In the world of plumbing and heating engineering, where projects and clients can vary daily, the potential for accidents or mishaps is ever-present. Whether you're servicing a home boiler or undertaking a commercial bathroom fit-out, the complexities of plumbing are often underestimated. In a scenario where a pipe unexpectedly bursts, flooding a home or construction site, or where essential tools and equipment are lost or stolen, there can be significant financial and reputational repercussions.

Insurance solutions for plumbing tradesmen

Gallagher offers a range of tailored plumber insurance solutions designed to meet your diverse needs, providing a safety net that could help protect you against the unforeseen challenges that  arise in your trade.

We offer cover for a variety of trades, including:

  • Heating and ventilation engineers
  • Refrigeration engineers
  • Drain cleaners
  • Bathroom installers
  • Kitchen fitters and installers
  • Fireplace installers
  • Plumbing and heating engineers
  • Gas engineers
  • Air conditioning engineers

Bespoke insurance solutions designed for plumbers

As a sole trader serving your local community or as a manager of a business with a team of plumbers and a fleet of vans, we understand the need for protecting yourself and your business with the appropriate insurance.

Plumber insurance can provide cover for a variety of risks, including public liability, employers liability, and damaged tools or equipment. Here are some of the common types of cover and what they can include:

Plumbers public liability insurance can help protect you against accidents that injure a third party, such as a client or a member of the public. It can also cover you in case of damage to a third party's property due to an accident or a mistake on your part.

Although plumbers public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement in the UK, many plumbers opt for this cover to help protect themselves against claims. Without it, you could be financially liable if things go wrong. Some customers may also insist that you have plumbers public liability cover before they hire you.

Even the most skilled, trusted and experienced plumbers have accidents and mistakes do happen — no matter the care and caution you take in your work. General liability insurance for plumbers can help protect you if a member of the public or customer makes a claim against you. For example, if they tripped and injured themselves because of an equipment power cord you left on the floor.

As a plumber, you often can't do your work to the highest standard without the right tools. This equipment can be expensive to purchase. So, if it’s accidentally damaged beyond repair or stolen, you could be hit with that cost again.

Adding tool and equipment cover to your policy for an additional premium can help to cover fees for replacing or repairing your tools.

If you employ a team of plumbers, you're legally required to have employers liability insurance. This can cover you for compensation if an employee makes a liability claim against you. For example, if they're injured while working on a job.

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.


Legal requirements for plumbing businesses

Small business insurance for plumbers may not be a legal requirement if you work on your own, but it could leave you financially liable for mistakes and damages if an accident, injury, or theft occurs.

However, the rules are different if you employ staff. Employers are legally required to have employers liability insurance as a minimum. If you don't, you could be fined £2,500 for each day that you're not insured. You can also be fined £1,000 if you don't display your employers liability insurance certificate or refuse to hand it to inspectors when asked.1 This can be incredibly costly for your business and could damage your reputation.

Why choose Gallagher

Choosing Gallagher as your insurance broker means partnering with a team that truly understands the intricacies of your business and the unique risks you face. Our experienced specialists work closely with you to craft tailored policies that align perfectly with your specific needs, ensuring tailored protection for your plumbing business.

Our friendly UK-based team is ready to support you with advice and guidance, making the process easy and convenient. Let us take care of your insurance needs to help safeguard your business so you can focus on what you do best.

Plumber Insurance

  • Compare prices from our panel of A-rated insurers* and secure a quote
  • Tailored policies designed to cater to your specific needs
  • Access to local insights and global reach to ensure you have suitable protection wherever you operate
  • A dedicated team specialising in tradesman insurance solutions

*Independent ratings from third party rating companies. Correct as of May 2025.


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

Sources

1 "Employers Liability Insurance," gov.uk, accessed 30th April 2025.

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