Contract Works Insurance
Specialist insurance for contract workers from £20 a month*.
Fast, easy online quote in 90 seconds
Interest free direct debit
No hidden fees or cancellation charges
When you’re working on a construction project, a lot can go wrong. From storms and fires to vandalism and theft, the unexpected can throw you off course and leave you facing significant costs. Without the right insurance, events like these could devastate your finances.
At Markel Direct we believe we offer excellent value for contract works insurance, because we understand that every business is unique and tailor your policy to suit your precise needs. Whether you’re a builder, electrician, plumber or any other type of tradesperson, we’ll have a policy that’s just right for you.
In this guide you’ll see who should considering obtaining the appropriate level of cover, how much it costs and why it’s important for tradespeople who typically works on a construction site.
What is contract works insurance?
Designed for builders and other tradespeople, insurance for contract works pays out if a construction project is affected by an insured event such as a flood, fire, theft or act of malicious damage. Whatever stage of the build you’re at - whether you’re laying the foundations for an extension or making the finishing touches to a new block of flats - any work you have already completed will be covered.
The tools, materials, and labour needed to get your project back to where it was before the damage occurred can be included in a comprehensive policy, such as Markel Direct’s contract works insurance. As a result, you can repair or redo the work without being out of pocket.
Do I need contract works insurance?
No matter how careful you are to minimise risks, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong on a building site. And in many cases, these problems are beyond your control. For example, you might have nearly finished a house extension when strong winds rip the roof off the structure.
If the contract you have signed with your client holds you responsible for unfinished work, you could face major costs in a scenario like this. As well as replacing any materials and tools damaged by the storm, you’ll have to foot the bill for the labour needed to get the project back on track.
These costs could run into an eye watering amount and the more work you have already put into a project, the greater the costs can be. If you would struggle to bear this expense yourself, ensuring that you have the appropriate level of contract works insurance is a worthwhile consideration.
But it’s not just builders who need contract works insurance, many different businesses and tradespeople should consider taking out a policy. From electricians to plasterers to carpenters, anyone who works in the construction industry and is liable for projects while they are in progress can benefit from contract works insurance cover.
Why choose Markel Direct for contract works insurance?
There are many reasons to choose us as your contract works insurance provider. Here are just some:
✔ Transparent pricing
We feel that our policies offer superb value for money. As well as this, our policies are fully transparent when it comes to pricing. This means you won’t be hit with any hidden fees.
✔ Quick quotes
There’s no need to hang around when you want a quote. Simply fill in our online form and we’ll provide you with a quote for contract works insurance in as little as 90 seconds.
✔ Legal advice whenever you need it
Day or night, you can access specialist information and guidance from our legal advice helpline. It’s available 24/7 and is run by experienced solicitors.
✔ Customer feedback that speaks for itself
Our customer feedback says it all. Check out our impressive ratings on Feefo.com.
✔ Decades of experience
With more than 25 years of experience in offering small business insurance, we know exactly what you’re looking for.
How much does contract works insurance cost?
At Markel Direct, we offer contract works insurance from £20 a month for £100,000 of contract works insurance cover*. When it comes to insurance, the cost varies from business to business depending on;
- The size of your business - your turnover and whether you have any employees
- The level of cover you choose
- The types of projects you work on and the equipment you use.
To get a clearer idea of how much you’ll pay, simply get a quote online. *Price based on a builder requiring £100,000 of contract works insurance.
What is the difference between contract works insurance vs. professional indemnity?
Contract works insurance covers damage to in-progress construction projects, whereas professional indemnity insurance protects against claims of negligence in professional services you have provided. If, as a tradesperson, you offer any advice, designs, or other services for a fee, it’s important to have this type of insurance cover.
For example, you’re a carpenter and you provided designs for a bespoke kitchen installation. The client claims you made a mistake on the designs which has caused a costly delay to their renovation project. Professional indemnity insurance would cover the cost of defending the claim and any compensation awarded against you.
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Policy Documents
Policy Documents
Cover starting from £20 a month
What other types of insurance can protect my business?
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Hired in plant insurance
Hired in plant insurance cover the costs of repairing or replacing plant machinery that you've hired from a third party. This can include machinery such as concrete mixers if they are damaged or stolen. Cover limits are available from £10,000 to £50,000.
Example of a claim:
You hire-in a cherry picker for a construction job and its vandalised overnight, after the site was broken into. The hire company holds you liable for repairs.
