Business insurance for carpenters and joiners

Do carpenters need insurance?

Yes, carpenters need business insurance, whether operating as a limited company or self-employed. As a builder you’ll be interacting with members of the public often, so it’s important you’re protected.

And, if you have anyone working for you – whether full-time, part-time, paid or volunteer – you’re legally required to have Employers’ Liability Insurance.

Why does a carpenter need insurance?

There are several reasons why a carpenter would need insurance. Here are a few examples:

Imagine you’re fitting a staircase in a customer’s property, and you accidentally drop your drill on a wooden floor damaging it beyond repair. Your client is livid and demands compensation from you. Public liability insurance would protect you, it’ll pay the costs of the compensation for you, so you can focus on what you do best and get the job done. 

Your business is growing fast, and word has gotten around after several jobs well done. Now you’ve decided to take on some employees to lighten the load. In this case, you’re now legally required to have Employers’ Liability insurance in case anything happens to an employee on the job, or they fall sick as a result of working for you.

Carpentry is very hands-on work that required quite a few different tools. These tools can be expensive to replace if something should get accidentally damaged or stolen while you’re on the jobs. Tools insurance can help make sure you’re not out of pocket if something should happen to the tools and equipment you need to get the job done.

Who do we cover?

AXA offer cover to several different occupations in the trades family, such as:

• Electricians and electrical contractors
• Property maintenance
• Painters and decorators
• Builders
• Plumbers
• Bricklayers
• Plasterers
• And more

How much does carpenters’ insurance cost?

Business insurance with AXA costs from £6.81* a month.

However, it’s important to remember there are factors that will determine the cost of every individual quote. Things such as the follow all impact the price you’ll pay:

• Your occupation
• The covers you choose
• Where you work
• The number of employees you have

The easiest way to see how much a policy with us would cost is to get a quote – plus, save 10%** when you buy online.

Types of insurance for carpenters

With AXA, you can pick and choose from these covers to build an insurance policy that suits your carpentry or joinery business, that way you only ever pay for the protection you need.

Is public liability insurance required by law for carpenters?

No, public liability isn’t legally required by law (unlike employers’ liability insurance, which is a legal obligation if you have staff, apprentices or temporary staff working for you.)

However, if you’re a self-employed businessperson, it makes sense for you to protect your business as best you can. There’s plenty that could go wrong – with injuries or damage caused because of work you do. And in the case of injury to yourself, your staff or someone you’re working for – AXA’s business insurance has got your back.

Yes, as an optional extra, you can add workshop cover to your carpenter's insurance policy. This covers the contents including tools, machinery, stock, and computer equipment at your premises. You can set a cover level tailored to your workshop’s value.

Are my tools and equipment covered?

With our own plant tools and equipment cover, you’re able to replace machinery, trailers or caravans, in case of accidental loss, theft or damage. Plus, we also include £2000 worth of stock cover.

And if you’ve got hired-in equipment like specialist tools or site huts, our hired-in cover will protect them if they’re damaged or destroyed whilst in your care.

What insurance do I need as a self-employed carpenter?

Business insurance is an important investment for any business – whether you’re self-employed or a limited company. When you’re self-employed, you’ll mostly require the same covers as any carpenter operating as a limited company.

Typically, this will be a combination of:

• Public liability
• Tools insurance
• Van insurance

The main difference will be that a carpenter operating as a limited company may require employers’ liability, whereas a self-employed carpenter won’t.