What insurance do you need as a bricklayer?
If you’re a bricklayer, you will need to consider your insurance requirements, whether you run a small bricklaying and building business or you are a self-employed labourer.
Do you work with anyone else?
If you work with someone else this may mean you need employers’ liability insurance.
Employers’ liability insurance protects you and your business in the event a current or former employee suffers injury or illness as a result of working for you.
Having employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you employ anyone, including trainees. It may also apply if you work with sub-contractors.
If you are in any doubt, you should check with an experienced insurance company. You can be fined £2,500 for every day that you don’t have it.
Do you encounter clients or members of the public while on the job?
If you’re a bricklayer, there is every chance a member of the public will walk past your site, or a client will make a site visit. This means you might need to consider public liability insurance.
Public liability insurance is designed to protect you in the event you or your business cause damage to someone’s property or injure them.
A claim for damages, even for a small incident, can quickly amount to many thousands of pounds. Without insurance, you or your business will have to pay this. You will also have to deal with the stress and cost of any legal proceedings.
You may find that your contracts require you to have public liability insurance of a certain amount. Failure to have cover when requested means you either won’t win the work or will be in breach of contract.
Do you ever give professional advice?
If you ever give advice to clients as part of your work, you might need professional indemnity insurance. This could be relevant if you give advice or instructions about the treatment of bricks, the mortar used, the bonding pattern, or any other kind of technique or operation.
Professional indemnity insurance is designed to protect you in the event the advice you give is incorrect, leading to the client suffering a financial loss.
Have you insured your tools?
If your tools are lost or damaged, your business may be stopped in its tracks until you can replace them. Insuring tools will mean they will be replaced ASAP, so that you can carry on working.
Will insurance be expensive?
The cost will depend on several factors, including the type of work you do, the size of your business and how your business is legally set up.
Being insured provides peace of mind and the protection you will need in the event something goes wrong, and can make a critical difference to your financial survival or that of your business.
It also adds to your credibility and professional reputation if you can prove that you are properly insured.
Running your own bricklaying business offers lots of advantages. Of course, you still need to work hard, and will need to take responsibility for all the different aspects of the operation. In this post, we examine the essentials you’ll need to know before starting up.
How do I become a bricklayer?
If you are new to bricklaying, you’ll need to get some qualifications and experience. Lots of courses are available. You may also be able to complete an apprenticeship, which will allow you to work and learn.
If you are already working as a bricklayer but don’t have qualifications, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t set up your own business – after all, experience counts. Just bear in mind that clients will want to be certain you are skilled and know what you’re doing.
Do I need to join a bricklayers’ association?
You don’t have to join a professional organisation like a bricklayers’ guild, but it is a good idea. They often offer a few perks and important resources. The fact you are a member also reassures clients of your professional reputation.
Do I need to set up a limited company?
You have a choice as to how you set up your business. You can operate as a sole trader, a limited company or as a partnership. There are different legal rules for each, and different tax rules will apply.
It’s important to take professional advice about which is the best option for you, and to ensure you understand what your responsibilities are according to the option you decide upon.
How do I get clients?
The first thing you need to decide is what types of clients you want to work for. For example, do you want to work for homeowners, domestic house builders, or large commercial organisations?
Regardless of your market, some basic things to do include:
- contacting anyone you know in the sector
- setting up a website and social media presence
- joining professional organisations
- adding graphics to your van (if you have one) that display your contact details
- advertising in the local press
How do I quote and invoice clients?
There are lots of affordable software solutions available that will help with the accounting side of your business and allow you to quote, invoice and run various reports, all of which help ensure you stay on top of the finances.
Do I need insurance?
You should always have business insurance.
Many clients and professional bodies will insist you have public liability insurance. Sometimes also known as third-party insurance, it covers you and your business if something you do causes harm to a third party or damages their property.
If you plan to employ anyone, even a trainee or apprentice, you are legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. This protects you if an employee suffers injury or harm as a result of working for you.
Other types of insurance you should consider include:
- professional indemnity insurance: covers you if you give any advice to a client which turns out to be negligent and causes them a financial loss
- insurance for your tools
If you are a bricklayer, you will likely want to (and need to) know what bricklayer-specific insurance you need, and why you need it.
What specific insurance cover do I need?
