The construction industry has changed hugely in 20 years. Now any sensible builder puts on his hard-hat to start a job on-site, and an aerial erector straps on a harness on a slippery roof. You protect yourself in case of accident in ways your grandad would never have dreamed of.

But is that really protection enough?

Here are our top five reasons why we think personal accident insurance is vital to everyone from quantity surveyor to glazier.

1) OK, the obvious one first. Accidents happen and when they do you lose work, and pay. Insurance helps cover that loss. It can be a weekly allowance if you’re recovering and heading back to work, or a big lump sum if you’re permanently disabled.

2) If a scaffolder drops a pole on your head it’s pretty clear who’s to blame and you’ll probably be compensated, but how many accidents are that clear cut? Will you be able to prove it wasn’t your fault, if you can’t and you don’t have your own insurance, you’re on your own?

3) Your client isn’t going to happily sit around waiting for you to get better. If you’re a glazier they’re won’t just live with a hole in the wall where the window used to be, if you’re a decorator they will want their room back. With insurance, you’ve got money to get in someone else to finish up for you.

4) Your income stops with injury, but the bills don’t. We’re talking work bills here as well as the cost of running your home and family. What about the running costs of the van, the rented gear tied up in the job, the joiner you sub-contracted, the draughtsman who’s bill is lying on your desk. You don’t want to let them down and you want a business to come back to. An income helps make that happen

5) You’ll sleep better at night. And that’s priceless.

What do you get with most Personal Accident Insurances?

All cash lump sum payments are tax free (under current legislation)

No medical is required

Cover starts from £10,000 and may be available up to 5 x your gross annual income (to a maximum of £250,000) dependent on your occupation

Low monthly premiums start from only £1.02 per month

Available to people aged 18 – 64 inclusive

A simple online quotation process, tailored around you and your job

Buy online in minutes and get your documents immediately by email

What can be added to most Personal Accident Cover?

Accidental death cover

Permanent total disablement cover

Temporary total disablement cover

What extra benefits can I add to most Personal Accident Policy Covers?

Bereavement Benefit

Home Alteration Benefit

Funeral Expenses Benefit

Dependants’ Benefit