Tradies
8 Docs
Do I Need Contract Works Insurance if I Already Have Public Liability?
Last Updated: August 9, 2025If you already have Public Liability Insurance, it’s natural to ask whether Contract Works Insurance is also necessary. The short answer is — yes, you likely need both. They serve very different purposes and work together to protect your construction business. Here’s the core difference: Contract Works Insurance covers the actual project while it’s being built.If your site is damaged by a storm, fire, theft, or vandalism, this policy helps cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding the work. Public Liability Insurance covers injury or damage to third parties.It responds if someone is injured on site or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property during the job. Why Public Liability isn’t enough on its own: Public Liability won’t cover: Damage to the structure you’re building or renovating Tools, equipment, or materials stolen from the site Storm, flood, or fire damage to the project Damage caused by subcontractors Rework due to accidental errors on-site That’s where Contract Works steps in. It protects the project’s value and helps ensure you’re not left out of pocket if something goes wrong during the build. Why do most builders and contractors need both? Public Liability protects people and property in the vicinity of your work....
Why should Tradies use an Insurance Broker instead of managing their own Insurance?
Last Updated: August 9, 2025The demands of running a trade business often leave little time to manage insurance effectively. Working with an insurance broker allows you to focus on your work while ensuring your cover is correctly arranged and maintained. Using a broker means you benefit from: Access to policies tailored for trades and construction Guidance on how to disclose your work accurately to avoid claims issues Claims support, with the broker managing communication and negotiation with insurers on your behalf Ongoing advice as your business changes, so your cover remains relevant Clarity on policy limits, inclusions and exclusions before you commit Legislative requirements can also vary from state to state, particularly when it comes to areas such as workers compensation, proportionate liability and licensing obligations. A broker understands these differences and can help ensure you remain compliant no matter where you operate. Contact us to discuss your business and find insurance solutions that meet your trade’s specific needs.
What is Contract Works Insurance, and do I need it?
Last Updated: August 25, 2025Contract Works Insurance is designed to cover physical construction projects against damage or loss during the course of the build. It is generally taken out for the full value of a specific project and covers risks such as fire, storm, vandalism, theft of building materials, and accidental damage during construction. Because the policy is based on the entire value of the project, it is typically arranged by the Principal or Head Contractor as the party responsible for overseeing the job from start to finish. If you are working as a Subcontractor on a construction project, you would not usually require your own Contract Works policy. Instead: You should have your own Public Liability Insurance to cover injury or damage caused by your work The Material Damage section of the Contract Works policy held by the Principal should cover all materials on-site, including those you supply as a subcontractor However, if you run your own projects directly for end clients, such as building a home, renovating a bathroom, or constructing a deck, you may be considered the Principal for insurance purposes. In these cases, a Contract Works policy may be required to protect: The value of the work and project materials ...
Can I combine multiple Insurances under one Policy?
Last Updated: August 25, 2025Combining your business insurances under a single policy can be an effective way to simplify administration and ensure key covers are in place. One of the most common ways to do this is with a Business Package Insurance policy, which can include: Public Liability Tools or General Property Business Interruption Commercial Motor (depending on the insurer) Portable Equipment or Stock This approach makes renewals easier, reduces paperwork, and can help minimise coverage gaps. However, combining policies is not always the best option. In some cases, such as when arranging Contract Works Insurance, it can be more beneficial to hold separate policies with different insurers. This may provide broader coverage, better policy terms, or a more competitive price. In the trades and construction sector, insurers generally do not offer a bundling discount for combining multiple insurances, so using more than one insurer can often deliver better overall value. As your broker, we review all available options and act as your single point of contact, even if your insurance is spread across multiple policies and insurers. This ensures you have the right balance between convenience, cost, and protection. Contact us to discuss your business needs so we can design an insurance structure...
What are some common claims that Tradies experience?
Last Updated: August 9, 2025Common claims for tradies often involve third-party property damage, personal injury, or theft. These incidents can occur on any job site, regardless of trade or experience level. One of the most frequent issues across all trades is injury to subcontractors or other workers. Claims of this nature can be complex because coverage is not always automatically included under every public liability policy. In some cases, insurers apply very high excesses to these types of incidents. Without the right policy structure, you could be left with significant out-of-pocket costs. Another frequent claim across trades is theft of tools or equipment. It is important to note that most policies require evidence of forcible and violent entry or visible damage for the theft to be covered. This means that if tools are stolen from an unlocked vehicle or unsecured site without signs of forced entry, the claim may be declined. Understanding these nuances is essential to avoid gaps in coverage. Below are examples of claims specific to some popular trades. Plumbers Water damage from burst pipes or incorrectly fitted fixtures Third-party property damage from excavation or backflow Injury to subcontractors while handling heavy equipment or working in confined spaces Electricians Electrical fires or...
How can I Insure my Tools?
Last Updated: August 9, 2025Tools Insurance is usually arranged under a General Property Insurance policy, which can be either a section within a standard Business Insurance policy or, in some cases, a standalone policy offered by certain insurers. As a tradie, it protects your portable equipment and tools against theft, fire, accidental damage, and loss during transit, storage, or use. Cover is generally available in two ways: Specified Items – High-value tools or equipment are individually listed on the policy with their insured value. This ensures the insurer knows exactly what you own and the value it should be replaced for. Unspecified Items – Lower-value tools are covered under a blanket limit, for example, up to $2,500 per item, without having to list each tool separately. When deciding whether each tool needs to be individually insured, consider its value and how critical it is to your work. High-value or specialised equipment is usually better specified to ensure it is fully covered. Many policies insure tools on a replacement value basis, which means you need to know what your tools are worth new, not at a depreciated cost. This ensures you have enough cover to replace them like-for-like if they are stolen or damaged. Keeping...
What does Public Liability cover a Tradie for?
Last Updated: August 10, 2025Public Liability Insurance is one of the most important protections for tradies. It covers your business if your work causes: Injury to a third party, such as a client, subcontractor, or member of the public Damage to property, for example, scratching a client’s floor, breaking a window, or damaging underground services Legal defence costs if someone alleges you were negligent or caused harm Injury to subcontractors can be a complex area. Some policies provide limited or no coverage for these claims, while others may have very high excesses. If you work with subcontractors, it is essential to understand how your policy responds so you are not caught out in the event of a claim. Public Liability Insurance is often required to work on construction sites or under a building licence, and is frequently requested by principal contractors or clients before you start work. Contact us to ensure your Public Liability policy is set up correctly for your work and operations.
What type of Insurances do Tradies commonly require?
Last Updated: August 10, 2025Tradespeople face a unique set of risks depending on the work they perform, the sites they visit, and any licensing or contractual obligations. The core insurances most tradies require include: Public Liability Insurance to protect against third-party injury or property damage Tools Insurance, usually provided under a General Property Insurance policy Plant and Equipment Insurance for larger machinery or specialist gear Commercial Motor Insurance for work vehicles and trailers used for business Building Indemnity Insurance where required for residential building work Workers’ Compensation Insurance if you employ staff or apprentices Income Protection or Personal Accident Insurance, particularly for sole traders who rely on their ability to work Optional covers to considerMany tradies also benefit from optional policies that protect against broader business risks: Management Liability Insurance for risks such as employment disputes and statutory liability Professional Indemnity Insurance if you provide design, certification, or advisory services Cyber Insurance if you store client data or rely on cloud systems and email for your operations Specialist cover by trade and locationCertain trades have additional mandatory insurance requirements depending on the state or territory. For example: Plumbers in Victoria are required to hold specific plumbers’ liability insurance Electricians in Queensland need electrical contractor...