Insurance policies for handyman businesses and sole traders

As a handyman, you complete a range of repairs, maintenance and improvement tasks in people's homes. And while you may be highly experienced, every job still carries real risk.

For one, you are likely to work with power tools, operate at heights and handle heavy materials. You may also be moving between different environments, with each presenting its own set of challenges. Plus, there's always the chance of unhappy clients, tools being lost, damaged or stolen.

That's where Gallagher's specialist handyman insurance can help. It's designed to help protect you against various risks and helps keep your business running should the worst happen.

Specialist cover for many types of handymen

Your work as a handyman is often varied. You might offer carpentry, painting and decorating, or a mix of different trades. At Gallagher, we can arrange suitable insurance for a wide range of specialisms to ensure you have the cover you need for the work you do. Can't see your trade listed? Get in touch and we'll explore a suitable option for you.

  • Carpenters
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Painters and decorators
  • Builders

Handyman insurance from Gallagher

No matter how skilled you are at your job, it can be reassuring to know there's cover in place for if something goes wrong. Gallagher can help to arrange suitable handyman insurance from our panel of insurers to ensure you're protected if an incident impacts your business, equipment or your ability to work.

Cover can include:

Handyman public liability insurance

Public liability insurance helps to protect handymen who work on-site or interact with clients and the public. It can cover accidental injury or property damage caused by third parties through your work. This can help you avoid costly claims that could impact your business and reputation.

Employers' liability insurance

If you employ staff, even on a casual or temporary basis, it's a legal requirement to have employers' liability insurance in the UK. This type of cover protects you against claims made by employees who suffer injury or illness while working.

Professional indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity insurance can protect you if your work involves giving advice, creating designs or providing specifications. If a client claims your input caused financial loss or reputational damage, this cover can help with legal costs and compensation.

Tool cover helps protect your equipment against theft, loss or damage, whether your tools are on-site, in transit or stored overnight. This can help you replace essential items, so you can continue working without significant downtime or personal expense.

Legal expenses insurance can provide financial support when you're dealing with disputes, such as contract issues, employment matters or tax enquiries. It can help provide peace of mind that you have cover for potential legal disputes, which can often be significantly costly without adequate protection.

These are brief product descriptions only. Please refer to the policy documentation paying particular attention to the terms and conditions, exclusions, warranties, subjectivities, excesses and any endorsements.

Why choose Gallagher

At Gallagher, we understand the pressures of running a hands-on, public-facing business. It's why we take the time to listen and understand what your job involves and the specific risks you face on a day-to-day basis.

From there, our experienced advisors can arrange a handyman insurance policy through our panel of insurers, helping you access cover that's suitable for your requirements. The high level of service we provide is how we became one of the world's largest insurance brokers, and trusted by clients across many sectors, including construction.

Handyman Insurance

  • A policy designed for the unique risks of your business
  • Public liability insurance
  • Equipment cover (including hired equipment and plant)
  • A variety of options and add-ons

Handyman insurance: Frequently asked questions

Please note that these frequently asked questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation


  • Gallagher SME Team