One of the most common forms of insurance for plumbers is public liability.
Some plumbers are required to have public liability for their licence, some are required to have it for their contracts and some simply want it for the protection it provides.
Taking out public liability insurance for a plumber is a straightforward task, and for the average domestic or light commercial plumber the cost will be very reasonable.
What is Public Liability Insurance?
Plumbers face various risks in their job and business. One of the biggest risks is that of causing property damage or personal injury to another person.
In the event that you or your business in proven to be responsible, you will be liable for all of that person’s costs in relation to the property damage or injury. These claims can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars through to millions in extreme cases.
Public liability insurance can protect you and your plumbing business against this risk. Instead of having to pay a claim yourself the insurance company will settle the claim for you up to your sum insured.
With sums insured of between $5 and $20 million, most plumbers should be well protected with the right public liability insurance policy.
Common Claims for Plumbers
There are plenty of examples of public liability claims for plumbers which occur on a weekly or even daily basis.
The most common type of claim is for property damage. This could be something as simple as knocking over an expensive vase whilst working in a client’s home.
Property damage can also occur due to faulty workmanship. An example could be if you have installed piping which later fails and causes water damage to another property.
Whilst the damage caused would be claimable, it is important to remember that most public liability policies will not cover the cost of rectifying the faulty work.
The more serious claims for plumbers involve personal injury. An example of this could be if someone trips and injures themselves due to a trench you have dug or some pipes which you have left out.
Claims for personal injury can climb very high in the event of serious disablement or death, so it is certain worth protecting yourself with public liability insurance given the relatively low cost for most plumbers and plumbing businesses.
Plumbers Insurance Quotes
Quotes for public liability and other forms of plumbers insurance are available from virtually any insurance broker or even direct from the insurance companies.
Most insurance brokers will be able to tailor an insurance package for you which includes public liability along with other forms of cover such as tool insurance and income protection which are popular with plumbers.
For more information or to get a quote please contact your insurance broker. If you don’t already have an insurance broker or adviser you can follow the links on our website and we will put you in touch with a suitable professional.
