Insurance costs - UK

[richyb83]

Hello all, I was chatting today with a tree contractor and he was telling me about some of his insurance costs he encounters as a small arborcultural company. He hinted about it being expensive but didn’t mention figures and I thought it rude to ask but I’m curious to find out more. I want to ask any of the experienced people on here what costs are likely to be in terms of employee/public liability insurance (or whatever else you might need). Just keeping it simple.

UK – London based.
2-3 person operation (both fully qualified + firstaiders)
Working in public open spaces (contracted directly to councils/public sector organisations).
All appropriate equipment/PPE.
All approprate paperwork (felling license, permits to work, method statements and risk assessment)

Any ideas for yearly costs and what you might specifically need insurance against??? Any figures would be useful, ball park or whatever.

 

[a.k.]

Most councils here require at least £10m public liability which will drive the cost up a little. Ours is currently £1800 for the same size outfit with only £3m cover .

 

[Little Monkey]

i pay about 3k (euro) for 6.5 public and 13.5 employers, i have to say i dont think it is that bad

 

[richyb83]

Thanks guys. I guess everyone who works in arborcultural probably thinks about setting up on their own but is probably put off by these kinds of costs. The premiums reflect the dangers of the industry though so it seems fair. Thanks again.