Builders Insurance

Finding suitable cover for your business and its activities can be crucial in a high-risk industry such as construction. From self-employed builders and specialist tradesmen to some of the UK’s largest construction firms, we provide tailor-made builders insurance policies for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Bespoke building insurance solutions

In the building and construction industry, risks are a given, and even with top-notch preparation and training, things can still go awry. But injury and property damage aren't the only concerns that make builders insurance essential.

Consider the specialised tools you use on-site. What if they're stolen or accidentally damaged? The financial impact of halted work and the costs of repair or replacement can be substantial.

At Gallagher, we offer builders, contractors, and construction operators, access to a wide range of insurance options through our panel of insurers. With our deep expertise in construction risk management, we are here to help you confidently choose an appropriate type and level of coverage that aligns with your business needs.

Our builders insurance coverage options include:

Construction sites are packed with potential risks. Thankfully, construction liability insurance is there to help protect you from:

Damage to third party properties

Whether it's an accidental collision or damage caused by heavy machinery the financial implications of property damage can be severe.

Construction liability insurance offers cover for repairing or replacing damaged properties. This helps you avoid costly fees and maintain project timelines.

Injuries to the public

Construction sites can also pose risks to the public. Accidents can happen despite appropriate safety measures being taken. A passersby may be injured by falling debris, unsecured equipment, or other hazards.

If a member of the public is injured, your business could face substantial legal and compensation claims, resulting in costly fees. Construction liability insurance can help to cover these public liability claims, including legal fees, medical expenses, and any compensation awarded to the injured party.

Builders risk insurance is specifically designed for buildings that are under construction or about to start. It offers protection against risks like fire, theft, and vandalism. Additionally, it covers project completion delays, helping you manage extra costs from unforeseen events such as severe weather or supply chain disruptions. This insurance also includes provisions to ensure that newly installed equipment or systems meet testing standards.

Builders professional indemnity insurance and builders liability insurance each play crucial roles in helping protect construction professionals. Indemnity insurance covers claims of professional negligence, errors, or omissions, providing cover for legal defence costs and compensation if a client's financial loss stems from your work, especially in design. On the other hand, liability insurance protects against claims related to bodily injury or property damage during construction, covering incidents involving third parties or damage to nearby properties.

At Gallagher, we understand the critical role that machinery and vehicles play in your operations. Our tailored plant insurance solutions are designed to provide coverage for your essential equipment, such as diggers and excavators, shielding your business against losses arising due to equipment breakdown or malfunction.

Plant insurance offers peace of mind knowing that you have cover in case of machinery theft and damage, whether on-site or on public roads. Our policies also cover liabilities arising from injuries to employees or the public, helping you manage risks effectively and maintain compliance with safety regulations.

These are brief product descriptions only. Please refer to the policy documentation paying particular attention to the terms and conditions, exclusions, warranties, subjectivities, excesses and any endorsements.

Why choose Gallagher

At Gallagher, our team of specialists leverage their wealth of knowledge and experience in the construction and building industry to support you with data-driven insights that help you face the future with confidence.

We take the time to thoroughly understand your business, the specific risks you encounter, and your comfort level with those exposures. With this detailed insight into your operations and future challenges, we craft tailored programs designed to help reduce your total cost of risk. Let us help take care of your insurance and risk management needs so you can focus on what you do best.

Tailored builders insurance solutions
Access to A-rated insurers*
Experienced specialists who assist you with securing suitable coverages
Extensive global reach combined with local insights

* Independent ratings from third party rating companies. Correct as of March 2025.

Builder insurance: Frequently asked questions

Please note that these frequently asked questions are not a substitute for the policy wording. For full terms and conditions please see the policy documentation.

How much does builders insurance cost?

Your builders insurance cost will reflect a number of factors, such as:

The scope of cover that you need
The type of work that you are doing
The risks connected with projects that you have been engaged to deliver

Through our panel of builders insurance companies, we will provide a range of options tailored to your business. And we will use our knowledge and experience to source builders insurance quotes at a price to reflect your requirements. With Gallagher, you can rest assured that you have a team that knows your industry and takes care of the detail.

How long does builders insurance last?

A builders insurance policy will typically cover you for one year, allowing you to renew or change your cover thereafter. You will be able to make a claim during the policy, providing that it is valid at the time of the incident. You can also make adjustments throughout your policy to ensure it is up to date.

How do I claim on my builders insurance?

The claims process will depend on who you choose from our panel of builders insurance providers based on the quotes available. But in one way or another, you will claim by submitting a claims request.

Make sure to read the details of your builders insurance policy and check that you are covered for what you are claiming. Your insurer will then review your claim to judge if and how they can settle it.

Gallagher SME Team

0800 138 7580