Why Furniture Repairers Need Public Liability Insurance

Today, let’s consider a topic that might not be the most thrilling but is absolutely essential for anyone wielding a hammer or a paintbrush in the furniture repair trade: Public Liability Insurance. Yep, we’re going to chat about why having insurance cover is as crucial as a steady hand when it comes to fixing up those beloved pieces of furniture. So, grab a cuppa, take a break from sanding that old oak dresser, and let’s get into it!

Daily Life as a Furniture Repairer

As furniture repairers, you’re the low-key heroes of the interior design world. You breathe new life into worn-out chairs, revive antique tables, and mend those pesky broken legs on that heirloom sideboard. But it's not all glitz, glamour and varnish - there are splinters, sore backs, and the occasional mismatched upholstery to contend with.

Your days are a blend of creativity and craftsmanship. You are problem solvers, using your skills to restore beauty and functionality to pieces that have seen better days. Whether you’re working in a bustling workshop or making house calls armed with your trusty toolkit, each job brings its own set of challenges.

The Importance of Insurance Cover for Furniture Repair Professionals

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room - trade insurance. Insurance may not be the most exciting topic, but trust us when we say it’s a game-changer if things go south. Imagine this: you're in the zone, sanding away at a coffee table when suddenly, your day starts going wrong. The table collapses, taking out a vase and a chunk of the hardwood floor. Cue panic mode.

Without Public Liability Insurance, you could be on the hook for the cost of repairs or, worse, a hefty legal claim if someone gets hurt. And let’s face it, accidents happen fairly often in the trades. Maybe you accidentally scratch a client’s prized antique, or a piece of furniture topples over during delivery. It's not something we like to think about, but it’s better to be prepared than to be left scrambling for a solution.

Having Public Liability Insurance provides you peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in the event of accidents, damage, or injury. It’s like having a safety net for your trade business, allowing you to focus on what you do best without worrying about the what-ifs.

The Risks of Being a Furniture Repair Tradesperson

Being a furniture repair professional might sound like a dream job for those who love to work with their hands and have a knack for restoring beauty to worn-out pieces. And while it definitely has its perks - the satisfaction of breathing new life into old furniture, the joy of seeing a client’s face light up when they see their beloved piece restored - it’s not without its risks. Let’s shine a light on some of the common hazards that come with the territory:

Physical Risks:

• Injuries from Tools: You’re no strangers to power tools and sharp objects in this line of work. Whether it’s a slip of the saw or a run-in with a chisel, there’s always the risk of cuts, scrapes, and more serious injuries if you’re not careful.
• Musculoskeletal Strains: Hours spent hunched over a workbench or lugging heavy furniture can take a toll on your body. From backaches to strained muscles, musculoskeletal injuries are a common occupational hazard for furniture repair professionals.

Environmental Risks:

• Chemical Exposure: Many furniture repair tasks involve working with chemicals like paint strippers, varnishes, and adhesives. Prolonged exposure to these substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems if proper safety precautions aren’t taken.
• Dust and Debris: Sanding, sawing, and sandblasting can create a cloud of dust and debris that poses respiratory risks if inhaled. Dust masks and proper ventilation are essential for protecting against these hazards.

Worksite Risks:

• Trips and Falls: Whether you’re working in a workshop cluttered with tools and materials or navigating a client’s home with furniture in tow, there’s always the risk of trips, slips, and falls.
• Damage to Property: Accidents happen, and sometimes your best intentions can result in unintended damage to a client’s property. From scratches and dents to more serious mishaps, it’s important to have trade insurance cover in place to protect against potential liabilities.

Business Risks:

• Client Disputes: No matter how skilled you are, there’s always the possibility of disagreements or disputes with clients over the quality of your work, project timelines, or pricing. Professional Indemnity Insurance can provide cover for legal fees and compensation costs in the event of a dispute.
• Business Interruption: Natural disasters, fires, or other unforeseen events can disrupt your trade business operations and lead to lost income. Having some form of business interruption cover can help cover ongoing expenses and keep you afloat during tough times.

While the risks of being a furniture repair professional are real, they’re not insurmountable. Prioritising safety, investing in proper equipment and training, and having the right insurance coverage in place can allow you to minimise these risks and focus on what you do best!

Trade Insurance Cover for Furniture Repair Tradespeople: What’s Available?

Alright, now that we’ve hammered home the importance of insurance, let’s talk about what kind of cover is out there for furniture repairers. When it comes to trade insurance, there are a few key policies to consider:

Public Liability Insurance:

This is the big one. Public Liability Insurance protects you if you cause injury or property damage to a third party while carrying out your work. Whether it’s accidental damage to a client’s home or a trip and fall on your workshop premises, Public Liability Insurance has your back, and with Rhino, you can opt for varied levels of protection from £1 million to £5 million.

Employers’ Liability Insurance:

If you have employees or hire subcontractors, Employers’ Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK as it covers you/ your business if an employee suffers an injury or illness as a result of working for you and holds you accountable for the issue.

Tools Cover:

Tools are the life and breath of your trade, so it makes sense to protect them. Tools cover can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your gear if they somehow get damaged or, in the very unfortunate situation, they are stolen. With Rhino, you can protect your important tools up to the value of £10,000. 

Professional Indemnity Insurance:

A popular addition to any policy as If a client accuses you of negligence or errors in your work, Professional Indemnity Insurance can provide cover for legal fees and compensation costs to remedy the issue. 

Why Choose Rhino Trade Insurance?

Alright, you’re convinced - trade insurance is non-negotiable. But with so many providers out there, how do you choose the right one? Well, let’s explain why Rhino Trade Insurance is your best bet. Our team is the real deal when it comes to protecting tradespeople like furniture repairers.

First things first, we specialise in trade insurance, meaning we know the industry inside and out. We offer flexible policies that will be tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re a one-person operation or have a team of employees mending furniture. Plus, our customer service is top-notch – no jargon, no confusion, just straightforward advice and support when you need it most!

But what really sets Rhino Trade Insurance apart is our commitment to transparency, great pricing and fairness. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions or hidden fees. With Rhino, what you see is what you get - comprehensive cover at a competitive price, with no nasty surprise!

Protecting Your Craft and Your Business With Rhino

And there we have it; we’ve covered a lot of ground today, haven't we! From the nitty-gritty risks of daily life as a furniture repairer to the importance of Public Liability Insurance, it’s clear that protecting your craft also means protecting your business. 

Accidents happen, but with the right trade insurance cover in place, you can rest easy knowing that you’re prepared for whatever surprises crop up along the way.

If you want a quote in a couple of minutes, give Rhino Trade Insurance a shout. After all, when it comes to protecting what matters most, it pays to have Rhino in your corner - 0116 243 7904 or visit us online.