1. Why Insurance Matters for Decorators
Decorating looks low-risk, but accidents happen. A tin of paint over a new carpet, a ladder through a window, or a customer tripping over a dust sheet can lead to expensive claims. The right insurance protects your business from costs that could otherwise wipe out months of earnings. It also reassures customers that you take your work seriously.
This guide explains the main types of cover in general terms. It isn't financial or legal advice. Speak to an insurer or broker about your own circumstances.
As your business grows, from a sole trader working alone to a small firm with helpers and commercial clients, your insurance needs will change too. It's worth reviewing your cover each year rather than renewing automatically.
2. Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance covers claims from members of the public, including your customers, for injury or for damage to their property caused by your work. For decorators, that might include:
Spilling paint on a carpet, sofa or wooden floor
Damaging fixtures or furniture while moving them
Someone tripping over your equipment and being injured
Public liability isn't generally a legal requirement for sole traders, but many customers expect it, and many commercial clients and letting agents won't hire contractors without it. Policies come with different limits of cover, and some clients specify a minimum. Ask what they need before you quote.
3. Employers' Liability Insurance
If you employ anyone, even part-time or temporarily, you'll usually need employers' liability insurance by law. The HSE guide to employers liability insurance explains that employers are required to insure against liability for injury or disease to their employees arising from their work, and sets out who is covered and the rules on displaying your certificate.
Important: whether you need employers' liability can depend on how you work with helpers and subcontractors. Check the HSE guidance and speak to an insurer if you're unsure. Failing to hold compulsory cover can lead to penalties.
4. Tools and Equipment Cover
Your ladders, sprayers, sanders, brushes and stock are how you earn a living. Tools insurance can cover theft or damage, including from your van, depending on the policy. Check the small print carefully. Many policies have conditions about overnight storage, locks and whether tools left in a vehicle are covered.
5. Contract Works and Other Covers
Depending on the type of work you do, you might also consider:
Contract works insurance: covers the work you've done, and sometimes materials on site, if it's damaged before handover. This is more relevant to larger or commercial projects.
Professional indemnity: for decorators who give design or colour-scheme advice that customers rely on.
Personal accident or income protection: pays out if you're injured and can't work. Many sole traders have no sick pay to fall back on.
Van insurance for business use: standard car or van insurance may not cover business use.
6. What Commercial Clients Ask For
If you want to take on commercial jobs such as offices, shops, landlords or managing agents, expect to be asked for:
Copies of public liability and, where relevant, employers' liability certificates
Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
Evidence of how you'll manage working at height. The HSE's work at height guidance sets out the duties.
Having these documents ready can help you win work. Find out more about the commercial decorating jobs customers can post on Find A Decorator.
7. Showing Your Cover to Customers
Customers often look for signs that a decorator is professional before they accept a quote. Mentioning your insurance in your profile and quotes, alongside photos of your work, builds trust. Our guide on building a strong online portfolio explains how to present your work, and how Find A Decorator works explains how profiles and quotes fit together.
Quick tip: keep digital copies of your certificates on your phone so you can send them quickly when a customer or commercial client asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is public liability insurance a legal requirement for decorators?
For most sole traders it isn't a legal requirement, but many customers and commercial clients expect it. Employers' liability is the cover that's usually compulsory if you employ people.
How much does decorator insurance cost?
Premiums vary with your turnover, the cover limits, your claims history, the work you do and your insurer, so we won't quote a figure. Compare quotes from several insurers or use a broker.
Does my insurance cover subcontractors?
Not automatically. Check whether your policy covers subcontractors or whether they need their own cover.
Do I need insurance to join Find A Decorator?
Check our help centre and onboarding steps for current profile requirements. Even where it isn't required, holding suitable cover is good practice and reassures customers.
What limit of public liability cover should I choose?
It depends on the work you do and what your clients ask for. Commercial clients and managing agents often specify a minimum, so check their requirements before you buy or renew a policy.
Can I get insurance for a single job?
Some insurers offer short-term cover, but most decorators keep an annual policy so they're always protected and can quote for work at short notice.
Should I tell my insurer if I start spraying or working at height more?
Yes. Changes to the type of work you do can affect your cover, so keep your insurer informed to avoid problems if you need to claim.
What should I do if a customer makes a claim?
Stay calm, record what happened with photos and notes, avoid admitting liability before speaking to your insurer, and contact your insurer promptly. Most policies require you to report incidents quickly.
Does my home insurance cover my tools?
Often not for business use, and rarely when tools are kept in a van. Check your policy, and consider dedicated tools cover if your equipment is valuable.
Is insurance tax-deductible for sole traders?
Business insurance is generally an allowable business expense, but your circumstances matter. Check HMRC guidance or speak to an accountant.
Join Find A Decorator as a Professional
Find A Decorator is a new UK marketplace connecting homeowners and businesses with professional painters and decorators. We're in our early, pre-launch stage and building our network of decorators. Profiles cover 11 regions across Great Britain: Greater London, the South East, South West, East of England, West Midlands, East Midlands, North West, North East, Yorkshire & the Humber, Scotland and Wales. We don't cover Northern Ireland at the moment.
You can create your decorator profile, show off your work and quote for jobs in your region. Fees vary by job, so check the cost shown for each job before you quote, and see our information for decorators for current plans. If you have questions, our help centre explains how everything works.
Final Thoughts
Public liability, employers' liability if you have staff, and tools cover are the core insurances most UK decorators consider. Contract works, professional indemnity and income protection are worth weighing up as your business grows or you move into commercial work. Get advice from an insurer or broker, read the small print on storage and subcontractors, keep your certificates handy on your phone, review your cover each year as your work changes, and use your insurance as a trust signal in your profile and every quote you send.