UK tradespeople usually need a policy that combines liability cover with tools and, for some trades, professional indemnity. This comparison sets six UK tradesman insurance providers side by side across the dimensions that matter, using the FCA Register, GOV.UK, and the providers' documentation. It is data-driven rather than rated. Kael Tripton does not provide quotes, does not route enquiries to brokers, and does not earn commission from any provider mentioned.
Key Facts
- Employers' liability is compulsory once a tradesperson employs staff, with a legal minimum of £5 million (GOV.UK; Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969).
- Public liability is not generally compulsory but is widely required by clients and was the most commonly held SME cover at 57 per cent (ABI SME underinsurance report, January 2026).
- Tool cover usually requires signs of forced entry and strict overnight vehicle security conditions to pay a theft claim.
- Professional indemnity is relevant for trades that design or advise, such as some building and installation work (ABI, accessed June 2026).
- All providers compared must be FCA-authorised, and disputes can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FCA; FOS, accessed June 2026).
Comparison methodology
This comparison includes six providers active in UK tradesman insurance, chosen to span specialist schemes, an intermediary, and large insurers, so readers can see the range of the market. The dimensions compared are the ones that decide a tradesperson's cover: public and employers' liability, tools and tools in transit, professional indemnity, distribution, and FCA authorisation.
Providers are presented alphabetically with no ranking implied. Cover details reflect each provider's published documentation, and FCA reference numbers are shown where independently confirmed on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk, accessed June 2026; where a scheme trades under an arranging entity, it is marked for verification. Values are factual or marked as not disclosed rather than estimated.
Tradesman insurance comparison table
| Dimension | Aviva | Direct Line for Business | Rhino Trade | Simply Business | Tradesman Saver | Zurich |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public liability | £1m to £10m | Up to £10m | £1m to £5m | £1m to £10m (panel) | £1m to £5m | £1m to £10m |
| Employers' liability | £10m standard | £10m standard | £10m standard | £10m via panel | £10m standard | £10m standard |
| Tools cover | Optional | Optional | Available | Via panel | Available | Optional |
| Tools in transit / overnight | Conditions apply | Conditions apply | Included as standard | Insurer-dependent | Included as standard | Conditions apply |
| Professional indemnity | Available | Available | Available | Via panel | Available | Available |
| Distribution | Brokers and direct | Direct | Direct scheme | Intermediary | Direct scheme | Brokers and direct |
| FCA reference | 202153 | 202810 | Verify | Verify | Verify | 203093 |
| Typical buyer | Established trades | SMEs buying direct | Cost-focused traders | Traders comparing insurers | Sole traders | Trades and SMEs |
Employers' liability is shown at the £10 million level commonly offered by the market, which exceeds the £5 million legal minimum. Figures reflect published documentation and are confirmed at quotation. FCA reference numbers are from the FCA Register, accessed June 2026; entries marked "Verify" should be checked on the Register.
Reading the comparison
Public liability limits look similar across providers because the market standardises around £1 million, £2 million, £5 million, and £10 million tiers. The right limit is usually set by your clients' contracts rather than by the insurer, so check tender and contract documents before choosing.
Employers' liability is shown at £10 million by most providers, comfortably above the £5 million legal minimum, and only applies once you employ staff. Where you work alone, this section may not be needed, though some contracts still ask for it.
Tools cover is where policies diverge most. The headline question is whether tools in transit and overnight vehicle cover are included as standard or as an add-on, and what security conditions apply. Schemes such as Rhino Trade and Tradesman Saver position transit and overnight cover as standard, while larger insurers often treat tools as an optional section with strict conditions. Professional indemnity matters for trades that design or advise as well as install, and is available across these providers in different forms.
The FCA reference row lets you verify each provider. Confirmed numbers are shown for the insurers; scheme brands should be checked against their authorised legal entity on the Register.
Two further dimensions sit behind the table and are worth checking on any quote. The first is the policy excess, the amount you pay towards each claim, which can differ by section: a tools claim and a liability claim may carry different excesses, and a higher voluntary excess usually lowers the premium. The second is how each provider rates the risk. Premiums for the same headline cover vary with the trade, turnover, number of employees, claims history, and the postcode where tools are stored overnight. Because of this, two traders buying identical limits from the same provider can pay very different prices, so the table compares cover features rather than price. Always read the policy wording for the specific definitions of an insured tool, a secured vehicle, and the work activities covered, as these definitions, not the headline limits, decide whether a claim is paid.
Provider-by-provider context
Aviva
Authorised by the FCA under reference 202153, Aviva offers tradesman cover within broader commercial policies, combining liability with optional tools and professional indemnity. It suits established trades wanting a large insurer and broker support.
Direct Line for Business
A brand of U K Insurance Limited, authorised under reference 202810, Direct Line for Business sells tradesman cover directly with defined tool security conditions. It suits traders who prefer to buy online or by phone.
Rhino Trade
Rhino Trade Insurance is a specialist scheme positioning tools in transit and overnight cover as standard. Confirm the authorised firm on the FCA Register. It suits cost-focused traders wanting included tool cover.
Simply Business
An FCA-authorised intermediary arranging cover from a panel of insurers, Simply Business lets traders compare liability, tools, and professional indemnity across insurers. Confirm the firm and underlying insurer on the Register.
Tradesman Saver
A specialist scheme bundling liability with tools cover that commonly includes overnight and transit protection. Confirm the authorised firm on the Register. It suits sole traders and small firms.
Zurich
Authorised under reference 203093, Zurich offers tradesman and commercial cover through brokers and direct, combining liability with optional tools and contract works sections. It suits trades and SMEs wanting combined cover.
How to choose between these providers
Ask yourself: do I employ anyone, and if so is employers' liability included at the level my contracts require? What public liability limit do my clients demand? Do I carry valuable tools, and are transit and overnight cover included or extra? Does my work involve design or advice that needs professional indemnity? Do I want to buy direct, through a scheme, or compare via an intermediary?
The answers point to different entries in the table. A sole trader with valuable tools may value a scheme that includes transit cover as standard, while a firm with staff and large contracts may prefer a large insurer with high limits and broker support. Verify any provider on the FCA Register before buying, and escalate eligible disputes to the Financial Ombudsman Service if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What does tradesman insurance usually include?
It typically combines public liability with optional employers' liability where staff are employed, tools cover, and professional indemnity for trades that design or advise. The exact mix is chosen to suit the trade.
How much public liability do tradespeople need?
There is no legal minimum, but client contracts often require £5 million or £10 million. Check the contracts you work under, as the limit is fixed per claim period.
Is tool cover included as standard?
It varies. Some specialist schemes include tools in transit and overnight cover as standard, while larger insurers treat tools as an optional section. All apply strict security conditions, usually requiring signs of forced entry.
Do sole traders need employers' liability?
Generally not, because there are no employees to cover. Employers' liability becomes compulsory once you employ staff, with a £5 million legal minimum, though some contracts request it regardless.
How do I verify a tradesman insurer or scheme?
Search the firm on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk. For scheme brands, search the authorised legal entity behind the brand and confirm the underlying insurer.
What if my tradesman insurance claim is rejected?
Use the provider's internal complaints process first. If you remain dissatisfied, you can refer an eligible complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service for a free, independent review.
