Get quotes for public liability, professional indemnity, tools and employers' liability insurance for UK groundworkers — quotes are provided directly by FCA-authorised insurers, not by us.
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Every trade faces unique risks. Here's what could go wrong and why the right cover matters.
Groundwork risk is largely about what's underground and what's nearby. Insurers price cover around how deep you go, how close you work to existing structures, and how installations are carried out — so the policy needs to match the work, not just the trade.
Public liability policies for groundworkers are often written around a depth band — commonly up to 2m, 3m or 5m — rather than an open-ended limit. If a job goes deeper than the depth you declared, an insurer may dispute a claim relating to that excavation, so it's worth reviewing your declared depth before taking on piling, deep drainage or basement work.
Excavating close to a boundary, retaining wall or existing foundation can undermine ground support and lead to subsidence, cracking or movement next door — sometimes weeks after the work finishes. A pre-start condition survey and photographic record can support your position if a neighbouring property owner later claims damage.
An incorrectly installed soakaway, drainage run, fuel or oil tank base, or disturbed contaminated ground can let pollutants reach soil or a watercourse. Standard public liability doesn't always extend automatically to pollution and contamination claims, so check whether your policy includes this or needs it added.
Hitting a gas, water, electricity or telecoms line while digging is one of the most common and costly groundworker claims, often triggering repair costs, emergency call-outs and disruption to neighbouring properties well beyond the value of the original job.
A strong policy covers the specific risks of your trade — from site accidents to equipment theft and client disputes.
Covers legal costs and compensation if a client or third party is injured or has property damaged during your work. Most builders and contractors require you to hold this before starting on site.
Covers your tools against theft from a van or site, and accidental damage. Tool theft is one of the most common claims for tradespeople — check the limit carefully.
Legally required if you employ anyone — including casual workers or labour-only subcontractors you direct on site. Minimum £5 million cover required by law.
Covers work in progress on site against damage from fire, flood, theft or accidental damage before it's handed over to the client. Essential for large or long-running jobs.
Covers owned or hired-in plant and machinery on site — diggers, cherry pickers, compressors and specialist equipment.
Covers legal costs for contract disputes, debt recovery, HMRC investigations and employment tribunal defence.
A few things worth checking before you buy, whichever UK insurer or broker you compare.
Check the limit matches what your contracts, landlord or clients require — common tiers are £1m, £2m, £5m and £10m depending on trade and risk.
Professional and liability covers are often "claims-made" — cover depends on holding a live policy when a claim is made, not just when the work happened.
Read what's excluded, not just what's covered. Sub-contractor work, specific activities, or work carried out overseas are common gaps.
Before buying, confirm any insurer or broker is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — check the register at register.fca.org.uk.
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