Here’s a question you probably don’t think to ask — until something goes wrong.
You’ve hired someone to do electrical work. They seem professional, the price is fair, and they promise to “sort it all out.” But what if there’s a problem?
What if their work causes damage, or someone gets hurt?
That’s where insurance comes in. And it’s one of the biggest differences between a qualified electrical contractor and a bloke with a van and a set of pliers.
So let’s cut through the jargon and look at what real professionals are covered for — and what you should insist on before anyone starts work in your home or business.
1. Public Liability Insurance — The Non-Negotiable
This is the big one.
Every electrical contractor worth their salt carries public liability insurance. It protects you (and them) if their work accidentally causes injury or property damage.
Let’s say, for example, an engineer drills through a hidden pipe or a fault causes damage to your kitchen appliances. With public liability insurance in place, you’re covered.
Without it, you’ll be chasing a contractor who might vanish the moment the lights go out.
Most professional contractors — including us at GU Solutions — carry at least £2 million in public liability cover. Many go higher. It’s not just a safety net. It’s peace of mind.
2. Employers’ Liability Insurance — For Their Team’s Safety
If your contractor employs anyone — whether it’s a single apprentice or a full team — they’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance.
It protects their employees if they’re injured or made ill while working.
So, if a contractor sends someone to your site and they have an accident, you won’t end up caught in the middle of an insurance nightmare.
It’s a legal requirement under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 — and any company that doesn’t have it shouldn’t be anywhere near your property.
3. Professional Indemnity Insurance — When Expertise Matters
Public liability covers accidents. Professional indemnity covers advice.
Electrical contractors who design or specify electrical systems — like lighting layouts, fire alarms, or energy-saving upgrades — should carry this too.
It protects both sides if a design or recommendation later leads to a problem or financial loss.
It’s another layer of reassurance that you’re dealing with a professional, not a guesser.
4. Product Liability Insurance — Covering What They Install
Electrical work isn’t just about cables — it’s also about equipment.
If a product they install (say, a consumer unit or EV charger) turns out to be faulty and causes damage, product liability insurance covers that too.
A good contractor makes sure every component is CE-marked, compliant, and backed by manufacturer warranties — but this extra cover keeps everyone protected just in case.
5. Contractors’ All Risks (CAR) Insurance — For Bigger Projects
If you’re having major works done — like a new build, commercial fit-out, or full rewire — your contractor may also carry Contractors’ All Risks insurance.
This protects the materials, tools, and partially completed work on-site against theft, fire, or damage during the project.
Not every job needs it, but it’s a reassuring sign you’re working with a serious firm — not a “cash-in-hand” outfit.
Why This Matters to You
When you hire a proper electrical contractor, you’re not just paying for labour — you’re buying responsibility.
Insurance is what ensures that if something goes wrong, you’re protected.
It means you won’t be left with damaged property, unsafe wiring, or costly legal bills.
It’s also a mark of professionalism. Because if a contractor takes their business — and your safety — seriously, they’ll have every policy in place and ready to show you.
The GU Solutions Promise
At GU Solutions, we’ve spent over 20 years working with homeowners and businesses across Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and the wider Hampshire area.
We’re fully NICEIC Approved, properly insured, and proud to show it.
Our cover includes:
- £5 million public liability
- £10 million employers’ liability
- Full professional indemnity protection
Because when you invite someone into your home or premises, you deserve to know you’re in safe, insured hands.
✅ The Bottom Line
Before you hire anyone, ask one simple question:
“Can I see proof of your insurance?”
A genuine contractor will send it to you straight away.
A dodgy one will change the subject.
Choose wisely — your home, business, and peace of mind are worth it.
Need an insured, qualified electrical contractor in Basingstoke?
At GU Solutions, every member of our team is fully qualified, insured, and trained to deliver safe, compliant electrical work — from small domestic jobs to major commercial projects.
📞 Call 01256 473326 or message us online to book your free home or business survey today.
Local. Reliable. Fully insured. That’s GU Solutions.
