Plasterers and Insurance: What Cover Do You Really Need?
Whether you’re skimming walls, doing coving work, or tackling a big commercial job, working as a plasterer involves more risk than people often realise. From injuries on-site to accidental damage in a customer’s home, the right insurance cover can protect your business, your finances, and your peace of mind.
In this guide, we break down the essential insurance plasterers need and why skipping it could cost you more than you think.
Why Plasterers Need Insurance
Plastering may not seem like the riskiest trade, but it comes with plenty of potential pitfalls. You’re often working on ladders, in dusty environments, or in people’s homes. One wrong move could lead to injury, property damage or a legal claim.
If you’re self-employed or running a small team, the financial responsibility for any accidents or mishaps falls squarely on your shoulders. Insurance gives you a safety net so you can focus on the job without worrying about the “what ifs”.
What Type of Insurance Do Plasterers Need?
Public Liability Insurance
This is the most important cover for plasterers. Public liability insurance protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged as a result of your work.
For example:
- You spill plaster on a customer’s wooden floor
- A visitor trips over your tools on-site
- You accidentally damage a light fitting or radiator while working
Without public liability cover, you’d be personally responsible for paying compensation, legal fees, and repair costs. Most policies start from £1 million in cover, but larger jobs or commercial contracts may require more.
Many building contractors won’t even let you on-site without proof of public liability insurance.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
If you employ anyone, even on a casual or part-time basis, you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. This protects you if an employee gets injured or becomes ill because of their work.
For plasterers, common risks include:
- Back strain from lifting heavy bags or equipment
- Trips and slips on wet surfaces
- Exposure to dust or chemicals
Without this cover, you could face fines of up to £2,500 per day that you’re uninsured, and be liable for costly injury claims.
Tools and Equipment Insurance
Your tools are essential to your trade. Whether it’s your trowels, mixing drills, or ladders, losing them could put you out of work.
Tool insurance covers theft, damage, or loss of your equipment, either from your van, home, or on-site. Make sure your policy includes overnight cover if you leave tools in your vehicle.
Contract Works Insurance
If you’re working on larger or ongoing projects, contract works insurance can be useful. It covers materials and work-in-progress if something goes wrong during the job, like fire, flood, theft, or vandalism.
This is particularly helpful if you’re the main contractor or responsible for materials on-site.
Personal Accident Cover
Plastering is physical work, and a fall, injury or strain could put you out of action. Personal accident insurance pays out a lump sum or weekly benefit if you’re injured and can’t work.
This is especially valuable for self-employed plasterers who don’t get sick pay or other financial support if they’re off work.
Other Things to Think About
- Working in customers’ homes? Make sure your policy covers domestic settings, not just commercial work.
- Using subcontractors? Check they have their own insurance or include them in your cover.
- Driving between jobs? Consider commercial van insurance to cover your transport and tools.
- Taking bookings online? You may also need cyber cover if you handle customer data digitally.
Insurance That Has Your Back
At Construction Insure, we understand the trade. Whether you’re a one-person business or managing a small team, we’ll help you get the right insurance for plasterers, with straightforward advice and policies that match your needs.
We can help with:
- Public liability
- Employers’ liability
- Tools and van cover
- Personal accident protection
Need cover that protects you on and off-site?
Contact us today for a no-obligation quote and expert advice.