Get a personalised annual premium estimate based on your trade, cover level, turnover, and claims history. Works for all trades — roofers, plumbers, electricians, builders and more.
Required by letting agents & property managers
Covers theft, loss and damage — including from your van overnight (check policy exclusions).
Find the right hourly rate for your trade and region.
Calculate your income tax, NI and monthly set-aside.
See exactly how much you make on any job after all costs.
Total up labour costs for multi-worker, multi-day jobs.
Calculate the true annual cost of running your work van.
Cost estimate specifically for handymen and multi-trade operators.
For a self-employed sole trader, public liability insurance typically costs £60–£200/yr for £1m cover, rising to £100–£350/yr for £2m cover. Adding tool insurance (£5k limit) adds around £80–£150/yr. High-risk trades like roofers and gas engineers pay more. A combined policy (PLI + tools + personal accident) for a sole trader typically runs £200–£450/yr. Use the calculator above for a personalised figure.
PLI is not a legal requirement for self-employed sole traders, but it is effectively mandatory in practice. Most clients, letting agents, housing associations, and contractors require valid PLI before you start work. Without it you are personally liable for any accidental injury or property damage — a single claim can run into tens of thousands of pounds.
Tradesman tool insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing your tools if they are stolen, lost or damaged. Most policies cover hand tools, power tools, and specialist equipment up to a set limit (often £5,000–£10,000). It typically covers theft from a van, but many policies exclude tools left in an unattended vehicle overnight unless the van has approved security. Always check the policy wording carefully.
Yes — roofers pay among the highest premiums of any trade. Working at height significantly increases public liability risk, and insurers apply a loading accordingly. A roofer's PLI typically costs 30–50% more than an equivalent painter or plasterer. Getting specialist quotes from brokers who focus on construction trades (like Builders & Traders or Tradesman Saver) often yields better rates than general business insurers.
Yes — most specialist tradesman insurers allow you to add tool cover as an endorsement to an existing public liability policy, often for £80–£200 extra per year. Buying it as an add-on is almost always cheaper than a standalone tool policy. When you renew, ask your broker specifically about bundling tool cover, personal accident, and van contents into a single combined tradesman policy.