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Focus Insurance Services
Builders
Specialist Trade Insurance

Insurance for Builders

Comprehensive insurance for building contractors and construction professionals. From extensions and renovations to new builds, we arrange cover that protects against the significant risks of construction work.

Important: Focus Insurance Services is an insurance broker, not an insurer. We arrange cover on your behalf from a panel of insurers. Policy terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.

Understanding Your Risks

Every trade has unique exposures. Here are the key risks we help builders protect against.

1

Site Accidents & Injuries

Construction sites are high-risk environments. Falls, struck-by incidents, and equipment accidents are common claims.

2

Property Damage

Accidental damage to existing structures, neighbouring properties, and underground services during construction.

3

Fire & Storm Damage

Buildings under construction are vulnerable to fire, storm, and flood damage before completion.

4

Theft from Sites

Materials, tools, and plant are frequently stolen from construction sites, especially overnight.

5

Structural Defects

Defective work discovered after completion can result in significant remedial costs and claims.

6

Subcontractor Issues

Liability for work done by subcontractors and ensuring they have appropriate insurance.

Why Choose Specialist Trade Insurance?

Generic business insurance often leaves gaps in cover for trade-specific risks. Specialist policies are designed with your profession in mind.

  • Contract works cover for buildings under construction
  • High public liability limits for construction risks
  • Cover for work at height and excavation
  • Protection for JCT and other standard contracts
  • Hired-in plant and equipment cover
  • Cover for subcontractor management

Information for Your Quote

  • 1
    Business name and trading address
  • 2
    Number of direct employees
  • 3
    Annual turnover and labour-only subcontractor costs
  • 4
    Types of work undertaken (residential/commercial)
  • 5
    Maximum contract value and depth of excavation
  • 6
    Whether you use scaffolding or work at height
  • 7
    Claims history for the past 5 years
  • 8
    Details of any specialist work (demolition, asbestos, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between public liability and contract works insurance?
Public liability covers your legal liability for injury and damage to third parties. Contract works (also called contractors all risks) covers the building itself during construction – your work in progress – against fire, theft, storm, etc.
Do I need insurance for my subcontractors?
You should ensure subcontractors have their own insurance, but you may still be liable for their work. Your policy should cover subcontractor activities, and you should obtain evidence of their insurance before they start.
What public liability limit do I need?
Most domestic work requires £2m-£5m. Commercial contracts often require £5m-£10m. Some main contractors require £10m or more. We'll advise based on your typical contract requirements.
Does the policy cover work at height?
Yes, but there may be height restrictions (commonly 10m or 15m). Work above these heights, or involving scaffolding over certain heights, may need to be specifically agreed with insurers.
What about design and build contracts?
If you take on design responsibility, you need professional indemnity insurance. This covers claims arising from design errors or failures. It's increasingly common for builders to need this cover.

Ready to Protect Your Business?

Get in touch with our team for a no-obligation quote tailored to your trade.

Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Focus Insurance Services

Focus Insurance Services is a UK commercial insurance broker specialising in Property Owners, Shops & Trades, Fleet, and Personal Lines insurance. Advice-led, not price-led.

01733 263311[email protected]
29 Ivatt Way, Peterborough,
Cambridgeshire, PE3 7PH
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00

Data Protection

Your data is encrypted in transit using HTTPS with HSTS protection. We comply with GDPR and UK data protection regulations.

Security Standards

We implement industry-leading security headers including CSP, X-Frame-Options, and HSTS preload to protect against common web vulnerabilities.

FCA Regulated

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 717691). We maintain strict compliance with financial services regulations.

Regulatory Information: Focus Insurance Services is a trading name of Captios Limited. Captios Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA Firm Reference Number is 717691. You can check this on the FCA Register.

Captios Limited is registered in England and Wales under company number 09620500. Registered Office: 29 Ivatt Way, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE3 7PH.

We are an insurance broker, not an insurer. We do not provide personal recommendations. All cover is subject to underwriting, terms, and conditions.

© 2026 Focus Insurance Services. All rights reserved.

FCA RegulatedEstablished 2015

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