Case Study Analysis United Kingdom Age 36 • Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Callum's Insurance Decision

Self-employed plumber working alone, visiting customers' homes in a van, with a £3,500 tool kit. He has no insurance beyond the van's standard policy and is about to take on a part-time apprentice.

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Actuarial Financial Risk Modeling • Updated September 2026

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“I work alone and nobody has asked for insurance. Do I really need any, and what changes when I hire an apprentice?”

Insurance Bhaiya Analysis

Callum is a textbook sole trader: unlimited personal liability, customers' homes as the workplace and a van full of tools. Public liability is the first buy, because a leak or a dropped tool in a customer's home is a third-party claim. The van needs business use, and tool cover protects his kit. The moment the apprentice starts, employers liability (defined in our employers liability glossary) becomes a legal requirement. Read do sole traders need insurance and what insurance do I need as a sole trader, and use our sole trader insurance guide, then check income protection for the days he cannot work.

Key Vulnerabilities & Financial Exposures

Exposure 01

Customer property damage or injury from his work, paid from personal savings if uninsured

Exposure 02

Theft of a £3,500 tool kit from the van, with the van policy excluding tools

Exposure 03

An uninsured apprentice injury once he employs someone, with fines up to £2,500 per day

Recommended Risk-Transfer Blueprint

Strategy Step 01

Buy £2 million of public liability, the limit larger contractors commonly request

Strategy Step 02

Add business use to the van policy and a tools and equipment policy for the kit

Strategy Step 03

Take out employers liability of at least £5 million before the apprentice's first day

Target Budget Allocation

Indicative: £40 - £110 / month, depending on trade rating, tools value and whether income protection is added

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