Tradies can experience claims involving liability, property damage, tools, vehicles and work performed at client premises or construction sites.

The circumstances vary considerably between trades, so not every example below will apply to every business.

Third-party property damage #

Common allegations can arise from accidental damage to property while work is being performed.

Examples include:

• Water damage
• Damage to underground services
• Scratched or damaged flooring
• Overspray
• Damage caused by falling materials
• Damage to surrounding structures

These claims may fall under Public Liability Insurance, subject to the policy wording and circumstances.

Personal injury #

Liability claims can also arise where clients, members of the public, subcontractors or other people are injured in connection with the work.

Claims involving subcontractors can be particularly complex because policies can contain different conditions, exclusions or excesses.

You can read more about engaging subcontractors.

Theft of tools and equipment #

Theft of tools is another common issue for trade businesses.

Whether a claim is covered depends on the policy and circumstances.

Conditions can apply to:

• Theft from vehicles
• Overnight storage
• Locked toolboxes
• Worksite storage
• Unattended vehicles
• Evidence of forced entry

Do not assume every theft automatically falls within cover.

Examples by trade #

Plumbers

Claims can involve:

• Water damage
• Damage arising from excavation
• Incorrectly installed fittings
• Damage to surrounding property

Electricians

Claims can involve:

• Electrical faults
• Fire damage
• Damage to client equipment
• Third-party injury

Carpenters

Claims can involve:

• Property damage
• Falling materials
• Damage associated with installation work
• Theft of portable tools

Roofers

Claims can involve:

• Water ingress
• Damage caused by falling materials
• Third-party injury
• Damage to surrounding property

Painters and decorators

Claims can involve:

• Overspray
• Paint spills
• Damage to finishes
• Third-party injury around work areas

Different claims can involve different policies #

Depending on what has happened, the relevant insurance could include:

• Public Liability
• Products Liability
• General Property
• Commercial Motor
• Contract Works
• Plant and Equipment
• Professional Indemnity

Contact our team if you would like to review the insurance exposures associated with your trade.