What Insurance Does a Painter and Decorator Need?
What insurance does a UK painter and decorator need? Every painter and decorator working commercially needs at minimum public liability insurance – but there are several other covers worth having that protect your business against the specific risks of decorating work.
| Cover type | Typical annual cost | Legally required? |
|---|---|---|
| Public liability (£2m min) | £100–£200 | No, but most clients require it |
| Tools insurance | Adds ~£50–£150 | No |
| Van insurance (business use) | Varies by vehicle/area | Yes, if driving for work |
| Employers’ liability (£5m min) | Varies by headcount | Yes, if you employ anyone |
Public Liability Insurance for Decorators
What insurance does a painter and decorator need first? Public liability – and this is non-negotiable.
Public liability insurance covers: – Damage to customer property (paint spillage on carpet, flooring, or furniture – very common) – Injury to third parties caused by your work activities – Damage caused while working on site
Minimum cover: £2m. Many commercial clients require £5m. Get at least £2m before your first job.
A paint spillage on an expensive carpet, or an accident involving a ladder that injures someone, can easily exceed £50,000 in claims. The annual premium (typically £100-£200 for a sole trader decorator) is trivially small by comparison.
Get quotes at Simply Business, Kingsbridge, or PDA’s insurance service.
Don’t overlook completed works cover. Standard public liability only covers incidents while you’re on site. If a client discovers damage after you’ve left — solvent staining that shows up days later, for example — you need “completed works” cover to be protected. Not every policy includes this by default, so check before you buy rather than after you need it.
Tools Insurance for Decorators
Tools insurance covers replacement of your equipment if stolen or damaged. For decorators, this includes:
- Brushes and rollers
- Paint sprayer (significant value – Airless sprayers cost £500-£3,000+)
- Ladders and access equipment
- Sanders and power tools
- Dustsheets and masking equipment
Check your policy covers tools in transit (in your van overnight) – van break-ins are the most common theft scenario for trades. Many standard tools policies exclude overnight van storage unless the van has a deadlock or alarm.
Van Insurance for Decorators
Standard personal vehicle insurance is insufficient for a decorating business. You need:
- Class 1 or Class 2 business use – for driving to and between job sites
- Goods in transit cover – for tools and materials carried in the van
- Van-specific policy – not a car policy
Declare your occupation accurately as a painter and decorator. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy entirely. Compare van insurance at Compare the Market or Simply Business.
Employers Liability for Decorating Businesses
If you employ anyone – including a labourer, a subcontractor working regularly for you, or a temporary helper – you are legally required to hold employers liability insurance under the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
Minimum cover: £5m (most policies provide £10m+). You must display your certificate at every workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance does a painter and decorator need as a sole trader? As a sole trader decorator, you need: public liability insurance (minimum £2m), tools insurance, and van insurance with business use cover. If you ever bring in a helper, employers liability becomes legally required. See HSE’s guidance on employer obligations.
How much does decorator insurance cost? Public liability insurance for a sole trader decorator typically costs £100-£200/year. Adding tools insurance brings the total to £150-£350/year. Van insurance varies widely based on vehicle, location, and claims history – compare at Simply Business.
Does PDA membership include insurance? PDA membership does not include insurance directly but provides access to PDA-recommended insurance providers who offer competitive rates for members. It’s worth comparing PDA-partner quotes against the open market.
What happens if I work without public liability insurance? You’re personally liable for any damage or injury claims, with no financial protection. Many clients require proof of insurance before allowing work to start – particularly letting agents, commercial clients, and housing associations.
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