Get 10% off and free commerical legal protection. T&Cs apply*.
Insurance for trades
Covers for tradespeople
While every business is different, some types of insurance make sense for a lot of trades. Here are some covers that you may want to consider.
Public liability
Designed to cover claims made against you by members of the public for accidental injury and property damage. Some clients require this cover, and you may need it to join certain trade organisations.
Employers' liability
Whether it's one apprentice or a team of people, if you have hires helping you out, this is likely to be a legal requirement. It covers the legal and compensation costs associated with claims made by employees.
Tools and equipment
Provides repairs or replacements if your equipment gets lost, stolen or damaged. We can cover portable tools and machinery that you own, as well as hired-in plant and things stored in vehicles overnight.
Contract works
Things don’t always go to plan. This can provide protection against things beyond your control – like fire, theft, water damage and wind damage – and accidental mishaps that occur on a job.
Accident and sickness
Designed to pay a benefit if someone in your business is on long-term sick leave, hospitalised or suffers an injury leaving them unable to work.
Once you've completed a quote, you'll be able to view a summary of cover. Please always refer to your policy documents for full details around exclusions, terms and limits of your customised cover. Read our guide to understanding your policy documents.
Free commercial legal protection*
Legal affairs and taxes can be a headache at the best of times. And if you were to face a legal dispute, tribunal or tax enquiry, you might need support from a professional.
When you get insurance with Superscript, we'll add on free legal protection cover which includes access to a 24/7 legal and tax advice helpline – so you can manage your legal affairs as efficiently as a company with an in-house team.
To claim this offer, hit the Start your quote button. Fill in your details and pick all the covers you need. The offer will be automatically applied at checkout.
*Offer terms and conditions
The discount offers of 10% off and free commercial legal protection (‘the Offers’) are only available to Virgin Money customers who are new, online, non-advised Superscript customers.
The Offers will be applied to your Superscript policy for a 12 month period from the date of policy start date. After the discounted 12 month period, premiums will then be calculated at the applicable rate. You will be informed of any price changes in good time, prior to the anniversary of your policy.
The commercial legal protection is provided by DAS with a limit of indemnity of up to £100,000 per claim. This will provide cover for issues including, but not limited to, Employment Disputes, Compensation Awards, Personal Injury and Statutory Licence appeals. For full details customers should refer to their policy documents.
The Offers will not apply to cancellation fees. In the event that you cancel your Superscript policy within the first 6 months of cover, we reserve the right to deduct, withhold or charge the total value of the Offers from any payments due to or from you.
To be eligible, you must have been directed from Virgin Money by clicking on the appropriate link and cannot be retrospectively applied.
The Offers are not assignable.The Offers will be automatically applied to your account by Superscript at the beginning of your policy. The Offers can only be used once during any 12 month period. There is no cash alternative.
The Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other Superscript offer, voucher or promotional benefit. The Offers are subject to eligibility requirements. We reserve the right to withdraw the Offers at any time. Terms and conditions are subject to change and you may not be informed.
FAQs
Do I need business insurance?
If you have any staff, you're likely to have a legal obligation to get employers' liability insurance – whether those staff are part-time, full-time, permanent, temporary or apprentices.
You're not legally required to get any other types of business insurance, but it can provide valuable protection.
How much does trades insurance cost?
It varies, and the price depends on the work you carry out and the level of risk you face.
What excess will I pay?
It depends on the nature of the claim. For example, the excess on a public liability or tools claim would be £250, while the excess on a hired-in plant claim would be £500.
Which trades do you cover?
From gas fitters to window cleaners, paving contractors to heating engineers, we cover a wide range of trades.
To check if we can cover you, simply click 'Start your quote'. If you can’t see your trade, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer success team - we may still be able to offer you cover!
Do I have to keep my tools securely locked away?
Yes. To be covered against theft, all tools covered by the policy must be secured in a:
- locked building
- cabinet
- drawer
- room
- trailer or vehicle
Alternatively, they can be attached to a desk or fixed object by a suitable locking device and access must be gained by forcible and violent means.
When not locked away, the item must be being carried by you or your partners, principals, directors or employees, or within their line of sight.
Are my tools covered if left in a van overnight?
Our standard cover specifically excludes theft of tools and equipment from any vehicle left unattended between the hours of 9pm and 6am.
But you can choose to cover your tools for overnight van storage, providing the van is securely locked, at an additional cost.
Will I be covered to work abroad?
Our cover gives you the freedom to work temporarily (up to 180 days per year) anywhere within the European Union, knowing you’re covered as per usual.
Please note that you're not covered while offshore, or traveling to or from anywhere offshore.
How do I get my insurance documents?
Once you take out a policy with Superscript, you'll get instant access to your insurance documents. Simply log in to your online account to view all the details of your cover.
Authorised by the FCA
The FCA supervises UK financial services firms to protect consumers. We are directly authorised and regulated by the FCA and our Firm Reference Number is 656459. These details can be confirmed on the Financial Services Register at www.fca.org.uk or by calling the FCA on 0845 606 1234.
A-rated financial strength
Our insurance products are underwritten by Standard & Poor’s A-rated financial strength or higher. This means the underwriter has been independently assessed by the world’s leading credit rating provider and found to have a strong capacity to meet financial commitments (pay claims).
Protected by the FSCS
If you are a business with an annual turnover under £1m, charity with an annual income under £1m, or trust with net assets under £1m, then you will be entitled to compensation from the FSCS in the unlikely event we cannot meet our obligations. Full details and further information on the scheme are available at www.fscs.org.uk.