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Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance for builders and other tradespeople is there to protect you if a member of the public is injured or suffers property damage because of the actions of your business. It covers the legal costs of defending a claim, as well as any damages you might be required to pay. We offer cover limits ranging from £1 million to £5 million. Example of a claim: Some building materials fall from the scaffolding on your construction site and injure a passer-by. They take legal action against you to secure compensation for their suffering.
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Employers’ liability insurance
If you have employees, you’re required by law to have at least £5 million of employers’ liability insurance in place. It covers you if an employee sues you because of an injury or illness caused by their work. This applies even if the workers are part-time or temporary. At Markel Direct, we provide up to £10 million in cover.
Example of a claim:
One of your employees trips on a loose cable on a building site and breaks their leg. They seek compensation from you for their suffering and lost earnings.
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Tools insurance
Your tools are your livelihood. We offer tool insurance that pays out if your equipment is damaged, lost or stolen. Choose from cover limits of between £1,000 and £5,000.
Example of a claim:
Your van is broken into while parked next to the construction project you’re working on, and your tools are stolen. You face the cost of replacing the tools and the cost of any delays caused by the break in.
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Legal expenses insurance
Legal expenses insurance can help to cover the cost of defending or pursuing legal actions against other parties such as suppliers, clients or employees. This could be for contract disputes, tax enquiries (including IR35), attending jury service, debt recovery, personal injury, as well as any award you are required to pay following an employment dispute with an employee. There is a limit of £100,000.
Example of a claim:
A supplier has failed to deliver building materials you’ve paid for and is ignoring your requests for a refund. You face the costs associated with recovering the debt owed to you.
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Occupational personal accident insurance
If you can’t do your job because you are injured at work, or on your way to or from work, occupational personal accident insurance is there to protect your income. It can provide either weekly payments or a lump sum, depending on the nature of your injury.
Example of a claim:
You fall from a height on a building project and badly hurt your back. You are unable to work for many months and will have no income.
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Owned plant insurance
Owned plant insurance covers the costs of repairing or replacing your own plant machinery, such as cement mixers, trailers and generators, if they are stolen or damaged. Cover limits are available from £10,000 to £50,000.
Example of a claim:
A concrete mixer you own is damaged on-site and needs to be repaired. Not only do you have to pay for the repair, but you also have to hire-in a replacement so as not to cause expensive delays on the project.
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Hired in plant insurance
Hired in plant insurance cover the costs of repairing or replacing plant machinery that you've hired from a third party. This can include machinery such as concrete mixers if they are damaged or stolen. Cover limits are available from £10,000 to £50,000.
Example of a claim:
You hire-in a cherry picker for a construction job and its vandalised overnight, after the site was broken into. The hire company holds you liable for repairs.
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Goods in transit insurance
Goods in transit insurance covers goods against loss or damage while in transit. This can be either goods transported in your own vehicle, or on your behalf by a third-party carrier.
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Frequently asked questions
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What isn’t covered by contract works insurance?
Contract works insurance does not cover existing structures on a construction site. For example, if you’re building an extension to a home and there’s a fire at the property, insurance for contract works would pay to repair the extension work in progress, but it would not cover damage to the rest of the home.
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Is contract works insurance the same as contractors all risk?
The terms ‘contract works insurance’ and ‘contractors all risk insurance’ are often used interchangeably though they actually mean different things. Contract works insurance specifically covers the risks associated with an in-progress construction project, while contractors all risk insurance is a broader cover which may or may not include contract works insurance.
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What level of cover do I need?
Your contract works insurance should be sufficient to cover the highest value projects you work on. Think about the costs you may face working on your biggest projects if things go wrong, potentially very close to the completion of the work. Take all expenses into account, including materials and labour.
If you’re not sure how much cover you need, don’t hesitate to contact our specialists for advice. -
How is Markel Direct regulated?
Markel Direct is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. If you’d like to find out more, you can visit the Financial Services Register.
Access free legal services for your contract works when you purchase insurance including:
- 24hr legal helpline.
- 800+ DIY legal resources including contracts, policies, forms, and letter templates from Markel’s solicitors.
- Free legal updates, templates, guidance documents, checklists, and useful links.
- 460+ straight-forward guides.
- 350+ links to key resources.
- Up-to-date information on new legislation and case-law.
- Live Chat available Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00.