Compare
Scaffolding Insurance
Specialist Insurance for Scaffolders
Working at height comes with its fair share of risks, and that’s why scaffolding insurance isn’t just a precaution, it’s a necessity. At 1st Choice Insurance, we understand the unique challenges faced by scaffolders and access professionals. Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a large scaffolding firm, we provide specialist insurance for scaffolders designed to keep you, your employees, and your business protected.
Our tailored scaffolding insurance packages are built to meet the needs of this high-risk trade, offering flexible and affordable protection that gives you peace of mind on every job.
Get a Scaffolding Insurance Quote Today
Protect your business with specialist scaffolding insurance tailored to your trade. At 1st Choice Insurance, we make it quick and simple to get the cover you need without the hassle. Call our friendly, experienced team on 03301 081607 for a no obligation quotation or use our Get a Quote Form to request a call back.
What is Scaffolding Insurance?
Scaffolding insurance is a specialist commercial insurance policy designed for businesses involved in setting up, maintenance, and dismantling of scaffolding structures. Given the nature of the work, often performed at height and involving heavy materials, standard business insurance often excludes scaffolding-related risks.
That’s where we come in. 1st Choice Insurance offers bespoke scaffolder insurance policies that ensure you’re covered for the specific risks you face every day.
Who Needs Insurance for Scaffolders?
If your business involves any aspect of scaffolding, you need scaffolding insurance. This includes:
-
Self-employed scaffolders
-
Scaffolding companies
-
Subcontracted scaffolding teams
-
Access equipment installers
-
Rope access and rigging specialists
-
Temporary platform and staging contractors
Whether you work on domestic properties, commercial construction sites, or industrial installations, scaffolding liability insurance is often required by clients and principal contractors before you’re allowed on site.
What Does Scaffolding Insurance Cover?
At 1st Choice Insurance, we offer comprehensive cover that can be tailored to the size and nature of your scaffolding business. Our packages can include:
Public Liability Insurance for Scaffolders
This essential cover protects your business against claims from third parties who suffer injury or property damage as a result of your work. Examples include:
-
A member of the public is injured by falling tools or materials.
-
A client’s property is damaged during the set up of the scaffolding.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
If you employ any staff, including labour-only subcontractors, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. It covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.
Tools, Equipment & Plant Cover
Scaffolding isn’t cheap. Protect your scaffolding tubes, fittings, boards, and tools from theft, loss, and accidental damage. This includes:
-
Tools stored in vehicles or on-site
-
Temporary scaffolding systems
-
Hired-in or owned plant and equipment
Contract Works Insurance
Also known as contractor’s all risks insurance, this covers any ongoing work on-site against damage caused by fire, theft, vandalism, flood, or accident.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
If you provide scaffolding design, planning, or consulting services, professional indemnity insurance protects against claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in your work that result in a financial loss for your client.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
We can also cover the vans and trucks you use to transport scaffolding equipment. Whether you have one van or a fleet of vehicles, we’ll ensure you’re properly insured with a scaffolder-friendly commercial vehicle policy.
Benefits of Scaffolding Insurance
Scaffolding work is a high-risk, involving height, heavy materials, and constantly changing site conditions. Without proper protection, a single incident can have serious financial and legal consequences for your business. That’s why scaffolding insurance is an essential investment for any scaffolding contractor, firm, or self-employed scaffolder.
Protection Against Costly Claims
Scaffolding insurance can provide financial cover for a range of claims, including:
-
Injuries to members of the public caused by falling tools or materials
-
Damage to client property during scaffolding work
-
Legal costs and compensation pay-outs if you are found liable
Without this cover, even a minor incident could result in a costly compensation claim that your business would need to pay out of pocket.
Meets Legal and Contractual Requirements
-
Employers’ Liability Insurance is legally required in the UK if you employ staff, even part-time or temporarily.
-
Public Liability Insurance isn’t legally required, but most main contractors, construction sites, and local authorities will insist on it before allowing you on site.
Having the right insurance ensures you’re legally compliant and contract-ready, helping you gain more work and avoid fines or delays.
Protects Your Tools, Equipment & Vehicles
Scaffolding tools and materials are expensive, and often targeted by thieves. With optional cover such as Tools and Equipment Insurance or Commercial Vehicle Insurance, you’re protected against:
-
Theft from vans or worksites
-
Fire or vandalism
-
Accidental damage to your tools, scaffolding, or plant
This helps you avoid costly delays and unexpected expenses that can stall projects.
Covers Temporary Staff and Subcontractors
Scaffolding projects often involve hiring subcontractors or temporary labourers. With the right scaffolding insurance policy, you can ensure:
-
Everyone on site is covered in the event of an incident
-
You meet contractor and HSE (Health & Safety Executive) standards
-
Claims involving non-permanent staff won’t leave you exposed
This flexibility ensures your policy evolves with your business.
Protects Against Design and Advice Liability
If your work includes designing scaffolding systems or advising on structural safety, Professional Indemnity Insurance can protect you from claims relating to:
-
Faulty designs
-
Incorrect advice or calculations
-
Failure to meet safety regulations
This is particularly important for contractors offering design-and-build services or working on large commercial projects.
Peace of Mind to Focus on the Job
Running a scaffolding business comes with plenty of pressure, from meeting deadlines to managing safety on site. Insurance gives you one less thing to worry about.
-
Focus on completing the work to a high standard
-
Peace of mind knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong
-
Build trust with clients by showing you’re fully insured and professional
Customisable to Your Business Needs
No two scaffolding businesses are the same. Whether you’re working on domestic builds or high-rise developments, scaffolding insurance can be tailored to:
-
Business size and turnover
-
Type of work and locations
-
Number of staff and subcontractors
-
Equipment owned or hired
This flexibility means you’re never underinsured, or paying for cover you don’t need.
Supports Business Continuity
After a serious incident, insurance can be the difference between survival and closure. Whether it’s a major claim or the theft of critical tools, having the right scaffolding cover ensures:
-
You can recover quickly and keep trading
-
Downtime and financial losses are minimised
-
You maintain your reputation and client relationships
At 1st Choice Insurance, we specialise in helping scaffolders and high-risk trades get the cover they need. With our expert support and tailored policies, you get all the benefits of scaffolding insurance with none of the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need scaffolding insurance if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Even if you work alone, you’re still liable for accidents or damages caused by your work. Public liability insurance is especially important.
Is employers’ liability insurance mandatory?
Yes – if you have any employees, even part-time or temporary staff, it is a legal requirement in the UK to have employers’ liability cover.
How much does scaffolding insurance cost?
The cost depends on your turnover, number of employees, level of cover, type of projects, and claims history. We provide free, no-obligation quotes to give you a clear picture of your options.