Bricklayer insurance will normally cover several different things. Some of these are optional. However, if you employ anyone – even trainees, apprentices, and some sub-contractors – you must have employers’ liability insurance as part of your policy.
Employers’ liability protects you if a current or former employee suffers an injury or illness while working for you and decides to sue you.
It is a legal requirement to have employers’ liability insurance if you have employees. You can be fined for each day you are without it, should it be required.
What else is covered by bricklayer insurance?
Your insurance could include some other protections:
Public liability insurance
This is designed to protect your business if a member of the public or a client suffers injury or harm as a result of your work, or you cause damage to their property – e.g. if someone tripped over some bricks and injured themselves, or a brick fell and damaged a car.
Professional indemnity insurance
This covers you if you give professional advice as part of your work, and that advice results in damage or financial loss to a client.
Tools insurance
Your insurance could also include cover for your tools, in the event they are lost or stolen. Check the policy details to understand whether your tools are covered overnight in a van.
Why do I need all this insurance?
You will need employers’ liability insurance if you employ anyone, as it is the law.
While you are not legally obliged to have public liability insurance, it is an important consideration. Accidents are surprisingly common, and even a small incident can result in payouts for damages and legal fees totalling thousands or tens of thousands of pounds.
If you do not have insurance, this is money your business will have to pay. You will also have to take time off work to deal with any claim.
If you can’t pay, your business and assets may be at risk.
In addition: if you cannot afford to replace your tools, you may be unable to work. It’s always sensible to be ready to deal with the possibility of loss or theft.
Is there anything else I need to think about?
Some larger clients and public organisations (e.g. local councils or central government departments) may insist you have insurance as a term of the contract. You may not be able to work with them if you don’t have it.
You may also find many trade associations require you to have insurance to join. If you’re not a member, it can undermine your credibility as a respected tradesperson.
If you are a bricklayer, you need to make sure you are properly set up for business. One of the key parts of your preparations will be whether you need insurance.
Do bricklayers need insurance?
The only situation in which you may not need insurance is when you are an employee.
What amounts to an ‘employee’ can be a grey area. Be aware: if you are a sub-contractor you may want to consider which insurance you need.
If you have any doubts over your employment status, you should discuss this with your insurance company or accountant.
Is it a legal requirement for bricklayers to have insurance?
If you employ anyone, even on a part-time basis or as a trainee, you are legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. This may also apply if you use certain sub-contractors.
Again, check with your insurance company if you are unsure.
If I don’t employ anyone, do I still need insurance?
Even if you don’t employ anyone, you may still want to consider:
- public liability insurance
- insurance for your tools
Depending on the nature of your work, you may also need:
- professional indemnity insurance.
What is public liability insurance and why do I need it?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect you and your business if something you do causes injury to someone or damages their property.
Two typical examples are:
- a member of the public or client tripping and falling over bricks left in a publicly accessible location
- a tool falling from a height onto a vehicle parked near a building site.
The sorts of claims that result from these incidents are common. However, the costs for the tradesperson responsible can add up to many thousands of pounds.
It’s not a legal requirement to have public liability insurance, but larger clients and public sector organisations (e.g. local councils) may insist you have it when you work for them. Your trade association may also insist that you are insured.
Do I really need insurance for my tools?
If your tools are stolen or damaged you may not be able to work, which in turn may make it difficult to find the money to replace your tools or complete a contract.
By having insurance for your tools, you can be confident that if something happens to them, you’ll be able to replace them quickly and get back to work.
What is professional indemnity insurance and why do I need it?
Professional indemnity insurance is designed to protect you if you give advice as part of your work which turns out to be faulty and causes a financial loss for the client.
If the client chooses to sue you to recoup the loss, your insurance will be able to cover the costs.
If you are a bricklayer, you need to make sure you are properly set up for business. One of the key parts of your preparations will be whether you need insurance.
Do bricklayers need insurance?
The only situation in which you may not need insurance is when you are an employee.
What amounts to an ‘employee’ can be a grey area. Be aware: if you are a sub-contractor you may want to consider which insurance you need.
If you have any doubts over your employment status, you should discuss this with your insurance company or accountant.
Is it a legal requirement for bricklayers to have insurance?
If you employ anyone, even on a part-time basis or as a trainee, you are legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. This may also apply if you use certain sub-contractors.
Again, check with your insurance company if you are unsure.
