Insurance For Tradies

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*iSelect’s partnered with BizCover Pty Ltd to compare a range of small business insurers and policies in the market. Not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Our advice on this website is general in nature and does not consider your situation or needs. Consider if any advice is appropriate for you before acting on it. Learn more.

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Our aim is to help you make better informed decisions. That’s why iSelect’s content is produced in accordance with our fact-checking and editorial guidelines.

Find out more about how we make money.

View our Privacy Policy.

Compare business insurance the easy way

We’ve partnered with BizCover to help you compare business insurance policies.*

When you’re a tradesperson, having suitable cover should the unexpected happen could be good idea. No matter how skilled or experienced you may be, unforeseeable situations can still arise. Tradie insurance, can provide both financial cover and peace of mind if you find yourself facing a claimable event.

Prior to making a decision on a level of cover, ensure you review the Product Disclosure Statement for details of policy inclusions, limitations and exclusions.

What does tradie insurance typically cover?

Regardless of whether you’re a plumber, gardener, bricklayer, carpenter or undertake some other trade, tradies insurance provides a safety net for your business. The precise type of insurance coverages you’re likely to need will in large part depend on your industry and the specific tools and processes you use.

There are lots of different types of insurance products that you might consider, and many providers offer flexible options so you can choose the inclusions relevant to your trade.

Some business insurance products which may be considered by tradespeople include:

  • Public liability insurance: This can cover legal fees and compensation costs if a customer, member of the public, or a supplier sues you for injury or damage to their property as a result of your alleged negligent business activity*
  • Tax audit insurance: If your accounts are audited by the Australian Tax Office, you may need to hire external accountants to assist in the process. Tax Audit Insurance can cover a business for specified costs in responding to an official tax audit*
  • General property (tool insurance): Trade tools can be expensive, so if yours are lost, damaged, or stolen, this insurance is there to make sure you’re covered for their replacement up to policy limits*
  • Portable equipment: This can provide cover for your tools and other equipment used for business purposes only which travel with you*
  • Personal accident & illness insurance: Accidents can happen on even the most professional and organised working conditions. Should the unexpected happen, this product can cover your income or a portion of your income* if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury
business insurance for tradies infographic

Is business insurance compulsory for tradies in Australia?

As a self-employed tradie, having appropriate insurance is your responsibility. In your everyday role, you may be required to work on public and private property, and if you were to cause any accidental damage to a person or their property, you could be liable to pay a large amount in compensation.

Without adequate cover, this could severely harm your business, as well as your own personal finances, depending on the type of incident and your own personal circumstances.

Some types of insurance are mandatory for businesses across Australia,1https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Insurance/ while others are optional. The compulsory types can include:

  • Worker’s compensation: needed if you employ anyone
  • Compulsory third party personal injury insurance (CTP): necessary in some states if your business owns a motor vehicle

If you’re in the construction industry, most Australian states will not allow you to obtain a licence until you’ve taken out suitable insurance cover. Required insurance types often include:2https://www.business.gov.au/Planning/Industry-information/Building-and-construction-industry/

tradies reading book

How much will you need to pay for tradies insurance?

The cost of insurance for tradespeople varies depending on a range of factors. Factors which can impact the amount you’ll have to pay can include the following questions:

How much of a risk does your trade pose?

Businesses that operate in higher-risk environments may need to pay more to ensure they’re adequately covered.

How large is your business?

Generally, the more employees you have, the more chance there is of an accident happening. Larger businesses may have to pay more to ensure each member of staff is properly covered. You may also find your premium is affected by your business’ turnover rate and the number of years it’s been in operation.

What equipment do you use?

If you use more expensive tools and equipment, such as cranes and heavy machinery, this will probably cause your premium to increase.

Where do you operate?

Do you work in a high-risk area, such as somewhere that’s prone to storm or high winds? If so, your insurance provider may take this into account and charge a higher rate.

What’s the risk of not having suitable cover as a tradesperson?

tradie smiling

It’s common for members of the public to request information about a tradesperson’s insurance before they hire them for a project. That’s because without it, there is an increased risk to the customer.

If there were to be any damage to property or injury to your customer as a result of your work, your customer may struggle to get the compensation they’re owed if you don’t have sufficient insurance. These situations can put serious financial strain to your business, particularly if the customer sues you.

What kinds of trades may require some level of business insurance?

As examples, if you work in one of the trade fields listed below, then having business insurance may be suitable for you.

Compare tradie insurance with iSelect and BizCover

If you’re looking to find cover as a tradesperson, iSelect in partnership with BizCover can help you compare plans.. Get started comparing business insurance products online today, or call 13 19 20.

*Please note that all insurance is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the policy wording or Product Disclosure Statement. The information set out above is general only and should not be relied upon as advice.

Last updated: 25/07/2019

Get started on comparing business insurance today!

We’ve partnered with BizCover to help you compare from a range of business insurance policies.*

^As with any insurance, cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in your policy document. The information contained on this webpage is general only and should not be relied upon as advice.

*iSelect’s partnered with BizCover Pty Ltd (ABN 68 127 707 975: AFSL No.501769) to help you compare small business insurance policies. iSelect earns a commission from BizCover for every policy sold through the website or contact centre. iSelect and BizCover do not compare all providers in the market, or all policies offered by all providers. iSelect does not arrange policies from the providers we compare for you directly, but iSelect will refer you to our trusted partner, BizCover Pty Ltd who can.

Any advice provided on this website is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice iSelect gives you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on iSelect’s advice or purchasing any policy. You need to consider if the insurance policy is suitable for you. Please read the Financial Services Guide before buying any insurance policy.