Contractors and construction firms insurance · Exeter

Contractors and construction firms insurance in Exeter

Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited · Published 16 July 2026

Exeter contractors and construction firms need cover shaped to how the trade actually works — public liability, employers liability where staff are on the books, tools in vans, and often trade-specific extensions. General contractors and construction firms cover the widest liability spectrum — from small refurbishments to major projects. Cover scales with the largest single-project exposure.

Key covers for contractors and construction firms

Public liability — £5m-£10m minimum; up to £25m for larger projects.
Employers liability — £10m — more for larger firms.
Contract works — Site materials, temporary works, buildings under construction.
Plant and machinery — Owned or hired plant.
Commercial vehicle / fleet — Van, LGV, and specialist vehicle cover.
Professional indemnity — For design-and-build or principal designer roles.
Product liability — For any manufactured items supplied.
Business interruption — If premises damage stops trading.

Exeter-specific considerations

Cathedral quarter listed stock.
Rural South Devon extensions.
Devon County Council contracting.
Care home sector work.
Historic listed-building work.
M5 corridor operations.

Trade-body considerations for contractors

CHAS / SafeContractor / SMAS for pre-qualification.

CITB levy for training.

Building Safety Act 2022 heightened liability for HRB work.

CDM 2015 principal-contractor and principal-designer duties.

JCT / NEC contract obligations affect PI cover requirements.

What can go wrong

Site accident causing injury or fatality — EL/PL, HSE investigation.

Damage to neighbouring property from vibration, subsidence, or falling materials.

Design-and-build fault leading to defective structure — PI territory.

Site theft or fire destroying works in progress — contract works.

JCT/NEC contract dispute over delays or defects.

Frequently asked

What contract works limit?

Match to your largest single project's contract value plus reasonable contingency.

Do I need PI as a contractor?

For design-and-build, principal-designer or principal-contractor roles, yes. For pure build-only, less critical.

How much does contractors and construction firms insurance cost in Exeter?

Depends on turnover, staff, van, tools value, and cover level. Sole trader with PL and tools: often £300-£700. Established firm with staff and fleet: £1,500-£5,000+. A specialist broker gives a firm figure once details are shared.

Do I need employers liability in Exeter?

Only if you employ others — then it's legally required at £5m minimum. Sole traders with no staff are exempt.

Are tools covered on my van insurance?

Not automatically. Tools-in-transit is a separate cover or extension. Ask specifically.

Exeter tradesperson quote

Speak to a named commercial broker

Get a quote Speak to a broker

Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 724952. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. Trading address: QCS, 53 Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol BS1 4HQ · Serving tradespeople in Exeter and the wider region.

Speak to a broker

Get the right commercial cover, placed by a named broker

Tell us about your business and we’ll place it on the specialist market — or leave your number and a named broker calls you back, usually the same working day.

Get a commercial quote → or call 0117 325 0027