Insurance for stonemasons and stone sculptors in Germany
Stonemasons and stone sculptors in Germany handle loads of several hundred kilos with saws, cranes and diamond tools. A headstone that topples years later, a stair tread that breaks or a kitchen worktop that cracks while being fitted: claims often come late and cost a lot. This page explains which insurance your business needs and what it costs.
Who is liable if a headstone falls over years after it was set?
German law (§ 836 BGB) applies strict rules to structures that collapse or come loose: the possessor has to prove he took due care. If the headstone was set badly, the grave holder or the cemetery will usually claim against the stonemason. That is why every business needs public liability with a high limit for injury and cover for past work.
What goes wrong in this trade
01
Toppling headstone
A headstone without proper dowels tips over and injures a visitor. The claim ends up with the stonemason.
02
Breakage while fitting
A granite worktop cracks as it goes in; material has to be reordered and the kitchen waits for weeks.
03
Crane work
While unloading, the crane swings a stele into a house wall or a parked car.
04
Damage to buildings
Laying stairs or window sills damages plaster, tiles or pipes.
05
Machines
Bridge saws, waterjet cutters and CNC mills are expensive and every breakdown hurts.
06
Dust and noise
Silica dust and noise affect health. Anyone who falls ill often cannot continue in the trade.
For disputes over defects, colour differences and invoices.
What it costs: example prices
Premiums depend on turnover, staff and type of work: headstones, building work with stairs and facades, and kitchen worktops are rated differently. Crane work and costly machines push the premium up.
Insurance
Example
Typical range
Business liability
Small headstone business, two people, €5 million cover
about €450 to €900 a year
Business liability
Stonemason with six staff, building work and worktops
about €1,200 to €2,800 a year
Machinery breakdown
Bridge saw and edge grinder, new value €150,000
about €700 to €1,800 a year
Business contents
Stock of raw material and finished stones worth €120,000
about €350 to €900 a year
Car insurance
7.5 tonne lorry with loading crane, liability and partial cover
about €1,500 to €3,000 a year
For comparison: Public liability for a small headstone business costs about as much a year as a simple grave surround.
Guide figures from our quoting work, excluding German insurance premium tax, October 2026.
Your premium depends on your business, region and claims history;
Six claims stonemasons really see, all on one day. Click through and see who pays.
Damage so far€46,500
Unloading, the crane arm swings and a stele hits the neighbour's house wall.
€6,500 · Paid by: Car insurance
The granite worktop cracks as it is fitted; material and cutting are lost.
€4,800 · Paid by: Business liability
A headstone set three years ago topples and breaks a visitor's foot.
€18,000 · Paid by: Business liability
The bridge saw fails with a bearing fault and orders pile up.
€9,500 · Paid by: Machinery breakdown
On the way to the cemetery, a finished stone slides on the truck bed and breaks.
€3,200 · Paid by: Cargo insurance
A homeowner refuses to pay for outdoor steps, claiming colour differences.
€4,500 · Paid by: Business legal expenses
Which package would you have had?
Paid by insurance: €0
Out of your own pocket: €46,500
Illustrative amounts before any excess.
What is paid depends on the policy terms.
Practical tips from your broker
Have crane damage during loading and unloading expressly included in liability or motor cover.
Agree cover for damage to items worked on; otherwise a cracked worktop is often not covered.
Photograph dowels and foundations when setting headstones.
Tell the insurer all your work areas: headstones, building, facades and worktops are rated differently.
Insure machines at new value; a bridge saw easily costs six figures.
Make sure cover continues for past work after you stop trading.
Why NAMMERT for your business
We understand long tail liability
Stone lasts decades, and so does liability. As an insurance broker, Norman Nammert compares several insurers and checks cover for past work and crane damage.
We know heavy claims
In boat insurance we handle claims ourselves, including cranes and trailers.
Workshop, vehicles and family
Business, fleet and private provision are handled together.
Family run since 1989
Our advice is free for you; the insurer pays our commission.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
What insurance does a stonemason need?
Mainly public liability including damage to items worked on and crane damage, plus motor,
machinery and contents insurance.
Is public liability compulsory for stonemasons?
Not by law.
Cemetery administrations and clients often ask for proof before you can work.
Do I need a master craftsman qualification?
Stonemasonry is a licensed craft under Annex A of the German Crafts Code,
so registration in the crafts register generally requires a master qualification or an equivalent.
What does insurance for a stonemason cost?
From our quoting work, public liability for a small headstone business starts at about €450 a year.
With machines, crane and building work, a package is usually €3,500 to €7,500.
Who pays if a worktop cracks during fitting?
That is damage to the item you are working on.
It is only covered if that extension is agreed, often with an excess.
Are my employees covered for accidents at work?
Yes, employees are insured by law through the Berufsgenossenschaft.
As the owner you can join voluntarily.
NAMMERT insurance broker
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