If I don’t employ anyone, do I still need insurance?
Even if you don’t employ anyone, you may still want to consider:
- public liability insurance
- insurance for your tools
Depending on the nature of your work, you may also need:
- professional indemnity insurance.
What is public liability insurance and why do I need it?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect you and your business if something you do causes injury to someone or damages their property.
Two typical examples are:
- a member of the public or client tripping and falling over bricks left in a publicly accessible location
- a tool falling from a height onto a vehicle parked near a building site.
The sorts of claims that result from these incidents are common. However, the costs for the tradesperson responsible can add up to many thousands of pounds.
It’s not a legal requirement to have public liability insurance, but larger clients and public sector organisations (e.g. local councils) may insist you have it when you work for them. Your trade association may also insist that you are insured.
Do I really need insurance for my tools?
If your tools are stolen or damaged you may not be able to work, which in turn may make it difficult to find the money to replace your tools or complete a contract.
By having insurance for your tools, you can be confident that if something happens to them, you’ll be able to replace them quickly and get back to work.
What is professional indemnity insurance and why do I need it?
Professional indemnity insurance is designed to protect you if you give advice as part of your work which turns out to be faulty and causes a financial loss for the client.
If the client chooses to sue you to recoup the loss, your insurance will be able to cover the costs.
If you are working as a bricklayer, it’s important to get know you’ve got the right insurance. Of course, there are different types of insurance for different circumstances, so it helps to understand the differences.
Is it a legal requirement to have bricklayers’ insurance?
If you employ anyone, you are legally required to have employers insurance. This is the case even if you only employ them part time, they are a trainee, or volunteering for free. It can also apply to some sub-contractors that work for you.
You can be fined £2,500 per day if you don’t have insurance when required. If you are in any doubt, check with your insurance company.
Are there other situations for which I should get bricklayers’ insurance?
If you work in any location where you could come into contact with the public or clients, you should consider public liability insurance. This is designed to protect your business if something you do causes damage to someone’s property or causes bodily injury or harm.
These sorts of insurance claims are common. For example, a client could trip over tools left on-site or a tool could be dropped off scaffolding onto a parked car below.
Claims like these can quickly add up to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.
You may also find that, for larger contracts, clients may insist you have public liability insurance as part of your contract. You may also be unable to join some trade associations without it.
In addition, having public liability insurance demonstrates to clients that you are a reputable business. It can also provide you with peace of mind across all projects you work on.
Should I insure my tools and equipment?
You should always consider whether to insure your tools against loss, theft or damage. Having insurance means you can replace them quickly and get back to work.
Do I need professional indemnity insurance?
You may need this if you provide professional advice as part of your work. This could be information about things like design or specifications.
If your advice causes financial loss to the client, your professional indemnity insurance will cover the costs should they decide to sue you.
If you’re not sure whether this applies to you, talk to your insurance company.
Is insurance on a project-by-project basis?
When you get insurance, it will normally be for a year. You should arrange cover straightaway if you are working and don’t have cover.
Occasionally, there may be exceptional circumstances when you need a particular type of insurance for a project. You should always discuss this with your insurance company.
If you’re a bricklayer you may need insurance, even if you work on a self-employed basis.
Why do I need insurance if I’m self-employed?
Insurance is designed to protect you in the event something goes wrong, such as an accident or a mistake. It doesn’t matter whether you are self-employed or operate as a limited company, you will still need insurance to protect you in these circumstances.
If a court orders you to pay damages, and you don’t have insurance, you will have to pay this yourself. The cost could put your business and your assets at risk.
What insurance do I need?
There are several types of insurance you may need. These include:
- public liability insurance
- professional indemnity insurance
- employers’ liability insurance
- insurance for your tools
What is public liability insurance and why do I need it?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect your business in the event you cause damage to someone’s property, or cause someone injury or harm. For example, a brick could fall from scaffolding and damage a car, or a passer-by or client might trip over your tools.
Incidents like these are surprisingly common, and the damages claimed as a result can add up to a large amount of money. Without insurance you will be responsible for legal fees and dealing with legal proceedings, which can be stressful, costly, and time consuming.
You may also find that some of your clients require you to have public liability insurance as a term of your contract.
What is professional indemnity insurance and why do I need it?
