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Trades Insurance

Trades insurance is a general name for the covers many tradies arrange together. It often starts with public liability and can extend to tools, vehicles and income.

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Some insurers offer packages for specific trades. Others place each cover separately. Your broker can help compare how the pieces fit together.

Who this insurance may suit

  • Electricians and plumbers
  • Carpenters and builders
  • Painters, tilers and plasterers
  • Landscapers and gardeners
  • Boat builders and marine tradespeople
  • Sole traders and small trade crews

Why this cover may be important

Most trade work happens on other people's property. A slip, a dropped tool or a leaking fitting can lead to a liability claim.

Tools and vehicles are how a tradie earns an income. Losing them through theft or damage can stop work until they are replaced.

Potential areas of cover

Cover varies between insurers and policies. Depending on the policy, cover may include:

  • Public liability

    Cover may include claims for injury to others or damage to their property arising from your work.

  • Tools and equipment

    Portable tools may be covered against theft or damage on site, in the vehicle or at home, within item and total limits.

  • Vehicle cover

    Utes and vans used for work can be insured under a commercial motor policy.

  • Personal accident and illness

    Some tradies arrange cover that may pay a weekly benefit if injury or illness stops them working. This is separate from workers compensation.

  • Contract works

    Builders may need cover for the works under construction, depending on the contract and project type.

  • Professional indemnity

    Trades that design or certify work may consider professional indemnity, as liability policies often exclude advice.

Common risks

  • Damage to a client's home while working
  • A client or passer-by injured on site
  • Tools stolen from a ute overnight
  • A vehicle accident on the way to a job
  • Injury or illness stopping work
  • Faulty workmanship claims

What may not be covered

Every policy has exclusions, limits and conditions. Some common considerations include:

  • Faulty workmanship itself is often excluded, although resulting damage may be covered, depending on the policy.
  • Tools left in unattended vehicles may need to be out of sight and the vehicle locked.
  • Height, depth and hot work restrictions may apply to liability cover.
  • Workers compensation is a separate state-based requirement for employers, arranged through state schemes or authorised insurers.

Always read the Product Disclosure Statement and policy wording. Your broker can explain how they apply to you.

Why work with Tasman Insurance Group

  • We take time to understand your business or circumstances before discussing cover.
  • Where applicable, we approach suitable insurers and compare the options available.
  • We explain exclusions, limits and excesses in plain English before you decide.
  • We help with changes during the year, renewals and claims.

Trades Insurance FAQs

What insurance do tradies usually need?

Many tradies start with public liability, then consider tools, vehicle and personal accident cover. Licensing bodies and head contractors may set specific requirements.

Are my tools covered in my ute?

Tools may be covered in a vehicle under a tools or portable equipment section, often with conditions such as the vehicle being locked. A broker can talk through your situation.

Do I need workers compensation as a sole trader?

Workers compensation rules are set by each state and territory. Sole traders without employees are often not required to hold it, but personal accident cover may be worth considering.

Does public liability cover poor workmanship?

Generally it does not cover the cost of fixing your own work. It may respond to resulting damage to other property, subject to the policy terms.

Related insurance solutions

Ready to talk about trades insurance?

Request a quote or call us. We'll ask about your circumstances and discuss the options available.

Get a QuoteCall 0470 349 217
Call 0470 349 217Get a Quote