Construction insurance
Whether you’re working on a full build, a renovation, or smaller repair projects, our construction insurance helps protect your business from site accidents, damage, theft and legal claims.
From public liability insurance for construction to tools and contract works cover, we make it simple to get the protection you need.
What is Construction Insurance?
Construction insurance is a collection of policies designed to protect contractors, subcontractors and construction businesses from common on-site risks.
It can include cover for:
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Third-party injury or property damage
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Employee injury claims
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Damage to works in progress
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Theft of tools and materials
Depending on your business, construction insurance can be arranged on an annual basis or tailored around specific project needs.
What cover can be included in construction insurance?
What's covered
✔ Public Liability Insurance: Protects against third-party injury or property damage on-site. A common choice for construction insurance policies
✔ Employers’ Liability Insurance: A legal requirement if you have employees. Covers claims if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their work.
✔ Contract Works Insurance: Covers damage to works in progress and materials on-site, such as fire, theft or vandalism.Often required by clients before work begins.
✔ Tools and Equipment Insurance: Protects tools, plant and equipment against theft, loss or damage while on-site or in transit.
✔ Legal Expenses Insurance: A separate policy that covers legal costs for business-related disputes, including contract or employment issues.
✔ Commercial Premises Insurance: Covers damage to your office, workshop or storage unit if you operate from business premises.
✔ Temporary Total Disablement Benefit: Provides weekly financial support if you’re injured and unable to work.
What's not covered
✘ Intentional Damage: Deliberate acts are not covered under public liability or contract works insurance.
✘ Wear and Tear: Gradual deterioration of tools, plant or materials isn’t covered.
✘ Professional Negligence: Claims arising from advice, design work or professional errors require professional indemnity insurance.
✘ Environmental Liability: Pollution or contamination incidents aren’t typically included under standard construction insurance policies.
✘ Uninsured Projects: Work that hasn’t been declared or falls outside your policy terms may not be covered.
Always check your policy wording so you understand what is and isn’t included.
What are the legal requirements for construction insurance in the UK?
If you operate in the construction industry, certain covers may be required depending on your setup.
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Employers’ liability insurance is legally required if you have employees, although there are some exceptions for family-run businesses and sole directors with no other employees.
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Public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but many clients, councils and contractors won’t allow you on-site without it.
You can read more in our guide to what insurance is compulsory in the UK.
Why choose TDI for your construction insurance?
✔ Tailored for construction businesses - We specialise in cover for contractors and tradespeople. That means no unnecessary extras, just protection that fits the way you work.
✔ Fast, flexible quotes - Get a quote in minutes. Flexible payment options available to help manage cash flow.
✔ Backed by leading insurers - We work with major UK insurers, including Zurich Insurance Co Ltd, so your cover is built to last.
✔ UK-based support team - Friendly, knowledgeable staff who understand construction and speak your language
Your construction insurance cover options
Essentials
A straightforward package for self-employed contractors or smaller construction businesses. The essentials policy does not include professional indemnity cover.
Ideal For:
Trades carrying out hands-on work who don’t provide advice or design services.
- Public Liability Insurance
- Legal defence costs included
- Optional addition of Employer's Liability Insurance
Classic
Description:
Includes £100,000 Professional Indemnity Insurance alongside core construction liability insurance.
Ideal For:
Contractors who provide design, advice or professional services as part of their work.
Key Features:
- £100,000 Professional Indemnity Cover
- £1,000 tools cover included as standard
- Public Liability Insurance
- Optional addition of Employers' Liability Insurance
- Legal defence costs included
Plus
Provides the same levels of Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, and tools cover as Classic, with the addition of Temporary Total Disablement Benefit.
Ideal For: Contractors who want added personal financial protection alongside core construction insurance cover.
- £100,000 Professional Indemnity cover
- £1,000 tools cover included as standard
- Public Liability Insurance
- Optional addition of Employers' Liability Insurance
- Legal defence costs included
- Temporary Disablement Relief
Optional Extras for Tradespeople
Standalone policies can be added depending on your needs:
Key Features:
- Increase tools cover above £1,000
- Legal Expenses Insurance (separate policy)
- Environmental or specialist risk cover where required
How much does construction insurance cost?
The cost of construction insurance depends on:
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The type of work you carry out
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Number of employees
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Level of cover selected
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Claims history
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Business turnover
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Project size and risk profile
A self-employed contractor working on small domestic projects may pay differently to a larger construction company managing multiple sites.
The best way to get accurate pricing is to request a tailored quote based on your business.
Construction insurance vs Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance
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Covers third-party injury or property damage
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Focuses on liability claims
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Often required for site access
Construction Insurance
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Broader protection package
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Can include public liability, employers liability, tools, contract works and professional indemnity cover.
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Designed for construction business risks
Public liability insurance for construction is often the starting point. Construction insurance provides more complete protection.
