What insurance questions should a contractor ask before working at a client’s site?

Before stepping onto a client’s site, are you confident your business is properly covered? Discover the key insurance questions every contractor should ask to protect their business, equipment and peace of mind before work begins. 

A new contract is an opportunity to grow your business, but working at a client’s site can expose your business to risks that may not be covered by your existing insurance. From accidental property damage to injuries involving third parties, understanding your responsibilities before work begins can help prevent costly surprises. 

Before signing a contract or arriving on site, contractors should take the time to understand what insurance is required, who is responsible for what, and whether their current cover is suited to the work they’ll be doing.

Many clients, particularly those managing construction or commercial projects, have specific insurance requirements contractors must meet before they can begin work. 

Ask: 

• Is public liability insurance required? 
• What minimum indemnity limit must I have? 
• Do I need to provide a certificate of insurance or policy schedule? 
• Does the client need to be noted as an interested party or additional insured? 

Miway’s Broadform Liability Insurance includes public liability, product liability, employers’ liability and defective workmanship liability, subject to the policy terms. It also offers work-away cover for work-related activities conducted away from your business premises. 

The important thing is to check that your policy meets the client’s requirements, rather than assuming your existing cover is sufficient. 

A contractor’s work can affect more than the area they are working in. An accident could involve a client’s property, another contractor, a visitor or a member of the public. 

South Africa’s construction sector remains a high-risk environment. The Department of Employment and Labour reported in October 2024 that approximately 1.5 to 2 fatalities occur in the construction sector each week. This reinforces the importance of understanding site responsibilities and having appropriate risk controls in place. 

Ask: 

• Who is responsible for third-party injury or property damage? 
• Does the client’s insurance cover contractors and subcontractors? 
• Am I required to have my own liability cover? 
• Are there specific exclusions or limits I should be aware of? 

Never assume that the client’s insurance automatically protects your business. 

Insurance needs can change depending on the nature of the contract. A contractor performing maintenance work may face different risks from one undertaking structural alterations, electrical installations or specialised construction. 

Miway Business Insurance offers cover options including Broadform Liability, Business All Risk, Business Property and Business Interruption. The appropriate cover will depend on your business activities and the risks involved. 

Ask: 

• Does my policy cover this type of work? 
• Are subcontractors included? 
• Are tools, equipment and materials covered while on site? 
• Does cover extend to accidental damage to the work itself? 
• Are there any exclusions relating to the project? 

This is particularly important when taking on work outside your usual scope of services. 

Contractors may bring valuable tools, machinery and materials onto a client’s premises. These items could be damaged, stolen or lost while the project is underway. 

According to the latest South African Contract Job Market Report (updated 26 Oct 2026), there were 804 active contract listings on ContractZA, up 114.4% month-on-month, highlighting the scale of contracting activity and the value of work taking place across the sector. 

Before starting, clarify: 

• Who is responsible for insuring the materials and completed work? 
• Are tools and equipment covered while away from your premises? 
• Are materials covered while being transported to the site? 
• Is additional cover required for hired equipment? 

Having these responsibilities clearly defined can help avoid disputes if something goes wrong

An incident on site can affect your ability to complete a project, meet deadlines, or continue operating. Depending on the circumstances, the financial impact may extend beyond the immediate cost of repairs. 

Ask: 

• Could an insured event interrupt my business operations? 
• Are there contractual penalties for delays? 
• Do I need business interruption cover? 
• What claims notification process must I follow? 

It is also worth reviewing the contract’s indemnity clauses and understanding what financial responsibilities you are accepting before signing.

Before starting a new project, make sure your insurer or broker understands the work you’ll be undertaking. Changes in project value, location, activities or contractual responsibilities could affect your insurance requirements. 

Miway’s Business Insurance solutions can be tailored to a business’s needs, with cover options for liability, property, equipment and business interruption. Contractors should review their requirements with a qualified insurance adviser and confirm that the selected cover meets the project’s needs.

Working at a client’s site involves more than delivering quality workmanship. It also means understanding the risks, responsibilities and insurance requirements associated with the project. 

Taking the time to ask the right questions before work begins can help protect your business, support stronger client relationships and give you greater confidence when taking on new contracts.