At Ashburnham Insurance, we’ve provided public liability cover for tradespeople for many years, and one thing we see time and time again is that even the most experienced kitchen fitters can face unexpected accidents on the job. Kitchen installations involve tight spaces, heavy materials, electrical tools and constant movement around clients’ homes. It only takes a brief lapse in focus, a slippery floor or a misplaced tool for an accident to occur. That’s exactly where public liability insurance steps in, protecting you when something unintentionally goes wrong and compensation is required.
While many kitchen fitters consider themselves conscientious, accidents are not a reflection of poor workmanship. They are simply part of working in busy domestic environments. To give you a clearer idea of what can actually happen during everyday projects, here are five real-life scenarios we commonly see, and why having proper protection in place makes all the difference.
1) Dropped Tools Causing Damage to Fixtures and Surfaces
One of the most frequent types of claims in the kitchen-fitting industry involves dropped tools. It happens in a split second. A drill slips from a worktop edge, a screwdriver falls from a cabinet frame or a heavy spirit level tips over unexpectedly. Kitchens contain numerous delicate surfaces, such as ceramic sinks, stone countertops, glass oven fronts and soft-grain flooring, all of which can be easily damaged if struck.
We’ve handled claims where a drill bit has chipped a brand-new stone sink, where a tape measure has shattered a hob surface, and where a dropped spanner has left a clear dent in a customer’s oak floor. These types of accidents are both accidental and unpredictable, but they can leave the customer expecting repairs or replacements. Public liability insurance ensures that the cost doesn’t come directly from the fitter’s own pocket.
2) Cabinet Doors and Panels Scratching Floors and Worktops
Another common issue arises when moving kitchen units, cupboard doors or large panels around tight domestic spaces. Even when well-wrapped or carefully handled, a sharp corner can catch a floorboard or scrape the edge of a brand-new worktop. Kitchen fitters often have to manoeuvre materials through hallways or over existing flooring, and modern finishes, especially high-gloss or engineered surfaces, mark incredibly easily.
We’ve seen cases where a single misjudged movement caused a long scratch in luxury vinyl flooring, requiring a section to be replaced. In other instances, a wall panel brushed against a quartz worktop, leaving a visible abrasive line across the surface. These situations are deeply frustrating for fitters who take pride in their work, but public liability insurance helps resolve the issue professionally and without unnecessary financial strain.
3) Customers or Visitors Tripping Over Tools or Materials
A kitchen renovation area can become quite busy, particularly if customers, children, pets or additional contractors enter the space while work is in progress. Tools may be positioned temporarily on the ground, packaging might be stacked near entry points, or extension leads may run across walkways. Even when fitters try to keep the area organised, the risk of someone tripping is always present.
We have managed claims where a homeowner tripped over a toolbox and sustained a wrist injury, and another where a visitor entering the property slipped on plastic sheeting placed to protect the floor. Injuries involving third parties can lead to compensation claims not only for medical costs but also for pain, suffering and potential loss of earnings. Public liability insurance is designed specifically for these moments, covering the legal and financial consequences of unintentional injury to others.
4) Faulty Installations Leading to Water Damage
Water damage is among the most expensive types of accidental damage that can arise from kitchen fitting jobs. Even a small connection problem like a loose seal on a dishwasher inlet, a poorly tightened tap fitting or a misaligned waste pipe can cause leaks that spread behind cabinets or underneath flooring. Sometimes the issue isn’t immediately visible. A slow drip may continue unnoticed for days until swelling, staining, or mould becomes evident.
At Ashburnham Insurance, we’ve dealt with claims where a customer discovered water pooling beneath brand-new units just a day after installation, as well as incidents where laminate flooring had warped due to an overnight leak. These situations can require extensive repairs and replacements well beyond the original task, but public liability insurance can cover the costs arising from accidental damage.
5) Accidental Damage During Electrical or Appliance Installation
Kitchen fitters frequently integrate appliances, electrics and plumbing into a single installation. Although many work alongside specialist tradespeople, there are still occasions where moving appliances, cutting cable routes or drilling into walls can lead to unintentional damage. A drill might pierce a hidden pipe, a cable channel could expose wiring in the wrong place, or an appliance might be accidentally dented while being fitted.
Real-life examples include cracked tiles caused by drilling vibrations, damaged extractor-fan wiring or even an appliance being scratched when manoeuvred through a narrow doorway. These examples are the nature of working in confined and varied domestic environments. With public liability insurance, the financial repercussions of repairing the unintended damage are handled swiftly and professionally.
Why Being Covered Matters
Kitchen fitting is a skilled and rewarding trade, and most projects run smoothly. However, accidents like the ones above can happen no matter how experienced or careful you may be. Public liability insurance for kitchen fitters gives you reassurance and financial protection when something goes wrong, helping you maintain your reputation, safeguard your income and give customers confidence in choosing your services.
At Ashburnham Insurance, we understand the daily risks kitchen fitters face, and we provide tailored, affordable cover designed specifically for the trade. If you’d like guidance on choosing the right level of protection, we’re here to help you stay covered and keep working with peace of mind. Call us on FREEPHONE 0800 1696137.