If you operate a painting and decorating business in London or the UK — whether as a sole trader or managing a team — you face a variety of risks: working at height, handling ladders and scaffolding, entering client premises, dealing with high-value furnishings and finishes, and possible damage to client property or injury to third parties. The right insurance cover protects your business, your clients and your reputation.
At Fraser Bond we assist painting contractors in understanding what insurance they should hold, how to meet contractual or site requirements, and how to choose a policy that reflects their trade risk and London market context.
“Painting contractors insurance” is not just a single cover—it typically involves a portfolio of policies tailored to the specific risks of painting and decorating operations. Key cover types include:
Public Liability Insurance – Covers you if a third-party (client, visitor, member of the public) is injured or suffers property damage as a result of your work (for example, paint damage to client furnishings, a visitor tripping over your equipment).
Products Liability / Professional Indemnity (where applicable) – If you advise on finishes, supply products, or your workmanship is criticised, you may face professional liability claims.
Employers’ Liability Insurance – Legally required in the UK if you employ any staff (even part-time or casual). Covers claims from employees injured or falling ill as a result of their employment.
Tools, Equipment & Contents Insurance – Protects your kit (paint sprayers, scaffolding, ladders, brushes, etc) from theft, damage or loss whether on-site or in transit.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance – If you use vans or vehicles to transport materials, equipment or staff, you must ensure correct business use cover.
Contract Works / Business Interruption (Optional extensions) – For larger projects or where you have stock or materials on-site, you may consider cover for materials, temporary works, delay or interruption costs.
Operating in London (or UK wide) as a painting contractor means your risk environment has specific features:
Often you work inside client homes, high-value residential properties, commercial premises — so damage to expensive finishes, furniture or fixtures can lead to significant claims.
Working at height (ladders, scaffolding) and moving between multiple sites elevates the risk of injury or property damage.
Clients, managing agents, or main-contractors may require proof of insurance (especially public liability) before engagement.
Your tools and equipment will often be mobile and may be stored overnight in vans in London — meaning theft or damage risks are real.
With competition and contract-tendering, presenting robust insurance credentials enhances credibility and helps you win work.
Without adequate cover, a single claim (e.g., damage to client property, accident to visitor) could threaten your business viability.
Here are benchmarks and key considerations when assessing your insurance needs:
Public liability cover for painters and decorators can start from around £1 million, with many contractors opting for £2 million to £5 million+ depending on size of business and contract requirements.
Premiums can be modest for sole-traders with limited exposure: for example some quotes start from £5.64 per month for basic cover.
Key cost drivers include:
Business size (turnover, number of staff)
Nature of work: domestic only vs commercial or high-risk projects
Use of vehicles, value of equipment/tools
Height of work (scaffolding, external work)
Claims history or prior losses
Location and mobility (London might carry higher risk)
Important policy features to check:
Does the policy clearly include your type of work (domestic vs commercial, interior/exterior, on scaffolding)?
Are your tools/equipment covered when off-site or in transit?
Does the cover include damage to client property (paint spills, accidental damage) and injury to third-parties?
Are vehicles used for business correctly insured for business use?
Are exclusions clearly stated (for example, damage due to wear and tear, intentional acts, contracting outside scope)?
Do the cover limits meet your client/contractor/landlord requirements?
Is your policy tailored or generic trade cover? A specialist trade insurer often offers more relevant cover than a generic business policy.
Fraser Bond recommends this structured approach to selecting your policy:
Define your business profile and risk exposure – Are you a sole trader working in domestic properties only, or a company handling commercial or external contracts requiring scaffold?
Check contract and client requirements – Some contracts will insist on minimum liability cover, vehicle cover, tools insurance, etc.
Select the covers and limits aligned with your risk – At minimum public liability; if you employ staff add employers’ liability; consider tools/equipment and vehicle cover too.
Review the policy wording and exclusions carefully – Ensure your exact work type, vehicle use, tool mobility and contract conditions are covered.
Compare insurers specialising in trade contractors – Because painting contractors have particular risk profiles, use an insurer or broker experienced in your trade (e.g., painter/decorator insurance specialists).
Ensure you have documentation ready – Certificate of insurance, schedule, proof of cover may be required by clients or landlords.
Review annually or when your business changes – If you take on larger contracts, hire staff, expand into exterior or commercial projects, or buy more equipment your cover should evolve.
Integrate with risk-management practices – Good working practices (proper PPE, ladder safety, tool security, high-quality workmanship) reduce risk and may reduce premiums or claims likelihood.
Fraser Bond offers value beyond just arranging insurance. For painting contractors our added value includes:
Insight into how your trade operates within property-linked risk, contractor frameworks and client requirements in London.
Review of your insurance arrangement to ensure your policy corresponds to your actual operations, risk profile and contract obligations.
Guidance on how to present your insurance credentials professionally to clients, managing agents or contractors – boosting your credibility.
Advisory support as your business grows, take on higher risk contracts or scale operations, helping your insurance keep pace with your business.
If you run a painting or decorating business in London or the UK and want to ensure your insurance cover is properly aligned with your trade risks and client contract requirements, visit FraserBond.com or contact our London advisory team for tailored guidance on painting contractors insurance, liability, tools/equipment cover, vehicle cover and how to choose the right policy for your business.
