While comprehensive, tradesman insurance policies in the UK can contain certain exclusions that tradespeople need to be aware of. Common exclusions include damage to or loss of property due to wear and tear or gradual deterioration, which are considered maintenance issues rather than insurable risks. Similarly, claims arising from defective workmanship are typically excluded, meaning if a tradesperson’s work itself is faulty and causes damage, this may not be covered under standard public liability insurance.
Another common exclusion is the use of heat. Tradespeople using welding equipment, blowtorches, or other high-heat tools may need to purchase additional cover, as many standard policies exclude incidents involving heat. As well as this, most policies exclude cover for claims arising from activities undertaken from outside the UK, unless specifically arranged. This is important for tradespeople working on international projects to be aware of. Employers liability insurance, while mandatory, generally excludes cover for injuries sustained by employees due to deliberate acts or gross negligence.
Finally, personal accident cover, if included, often excludes injuries sustained while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Understanding these exclusions is crucial for tradespeople to ensure they are not caught off guard by a claim that their policy does not cover. Always review policy details carefully and consider additional cover if needed.