Before you let any builder near your property, ask one simple question:
“Can I see your insurance?”
If they hesitate, dodge the question, or say “Don’t worry, I’m covered” — that’s your cue to show them the gate.
The Core Covers Every Builder Should Have
✅ Public Liability Insurance – Covers damage to your property or injury to anyone caused by their work. No policy, no protection.
✅ Employers’ Liability Insurance – A legal must if they have anyone working for them. Without it, you could be dragged into claims if someone gets hurt on your site.
✅ Contract Works Insurance – Protects the actual build during construction — theft, fire, storm damage, or accidents.
✅ Professional Indemnity (for design or structural work) – Covers errors in plans or advice that lead to costly mistakes.
Why It Matters
Rogue builders often skip insurance because:
They’re cutting costs
They’re trading illegally
Or they simply don’t care about protecting clients
If something goes wrong — damage, injury, structural failure — you could end up footing the bill.
Insurers and Building Control will ask one thing first: “Who was responsible, and were they insured?”
How to Check It’s Legit
Ask for a certificate of insurance before work starts.
Check the expiry date — don’t accept anything out of date.
Verify with the insurer if you’re unsure it’s genuine.
Keep copies in your project file for proof.
If they won’t show you paperwork, there’s only one reason: they haven’t got it.
Bottom Line
Proper builders are proud to show their insurance.
Rogue ones dodge the question.
Always ask, always check, and never assume you’re covered just because they said so.
Because when something goes wrong, promises don’t pay for damage — policies do.
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