Home ArticlesDiscovering the real cost of Mates’ Rates

Discovering the real cost of Mates’ Rates

by Andy Clutton

Being a tradesperson can come with some expectations from friends and family. But just how often are they helping out, and what is it costing them?

To find out, Tempcover commissioned a survey of 500 tradespeople to uncover the scale and impact of “mates’ rates” across the UK’s trade community. Trade-related favours for friends and family are a regular part of life for many in the industry. According to the data, over two-thirds (70%) of tradespeople say they help out at least once a month, with 18% doing it weekly and 8% even more often than that. Just 1% say they never do favours related to their trade.

Only one person out of the 500 surveyed said they usually charge their full rate for favours – the rest either give a discount (28%), work for free (26%), or accept a meal or small gift in return (45%). But the generosity comes at a price. When asked to estimate how much income they lose each year through unpaid or discounted favours, the average is £552, with one in six (17%) saying the cost exceeds £1,000.

Beyond the money, many tradespeople say there’s an emotional cost too:

  • 30% feel guilty saying no
  • 25% feel pressured to say yes
  • 20% say it feels awkward to bring up payment
  • And 16% sometimes feel taken advantage of

Despite this, 46% say they’re happy to help and 39% say they don’t mind if it’s quick or easy. 

Beyond their trade expertise, friends and family also ask for support with another asset: their van. Over half of tradespeople (52%) say that they are asked to help out at least once a month because they have a van, with nearly one in 10 (9%) being asked weekly. 

Claire Wills-Mckissick of Tempcover, said: “Many tradespeople feel an obligation to help because they own a van, even when it’s inconvenient or costly. But the fact that over a third (36%) would be open to letting others drive their van with temporary insurance highlights a demand for practical solutions that ease this pressure. Temporary business van insurance also provides a way for tradespeople to offer support without risking their no claims or sacrificing their time too.”

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