Overheads are the enemy of many a small business. The cost of actually running the business is something you try to keep down. This is true if you have your own plumbing business and you probably keep an eye on reducing the operating costs wherever possible. Plumbers insurance, for instance, is not an avoidable cost, but by tailoring it to cover just those elements you actually need may save you hundreds of pounds.

Here are some of the elements that are likely to be included in a tailor-made policy that provides the protection your business needs, without the cost of paying for cover you could really do without:

• Public liability insurance – this is the core to any business operation, large or small. This is essential for protecting you against third party claims for accidents and mishaps which cause injury or death or the loss or damage of their property. But there is still room for flexibility in the level of cover you buy – a typical standard rate of up to £1 million insurance, for example, or, if you are prepared to pay more for greater protection, cover of up to £5 million;
• Trade-related insurance – if you are a plumber, it would be nice to know that the cover you buy is especially suited to the risks experienced in your particular trade, rather than any other. Approaching a specialist insurance could help find you suitable plumbers insurance;
• Employers’ liability insurance – naturally, you will only want your plumbers insurance to include employers’ liability if you actually employ people. If you do so, the law requires that claims from them are covered by at least £5 million of insurance. But a feature of some policies may automatically include cover for any staff you need to take on in a temporary capacity – to cope with especially busy periods, for example – for up to a maximum of 50 man/days during the insured term. So look out for this when considering cover;
• Tools and equipment – although these probably represent an expensive investment in your business, the choice may be yours whether or not to include cover for their loss, damage or replacement in the terms of your plumbers insurance.

Tags | Plumbers insurance