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Insurance for Contractors
Reliable Cover for Every Type of Contractor.
From groundwork and roofing to fit-out and mechanical services, contractors across Ireland face site risks, legal liability, and client-driven insurance requirements. ERM Financial Services helps you manage all of this — with tailored insurance built for how contractors actually work.
With over 30 years’ experience in the Irish construction sector, we offer fast, flexible, and technically sound protection for main contractors, subcontractors, and specialist trades.
Who We Work With
Main contractors and project managers
Specialist subcontractors (e.g. roofing, groundworks, civils, carpentry)
Fit-out, M&E, and finishing trades
Self-employed trades and small contracting firms
Insurance for Contractors
Core Covers for Contractors:
Contractors All Risks (CAR) Insurance
Covers physical damage to works, materials, and temporary structures — protecting your job while it’s in progress.
Public Liability Insurance
Protects against third-party injury or property damage caused by your activities on-site or off-site.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
Covers injury or illness to employees, apprentices, or labour-only subcontractors under your direction.
Plant & Equipment Insurance
Covers owned and hired-in plant — including excavators, tools, and machinery — with optional cover for transit and theft.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Needed if you provide design, specification, or layout advice, or are contractually responsible for a design component.
Optional Add-Ons:
Personal accident for sole traders
Legal expenses cover
We Cover All Construction Trades & Contractor Types
ERM supports contractors across every construction discipline, including:
- Plant Hire Contractors
- Scaffolder Contractors
- Formwork & Shuttering Contractors
- Recycling Contractors
- Building Contractors
- Electrical Contractors
- Plumbing Contractors
- HVAC Contractors
- Roofing Contractors
- Masonry Contractors
- Drywall Contractors
- Landscape Contractors
- Fire Protection Contractors
- Demolition Contractors
- Concrete Contractors
- Excavation Contractors
- Steel Fixing Contractors
- Carpentry Contractors
- Insulation Contractors
- Foundation Contractors
- Elevator/Lift Contractors
- Renovation Contractors
- Sprinkler Installation Contractors
- Quarry Contractors
Why Contractors Choose ERM
- 30+ years of construction sector expertise
- Customised policies for specific trades and contract types
- Fast quote turnaround and document issue
- Direct contact with real experts — no call centres
FAQs – Insurance for Contractors
1. Do I need Public Liability if I only work on commercial sites?
Yes. PL is essential whether you work on residential, commercial, or industrial sites — it protects against injury or property damage claims from third parties, including clients, suppliers, or members of the public.
2. Is Employers’ Liability needed if I only use subcontractors?
Possibly. If you use labour-only subcontractors who follow your instructions, you’re likely considered their employer. We’ll review your setup to ensure you’re compliant and protected.
3. What does CAR Insurance actually protect?
It covers your works in progress, materials on-site, temporary buildings, and hired-in plant against damage from fire, flood, theft, or accident. It does not cover third-party claims — that’s what Public Liability is for.
4. What if a client or main contractor needs proof of insurance quickly?
We can issue confirmation of cover, certificates, and indemnity letters on the same day in most cases — so you can get on site without delays.
5. What if I'm named as responsible for subcontracted design?
If you’re contractually liable for design provided by a subcontractor (e.g. M&E layout), PI Insurance is strongly advised. We can help structure the policy to reflect your exposure.
6. What’s the difference between labour-only and bona fide subcontractors?
Labour-only subcontractors work under your direction and are usually covered under your EL. Bona fide subcontractors work independently and should hold their own insurance.
7. Can I combine all my cover into one package?
Yes. Bundling CAR, PL, EL, plant, and PI (if applicable) simplifies renewals, reduces admin, and helps avoid cover gaps.
8. Is ERM Financial Services regulated?
Yes. ERM Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.