When it comes to construction, things rarely go completely to plan.
Unforeseen complications, bad weather, supply issues, sudden changes in regulations, the list goes on – and that’s before you factor in wider issues. Such as the fact 47,000 construction workers sustained non-fatal injuries at work between 2021 and 2024, with a further 78,000 suffering from work-related ill health (HSE Construction in Great Britain, 2024).
Add in further shock statistics. Like more than 11,000 vans being reported stolen in the UK last year (the equivalent of 31 a day!) – leaving workers not only without transport but short of essential tools and equipment – and it’s clear that when it comes to building work, it’s not just planning permission you need to worry about!
But don’t panic.
With the right insurance in place, there’s no need to down tools – or stay up all night worrying. Instead, you can rest easy knowing that, whatever the future holds, you, your team, and your build are protected.
Want to enjoy that kind of peace of mind? To find out more contact the Rigby Financial team now or keep reading to discover the essentials we’d recommend.
Must haves:
The scope for every build is different. You might be a one-man-band with an occasional labourer, or you could be part of a nationwide development network. Either way, the basics remain the same and you will need:
Employers’ liability insurance
This is a legal necessity, making it an absolute must for any business that employs a workforce.
It covers any staff who may become ill or injured whilst at work – or as a direct result of their work.
- Find out more about employers’ liability
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is usually included in your business insurance policy.
It protects your construction company against injury or damage claims – either from a member of the public or another company.
- Find out more about public liability insurance
Contractors’ all-risk insurance
Designed to protect the contractor and the employer, contractors’ all-risk insurance (CAR) protects the contract works against ‘all-risks’ on a construction site. It can cover work carried out by both the contractor and sub-contractors.
- Find out more about contractors all-risk
Worth having:
Finetuning the best protection is best done by talking in detail to an expert.
Why? Because this helps to ensure you only pay for exactly the cover you need. As a guide though, it’s often recommended to take out:
Plant and machinery insurance
Cranes, diggers, loaders, plate compactors – when it comes to building sites, the machinery and equipment inventory is vast. It’s also expensive.
Avoid incurring additional expenditures and delays by taking out plant and machinery insurance to cover the cost of unforeseen events such as accidental damage and theft.
- Find out more about plant and machinery insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
Do you worry about how your construction firm would survive if someone took out legal proceedings against your build?
With professional indemnity – also known as errors and omissions cover – your business is protected in the event of a claim against you or your work.
- Find out more about professional indemnity insurance
Commercial vehicle or fleet insurance
Enjoy the flexibility of different drivers and vehicles with fleet insurance.
Typically available for anything from 2 vehicles up, avoid costly delays and allow workers to move freely between sites to ensure the right skills – and tools – are always where they need to be.
Work alone? You still need adequate protection, check out our commercial vehicle insurance.
- Find out more about fleet insurance
Engineering inspection cover
This is a game-changer for anyone working with machinery and construction materials.
Take out engineering inspection cover and we will find you comprehensive protection that includes all relevant inspections to ensure your equipment meets all necessary compliance and safety standards.
- Find out more about engineering inspection cover
Build solid foundations with Rigby Financial
Want to be sure you have all angles covered? And be even more confident you’re not paying for more than is necessary? Then talk to the experts.
Here at Rigby Financial, we have the in-house knowledge and experience to ensure every aspect of your construction firm – big or small – is properly protected.
From meeting statutory regulations to safeguarding the future, we’ve got you covered. What’s more, as a family-run business, we believe in always offering the personal touch – think of us as an extension to your team – so when policies are coming up for renewal, or if we think you could be better protected, we’ll always give you the heads up.
To get started, call us on 01744 886077, email enquiries@rigbyfinancial.co.uk or fill in our contact form with a few quick details and we’ll be in touch.