Handyman Insurance: What to Check Before You Book

What insurance a UK handyman may carry, what public liability does and does not cover, and the sensible questions to ask before work begins in your home.

Most handyman jobs finish without a hitch. But drills can hit pipes, ladders can slip and a dropped mirror can crack a hallway floor. Insurance is what stands between an accident and a dispute about who pays. Knowing the basics helps you ask sensible questions without turning every small booking into paperwork.

The main types of cover

Public liability insurance. Covers claims for injury to other people or damage to their property caused by the handyman's work. This is the one most relevant to a home repair. It would typically respond if, for example, a handyman accidentally damaged your flooring or a neighbour's property.
Employers' liability insurance. In the UK, this is generally required by law if a business employs staff, with some exceptions. A sole trader working alone may not need it.
Tools and equipment cover. Protects the handyman's own kit, not your home.
Professional indemnity. More relevant to advice or design work than to simple repairs.
Product or workmanship cover. Some businesses offer guarantees or insurance-backed warranties for work. These are optional and vary widely.

A handyman is not legally required to hold public liability insurance in most cases, but many do because it is good practice and some customers and landlords ask for it.

What it does not do

Be realistic about limits:

Insurance does not make bad work good. It may pay for damage, but not necessarily to redo the job.
Policies have exclusions. For instance, they may not cover certain types of work, such as gas or heights above a specified level, or work done by unqualified people.
The amount of cover may be limited, so check it is a sensible figure.
Your own home insurance may also have a role. Check the terms about contractors.

How to check

You do not need to be aggressive, just clear:

Ask. "Do you have public liability insurance, and can I see a copy of the certificate?" Professionals are used to this.
Check the basics. Name of the insured, the policy period and the limit of cover.
Check that it covers the work. Some policies list the trades covered. A policy for "gardening" may not cover indoor repairs.
Keep a copy. Save the certificate or a photo in your records.
Be proportionate. A single picture hung in a hallway is lower risk than rewiring a chimney breast or working at height.

A copy of a certificate does not prove the policy is live, but it is a useful first step, and you can ask for the insurer's details if the work is significant.

Insurance and the platform

When you book through an online platform, ask what is included. Compito shows ID-verified providers, an offer and payment flow, messaging and reviews after completed bookings, but it does not state that providers are insured. Ask the provider directly about their insurance, and agree anything in writing through messages.

Thinking about risk

Risks vary by job. Higher-risk tasks include:

Working at height, such as gutters, roofs and high shelves; see working at height safety
Drilling into walls with unknown services; see checking for pipes and cables before drilling
Moving heavy furniture or fittings
Work in older homes with possible asbestos or lead; see asbestos before drilling or repairing
Work involving water, gas or electricity, which should be with registered specialists; see jobs a handyman should not do

For these, insurance and competence matter more.

What to do if something goes wrong

Stop and make safe. Isolate water or electricity if necessary, and keep people away from hazards.
Document. Photos, notes of what happened and messages.
Talk. Contact the handyman and give them a chance to address it, ideally in writing.
Check policies. The handyman's insurer may need to be notified. Your own home insurance may also apply.
Escalate if needed. If you booked through a platform, use its support route, such as the help page.

Practical tips

Photograph rooms before work begins, especially floors and walls.
Move valuables out of the way.
Agree who is responsible for protection, such as dust sheets.
Keep the visit well-documented, and pay as agreed once you are satisfied.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to hire an uninsured handyman?

No, not in general. Insurance is a matter of good practice, but it is sensible to ask and understand the risk.

Does my home insurance cover contractor damage?

It depends on the policy, and some policies exclude certain events or require you to claim from the contractor. Check your policy wording or ask your insurer.

Should I ask for insurance for a small job?

It is reasonable to ask for any job where damage is possible. For a simple low-risk job, a good review history and clear communication may be enough for you.

Find handyman providers near you

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