Start-up electricians are putting their businesses and homes at risk by failing to organise insurance before beginning to trade.
According to research by Eagle Star Small Business Direct, over a quarter of the country's electricians don't have insurance when they start trading. And over a third (35%) have spent £3000 or more in the last two years on goods and services that insurance would have covered.

"It is particularly concerning that electricians are neglecting to arrange insurance when they start up, particularly given the inherent dangers that come with the job," says Steve Wilson, md of Eagle Star Small Business Direct.

Some 28% of those electricians questioned didn't realise that they required insurance to operate legally and another 32% were undecided about what was the best policy so hadn't gotten around to taking out insurance.

This lack of understanding as to what insurance is required is borne out by Eagle Star's research, which shows that even when start-up electricians do take out insurance cover, they don't always get the right policy. Almost one in 16 electricians found themselves uninsured when attempting to make a claim, after taking out the wrong type of insurance.

"It really is vital that tradesmen are insured from the outset and, more importantly, that they have the right cover for their needs," says Wilson.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor