Scaffolding Public Liability Insurance
Liability Insurance for Scaffolders
Scaffolders Insurance
From small domestic jobs to complex high-rise structures, scaffolding comes with serious risk — to people, property, and your business. Whether you’re erecting scaffolding for an extension or managing large-scale access systems on multi-storey buildings, Public Liability Insurance is essential from the moment you arrive on site.
Why do Scaffolders need Public Liability Insurance?
Scaffolding work is inherently risky. Even a simple accident — like a scaffold pole or kickboard dropping onto a customer’s driveway — can result in costly claims for property damage or injury. And in more severe cases, such as a scaffold collapse on a high-rise project, the financial impact could be enormous.
Public Liability Insurance protects your business from claims made by third parties, covering legal defence costs and compensation if you’re found liable for injury or damage. It’s a vital safety net, even if the incident clearly wasn’t your fault — your insurer provides legal experts to defend your case.
How much cover do scaffolders need?
Your level of cover — called the Limit of Indemnity — determines the maximum amount your insurer will pay out in the event of a claim. This should reflect the size of your contracts, the risks involved, and any specific requirements from your clients.
Common cover levels include £2 million, £5 million, and £10 million+, and we’ll help you decide what’s most appropriate for your business.
Does Public Liability Insurance have an excess?
Yes — most policies include a Third-Party Property Damage excess, and in some cases, a Third-Party Injury excess. These amounts vary depending on your trade, the insurer, and your claims history.
Are employees covered under Public Liability Insurance?
Your policy can cover the actions of both direct employees and labour-only subcontractors. However, Bona Fide Subcontractors — those who supply their own tools, manage their own safety, and are responsible for their own insurance — must have their own cover in place. Many insurers require you to check this regularly.
Is Public Liability Insurance a legal requirement?
No — but not having it can leave your business exposed to devastating financial consequences. Only Employers’ Liability Insurance is a legal requirement if you have people who carry out work for you.
Employers’ Liability Insurance for Scaffolders
If you employ anyone — even temporary labour or volunteers — you’re legally required to hold Employers’ Liability Insurance. It protects your business if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work. It also covers legal defence, and any compensation awarded.
Employer status can be tricky to define — we’re here to help ensure your policy reflects how your business operates, without relying on guesswork or generic online forms.
How much does Scaffolders Insurance cost?
Scaffolding is considered high-risk due to the nature of the work. Insurance premiums are typically based on either a per capita basis (number of workers) or a wages and turnover basis, which offers flexibility if your business is growing.
Premiums vary depending on:
• Business size and turnover
• Number of employees
• Type and size of projects
• Claims history
We’ll tailor your cover to suit your business — whether you’re a solo contractor or manage a team handling large-scale contracts.
0330 058 0260
Why should I deal with Real Insurance?
Firstly we don’t leave you to fend for yourself with online portals and quote systems, nor are we a call center, both have their place but we believe that obtaining your scaffolders insurance through a broker such as Real Insurance Group provides you with knowledgeable and experienced insurance experts, the team have been broking for decades so you know you are in safe hands.
So, whether you provide traditional tube and fittings, scaffold, access scaffold, or more complex scaffold systems for structural support or shoring we have access to many specialist markets.
For experienced users of Podgers and Planks, call us now on 0330 058 0260 or request for us to contact you by return.
