Construction News & Help, Tips For The Trade
Builder & Tradesmen Insurance in Ireland: Costs, Coverage & Savings
We’ve compiled some real figures from builders and tradesmen across Ireland, along with typical coverage levels. Prices will always vary depending on your trade, size of business, and claims history — but this should give you a good ballpark.
If you’re running your own trade business, public liability insurance is essential. Accidents happen, and without the right cover, you could be personally liable for damages or injuries.
Why Builders & Tradesmen Need Insurance
Public liability insurance protects your business against claims from:
- Damage to a client’s property
- Injuries to a third party
- Accidents involving your employees
Even small accidents can cost thousands. Having insurance protects your wallet and your reputation so you can keep trading with confidence.
Types of Coverage
Most tradesmen's policies include two main protections:
|
Coverage Type |
Typical Limit (€) |
What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Public Liability | €6,500,000 | Damage to a client’s property or injuries to third parties |
| Employers’ Liability | €13,000,000 | Injuries to your employees while working for you |
Optional Extras
You can also enhance your policy with additional cover for:
- Employee Cover – protects staff in case of accidents on site
- Van / Vehicle Cover – protects business vehicles and equipment
- Tools Cover – replacement or repair of essential tools if lost or stolen
- Materials Cover – protects materials held for use in your projects
Adding extras increases your premium but gives peace of mind.
Estimated Annual Premiums by Trade
Here’s an overview of typical annual premiums for Irish tradesmen, from lower-risk to higher-risk trades:
|
Trade |
Estimated Annual Premium (€) |
|---|---|
| Gardener / Landscaper | 350–600 |
| Painter / Decorator | 400–700 |
| Plasterer | 400–500 |
| Tiler | 500–700 |
| Handyman / Maintenance | 500–800 |
| Carpenter / Joiner | 600–900 |
| Electrician | 700–1,200 |
| Plumber | 800–1,300 |
| Builder | 1,000–1,300 |
| Roofer | 1,500–1,800 |
| Insulator / Retrofit Contractor | 1,200–1,600 |
These estimates are for standard public and employers’ liability coverage. Adding van, tools, or materials cover will increase the premium.
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