If you run a contracting or engineering business — from sole traders to large firms — you need insurance built for real-world risks. At Munro-Greenhalgh, we specialise in contractors and engineering insurance, providing tailored cover.
We work with trusted insurers to design the right protection for your trade and give you peace of mind.
With our Insurer partners we provide invaluable help and advice to help you identify and manage your risks such as Health & Safety and sub-contractor insurance validation forms.
Answer:
Most UK contractors require a combination of Public Liability, Employers’ Liability (a legal requirement if you employ staff), Contract Works, Plant & Tools cover, and often Professional Indemnity depending on the work undertaken. The exact cover depends on your trade, contract requirements, and risk exposure.
Answer:
Public Liability insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but it is essential in practice. Many clients, main contractors, and local authorities will not allow you on site without it, and it protects you against injury or property damage claims.
Answer:
Contract Works insurance covers work in progress on site, including materials and labour. Without it, damage caused by fire, theft, flood or vandalism could leave you paying for the job twice.
Answer:
Yes. Most policies require subcontractors to carry their own Public Liability insurance at an equivalent level. If they don’t, your own policy may not respond to claims involving their work.
Answer:
Typical limits are £1m, £2m, £5m or £10m. Many contracts require at least £5m, while higher-risk trades such as roofing, demolition or scaffolding may require £10m.
Answer:
Common risks include:
Injury to third parties on site
Damage to neighbouring property
Theft of tools or plant
Defective workmanship claims
Uninsured subcontractor liability
Underinsurance of contract works
Answer:
Most Public Liability policies exclude the cost of correcting faulty workmanship, but may cover resulting damage. For design or advice, Professional Indemnity insurance is required.
Answer:
No. Tools, plant and equipment usually require separate cover, either under a contractors all risks policy or standalone plant insurance.
Answer:
This covers your legal liability for hired equipment. Without it, you could be responsible for the full replacement cost if the plant is damaged, lost or stolen.
Answer:
Groundworkers typically require Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Contract Works, and often cover for underground services risks due to the high exposure to damage claims.
Answer:
Yes, particularly if they undertake design, specification or certification work. Increasingly, contracts require PI cover as standard.
Answer:
Builders working on domestic properties should consider Public Liability, Contract Works, Tools cover, and potentially JCT-compliant insurance depending on the contract.
Answer:
High-risk trades require specialist underwriting, higher liability limits (often £10m), and policies that specifically include hazardous activities such as work at height or structural alteration.
Answer:
Most UK contractors require a combination of Public Liability, Employers’ Liability (a legal requirement if you employ staff), Contract Works, Plant & Tools cover, and often Professional Indemnity depending on the work undertaken. The exact cover depends on your trade, contract requirements, and risk exposure.
Answer:
Public Liability insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK, but it is essential in practice. Many clients, main contractors, and local authorities will not allow you on site without it, and it protects you against injury or property damage claims.
Answer:
Contract Works insurance covers work in progress on site, including materials and labour. Without it, damage caused by fire, theft, flood or vandalism could leave you paying for the job twice.
Answer:
Yes. Most policies require subcontractors to carry their own Public Liability insurance at an equivalent level. If they don’t, your own policy may not respond to claims involving their work.
Answer:
Typical limits are £1m, £2m, £5m or £10m. Many contracts require at least £5m, while higher-risk trades such as roofing, demolition or scaffolding may require £10m.
Answer:
Common risks include:
Injury to third parties on site
Damage to neighbouring property
Theft of tools or plant
Defective workmanship claims
Uninsured subcontractor liability
Underinsurance of contract works
Answer:
If sums insured are too low, insurers may apply the average clause, reducing claim payments proportionally. This can leave contractors significantly out of pocket following a loss.
Answer:
Most Public Liability policies exclude the cost of correcting faulty workmanship, but may cover resulting damage. For design or advice, Professional Indemnity insurance is required.
Answer:
No. Tools, plant and equipment usually require separate cover, either under a contractors all risks policy or standalone plant insurance.
Answer:
This covers your legal liability for hired equipment. Without it, you could be responsible for the full replacement cost if the plant is damaged, lost or stolen.
Answer:
Groundworkers typically require Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Contract Works, and often cover for underground services risks due to the high exposure to damage claims.
Answer:
Yes, especially if they undertake design, specification or certification work. Increasingly, contracts require PI cover as standard.
Answer:
Builders working on domestic properties should consider Public Liability, Contract Works, Tools cover, and potentially JCT-compliant insurance depending on the contract.
Answer:
High-risk trades require specialist underwriting, higher liability limits (often £10m), and policies that specifically include hazardous activities such as work at height or structural alteration.
we also have a separate publication covernotes providing more in-depth and technical articles.
What Subcontractors Really Need to Know Most commentary on Owner
Safety Guidance for Homes and Businesses Lithium-ion battery fires are
Do You Really Know What Your Building Would Cost to
Join Munro-Greenhalgh Ltd at our Centenary Gala Dinner on 8 May 2026 at The Village Hotel, Bury. Celebrate 100 years in business and help raise funds for Bury Hospice.
What Subcontractors Really Need to Know Most commentary on Owner Controlled Insurance Programmes (OCIPs) and Joint Names insurance focuses on the benefits to employers and
Safety Guidance for Homes and Businesses Lithium-ion battery fires are rising rapidly across the UK, creating a growing risk for both households and SME businesses.
Do You Really Know What Your Building Would Cost to Rebuild? One of the most common issues we see in commercial and residential property insurance
Join Munro-Greenhalgh Ltd at our Centenary Gala Dinner on 8 May 2026 at The Village Hotel, Bury. Celebrate 100 years in business and help raise funds for Bury Hospice.
