe' gasfitters
• General liability insurance for heating engineers
• Ventilation services
• Domestic and commercial plumbers and heating engineers
• General plumbers

If you're a plumbing contractor

If you’re a subcontractor working under the supervision of a contractor, then you should be covered by their plumber's public liability insurance. If you are working unsupervised, you should have your own plumber's liability insurance. If not, you could be held accountable for any damage. Most contractors will require proof of insurance before letting you work.

How can QuoteRack help?

QuoteRack works closely with insurance brokers who can offer you access to specialised schemes offered by niche insurance companies offering plumber's public liability insurance.

Plumbers Public Liability Insurance - Frequently asked questions

Do plumbers need insurance?

Other than holding appropriate employers' liability insurance if you employ any staff, you’re not legally required to hold plumbers liability insurance; however, in the event of an accident, such as damage to property or belongings or injury as a result of your work, your business could be liable for a significant compensation payout. This is especially important for plumbers dealing with water and gas pipes that can cause extensive damage.

How much does plumbers insurance cost?

As with any business or tradesman insurance, your quote will depend entirely on your individual business case. Many factors can influence the plumbers insurance quote you receive, such as:

• Your annual business turnover
• The level of cover - public and/or employers liability - you require
• Your age, location, relevant experience and industry qualifications
• Trade association membership
• Previous claims experience

Can I insure my tools?

If you’re a plumber, you’re likely working with expensive tools and replacing them could be met with a hefty price tag. Tools insurance can help in the event of theft, fire, vandalism and flood. If you’re looking to get insurance for your tools, please visit our tools only insurance page.

What other types of insurance should I have?

Running a plumbing business, there are plenty of other insurance types that may be beneficial to your business, such as:

• Employee liability insurance: If you employ other staff within your business, you are legally required to hold suitable employee liability insurance to keep your staff protected in the case of injury.
• Tools insurance: In the event your expensive tools are damaged in a fire or flood or even stolen or vandalised.
• Commercial property insurance: If you have a building or office for your business, it would be wise to seek commercial property insurance to protect your business premises in the event of fire, flood or theft.
• Company director life insurance: This allows you to take out life insurance through your company if you’re a company director.

Enquire through QuoteRack for Plumbers Public Liability Insurance

If you are looking for plumbers insurance, QuoteRack's specialist insurance brokers will help you - just hit the 'Get a Quote' link to complete your details online.

Association of Plumbers and Heating Contractors

The APHC is the leading trade association for plumbers and heating contractors