Building Contractors Insurance
Specialist cover for the construction industry — protecting your contracts, your workforce, and your business from the unique risks of building work.
Key Covers
Building contractors face some of the highest workplace risks of any industry. The right insurance is not just sensible — much of it is a legal and contractual requirement.
Contract Works / All Risks
Covers damage to construction works in progress, including materials on-site and in transit, from risks such as fire, theft, storm, flood, and vandalism. JCT and contract compliant.
Plant & Tools
Protects your own tools, portable equipment, and small plant against theft, loss, and accidental damage — on-site, in transit, or in storage.
Employers' Liability
Legally required with a minimum of £5 million. Covers claims from employees who suffer injury or illness connected to their work on your sites.
Public Liability
Covers claims from third parties — including clients and members of the public — who are injured or suffer property damage because of your construction activities.
Professional Indemnity
Essential if you provide design services or project management. Covers claims of errors or negligence in your professional advice and specifications.
Hired-In Plant
Covers your liability for damage to or theft of plant and machinery hired from third parties, including continued hire charges during repair.
Contract Compliance
Construction contracts impose specific insurance obligations. We ensure your cover meets the requirements of JCT, NEC, and bespoke contract conditions.
JCT Compliant
JCT contracts specify insurance requirements for the works, existing structures, and third-party liability. We arrange cover that satisfies all JCT insurance clauses.
Principal Contractor Requirements
Many principal contractors require minimum levels of public liability, employers' liability, and professional indemnity before you can work on their sites.
Subcontractor Verification
Verify that all subcontractors carry appropriate insurance and hold relevant trade accreditations before they start work, protecting your project and your liability.
Frequently asked questions
Do my subcontractors need their own insurance?
Bona fide subcontractors should carry their own public liability, employers' liability, and — where applicable — professional indemnity insurance. Labour-only subcontractors working under your direction may be treated as employees and need to be covered under your employers' liability policy. Always verify cover before allowing anyone on site.
Should I choose project-specific or annual cover?
Annual policies suit contractors carrying out multiple projects throughout the year, with a single renewal date and consistent cover. Project-specific policies are more appropriate for one-off or high-value contracts where bespoke terms, limits, and durations are required by the contract conditions.
What is the difference between CAR and EAR insurance?
Contractors' All Risks (CAR) insurance covers building and civil engineering works, while Erection All Risks (EAR) covers the installation and erection of plant, machinery, and steel structures. Both protect the contract works during construction, but EAR also includes testing and commissioning phases.
Get the right cover
Speak to one of our expert brokers for a free, no-obligation quote.