Hartley Building Services Ltd
General Building Contractor • 12 employees • £1.8m turnover • Generated 2 February 2026
Lower score = lower risk
Summary
Hartley Building Services has a moderate risk profile typical for a construction SME of this size. Your safety practices are good, but there are significant blind spots - particularly around project values and professional advice exposure. Addressing the 3 protection gaps below would significantly reduce your risk.
Protection Gaps Found
Contractor's All Risks
You indicated you work on projects up to £500k but your current cover limit is only £250k. A single project claim could exceed your coverage.
Increase CAR cover to match your largest project values plus 20% buffer.
Professional Indemnity
You provide design input on some projects but have no PI cover. Design errors could result in costly rework claims.
Add PI cover - essential if you provide any design, specification, or professional advice.
Tool Cover
Your tool and equipment value (£45k) exceeds typical policy limits (£25k). Theft or damage could leave you underinsured.
Review and increase tool cover limits to reflect current replacement values.
Risk by Category
Company structure and operations
Tools, machinery, site practices
Health & safety, certifications
Workforce and third-party risks
Coverage gaps and limits
Real Case Studies
What went wrong for businesses like yours
Scaffolding Collapse Claim
What Happened
A 12-person building contractor was completing a residential extension. Improperly secured scaffolding collapsed onto a neighbouring property, damaging vehicles and garden structures.
Cost Breakdown
Public liability covered the damage, but inadequate limits meant the contractor paid £27k out of pocket. Ensure PL limits reflect worst-case scenarios.
Subcontractor Injury
What Happened
A self-employed plasterer working for a general contractor fell through an unmarked floor opening. The main contractor was found liable for site safety failures.
Cost Breakdown
Even with subcontractors, the main contractor remains responsible for site safety. Ensure your EL policy covers all workers on site and verify subcontractors' own insurance.
Design Error Rework
What Happened
A contractor provided specification advice on waterproofing. The chosen system failed within 2 years, requiring complete basement re-waterproofing.
Cost Breakdown
Without Professional Indemnity insurance, the contractor paid the full amount personally. Any advice on methods, materials, or design triggers a PI exposure.
Your Action Plan
Increase Contractor's All Risks limit
Your current £250k limit doesn't cover your largest projects. Increase to £600k minimum.
Prevents coverage gaps on major projects
Add Professional Indemnity cover
You provide specification advice - this needs PI protection even if you're "just a contractor".
Protects against design and advice claims
Review subcontractor insurance verification
Formalise your process for checking subcontractor insurance before they start work.
Reduces vicarious liability exposure
Increase tool and equipment cover
Current limits don't reflect your actual equipment value. Update your inventory and coverage.
Ensures full replacement on theft/damage
Consider JCT contract insurance clauses
Review insurance requirements in your standard contracts to ensure you're compliant.
Avoids contract breach issues
Ready to address these gaps?
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