Professional indemnity insurance protects in the event you give professional advice which turns out to be wrong or negligent and causes damage. For example, you may give advice about the types of bricks to use, the pattern to use, or the treatment of bricks.
Do I need employers’ liability insurance?
Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for anyone who employs someone. This type of insurance will protect you if a current or former employee suffers harm as a result of working for you and decides to sue.
If you’re self-employed you may think this doesn’t apply to you. However, it can if you work with trainees or sub-contractors.
It’s important to discuss with your insurance company whether it applies to you or not.
Do I need to insure my tools?
Your tools are your livelihood. Without them it will be very difficult to work.
If your tools are lost, damaged or stolen, you won’t be able to work until you’ve bought replacements. Having insurance to cover your tools means you’ll be back to work ASAP.
As a bricklayer, you may have heard different terms being used when discussing insurance for your type of work. You may also be wondering what bricklayers’ insurance typically covers.
What is ‘bricklayers’ insurance’?
It’s a general term that can ‘mean’ different things. It varies from one insurance provider to another and can depend on the exact type of insurance you need to buy.
Broadly, your insurance could include:
- public liability insurance
- professional indemnity insurance
- insurance for your tools
You may also need employers’ liability insurance, depending on your circumstances.
What is public liability insurance? Do I need it?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect you and your business if you come into contact with the public or your clients while on the job. It covers you if something your business does causes damage to someone’s property or causes them harm or injury.
An example would be a member of the public walking past your site and tripping over your tools or being hit by falling debris.
You may also find that some clients and professional trade bodies need you to be insured as part of their terms.
What is professional indemnity insurance? Do I need it?
Professional indemnity insurance protects you if, during the course of your work, you give professional advice which turns out to be incorrect and causes financial damage. This might apply if you give advice, for example, about the design of the brickwork on a project.
What about tools insurance? Do I really need that?
If your tools are lost, stolen, or damaged you may not be able to work or afford to buy new ones. Insuring them can be the best and easiest way to make sure you are not left out of pocket or unable to work if this happens.
Do I need employer’s liability insurance if I don’t employ anyone?
Employers’ liability insurance protects you if a current or former employee suffers injury or harm as a result of working for you.
If you employ anyone it is a legal requirement to have this kind of insurance.
It is important to know that this does not just apply to regular full-time employees. It will also apply if you have a trainee or volunteer, and may be needed for some sub-contractors.
You can be fined daily if you don’t have employers’ liability insurance when you should, so it’s important to discuss this with your insurance provider.
I am self-employed. Do I still need insurance?
You may need insurance even if you are self-employed, although the cost of your premium may be lower than if you run a small, limited company or partnership.
If you are a bricklayer looking at taking out insurance or renewing your cover, you will want to know what your bricklayer insurance is going to cost.
What is included in bricklayers’ insurance?
You will nearly always need to consider different types of cover, including:
- public liability insurance
- professional indemnity insurance
- employers’ liability insurance
- insurance for tools
Check any quote for insurance to see what it includes, so you know you are comparing like with like.
How much cover do I need?
This will depend on you, the type of work you do and the clients you work for. It will also affect how much you pay for your insurance.
You will normally need to consider:
- public liability insurance cover of between £1 million and £10 million.
- at least £5 million of employers’ liability insurance cover.
- cover starting at around £100,000 for professional indemnity insurance.
- cover for your tools, which typically starts at between £1,000 and £15,000.
Does it matter how my business is set up?
Insurance costs are often partially calculated according to the number of employees you have. If you are a sole trader and one-man band, then the cost of your insurance will be less than if you are a limited company or partnership with a handful of employees.
What else is considered when calculating my insurance premium?
Some other considerations for an insurer include:
- the nature and location of your business
- the type of clients you work for
- the type of work you do.
Some locations are seen as higher risk, as are some types of projects. For example, a single domestic project in a leafy suburb may be seen as lower risk than a highly complex, modern development.
Any previous claims you may have on record will also be taken into account.
So how much will my bricklayers’ insurance cost?
Your insurance will be calculated while considering the unique circumstances of your business. It is not possible to give an accurate quote without knowing more about you. However, insurance premiums can be less than you may expect.
For sole traders with no employees, prices may be as low as £65 a year. For small, limited companies with three employees, premiums can start at about £380 a year.
Remember: always check what is included in any quote you are offered.