What cover is included in gas engineer insurance?

Understanding what cover is included in gas engineer insurance is important, as the products included may vary between insurance companies.

Why do I need gas engineer insurance?

When you work with gas or heating systems there is always a risk of mistakes, damage, injury, or loss. Insurance can protect you in the event of claims for something found to be your fault.

You are also legally required to have employers’ liability insurance if you employ anyone. Some contractors or clients may refuse to work with you if don’t have appropriate insurance in place.

What is included in gas engineer cover?

Insurance companies can differ slightly in the types of insurance they provide, but there will always be a core of essential products. These include:

• public liability insurance
• employers' liability insurance (if you employ anyone) 
• professional indemnity
• tool insurance

Gas engineer insurance may also include accidental death or personal accident cover. 

What does public liability insurance cover?

Public liability covers you in respect of injuries to third parties or damage caused to someone’s property. As you are likely to come into contact with the public, this is essential.

You will normally need cover between £1 million and £5 million. This is because these types of claims can quickly add up to large sums of money.

What is employers’ liability insurance?

Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement if you employ anyone. This applies even if they are part-timers, apprentices or volunteers.

This insurance covers you if a current or former employee sues you for an injury or illness sustained while working for you. You must have a minimum of £5 million employers’ liability cover.

What is professional indemnity insurance?

This protects you in the event you give poor advice or breach a confidentiality agreement, which results in financial losses for your customer.

What will my tools insurance cover?

You will need to check the precise terms, but this should cover loss or theft. There are varying amounts you can insure them for, normally starting at around £1,000. Your tools should be covered 24 hours a day.

There may be policy conditions included relating to how or where you store your tools, such as in a locked and secure van.

What will personal accident or death insurance include?

These will pay out if you are unable to work due to injury or if you die. Each policy will have different terms – be sure to check these carefully.

What other insurance may I need?

This will depend on the nature of your business. It could include insurance in respect of hired plant, or damage to a site you are working on.