Do you have public liability insurance?
re-spon-sa-bi-li-TÀ — six syllables; strong stress on the last; a-ssi-ku-ra-TSYO-ne — six syllables; stress the fifth.
Ask this before authorising any significant work. If a tradesperson causes damage to your property or injures someone, their liability insurance (assicurazione RC — responsabilità civile) covers the damages. Without it, you may end up with an uncollectable claim.
Assicurazione per la responsabilità civile verso terzi (RC — public liability insurance) is not legally mandatory for all Italian trades but is strongly advisable. Reputable Italian tradespeople have it. It covers accidental damage caused to third parties (your property, neighbours' property) during work. Always ask for the policy number and insurer's name.
L'assicurazione copre eventuali danni alla mia proprietà?
Does the insurance cover any damage to my property?
Clarifying the scope; RC policies should cover third-party property damage.
Può mostrarmi la polizza assicurativa?
Can you show me the insurance policy?
Asking to see documentation; a legitimate tradesperson will have no objection.
Se si fa male un operaio in cantiere, chi è responsabile?
If a worker gets hurt on site, who is responsible?
Important question; employer's liability (INAIL) must cover workers, not the homeowner.
Italy introduced compulsory professional civil liability insurance for several regulated professions (lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers) in 2013. For builders and other tradespeople, it remains voluntary but industry associations strongly recommend it. Italian insurance companies like Generali and Unipol offer specific RC professionale policies for tradespeople. The growth in renovation work driven by tax incentives has accelerated uptake of these policies.