Trades Package Insurance. Done Right.

Trades insurance is a package of policies designed for tradies. It commonly includes public liability, tool insurance, contract works, personal accident & illness, commercial motor, and optional covers like tax audit or professional indemnity.

Yes. All worksites, builders, councils, and principal contractors require it. Liability protects you if your work causes injury or property damage to a third party.

Many job sites require $10m and is the industry recommendation, while government and commercial contracts often require $20m. Smaller domestic-only tradies may be fine with $5m, but it depends on your risk and who you work for.

Yes. Public liability covers third-party personal injury caused by your business activities, including legal defence and compensation costs.

No. Liability only covers injuries to others. You’d need Personal Accident & Illness or Workers’ Compensation for injuries to yourself or workers.

Generally, yes – this is one of the most common liability claims. Damage must be accidental, not deliberate or faulty workmanship.

Usually no. Faulty workmanship itself is excluded, but some policies may cover resultant damage (damage caused by the fault).
Example: poor wiring isn’t covered, but a fire caused by the wiring may be.

“Hot work” refers to work involving open flames, heat, sparks, or high-temperature tools, such as:

• welding
• grinding
• soldering
• oxy cutting
• blow torches

Some insurers require special conditions or precautions (e.g., fire extinguishers, fire-resistant blankets) when performing hot work.

Many policies do not automatically cover subcontractors. Subbies are usually required to have their own liability insurance, and your insurer may ask for proof. If you direct or supervise subcontractors, you may be legally liable for their actions unless properly insured.

This must be advised to your insurer/broker as they require total labour-hire costs to be declared. Coverage varies – it’s important to tell your insurer how many workers, what they do, and whether they’re supervised.

Yes – if you have Tool/General Property Insurance. Theft must normally involve forced entry and evidence (e.g., damaged locks, police report).

Tool/General Property insurance affords cover for this. 

Coverage is afforded when a policy is taken, this can extend to overnight theft only if tools are:

• stored in a locked, secured vehicle or box
• not visible from outside
• parked off the street or in a locked garage (in some policies)

Many insurers apply limits or exclusions, so it’s important to check.

Yes – this can depend on the insurer. Most insurers require that if an item exceeds a set limit of $2500, it needs to be specified individually on the policy.

Yes. You can insure trailers, machinery, vehicles, and other high-value equipment for comprehensive cover.
However, Public Liability insurance does not cover liability for any registered items, such as registered vehicles or trailers.

If the item is registered, it must be insured under a Commercial Motor policy or a Contractors Plant policy, as these policies provide the required road-risk liability cover.

Contract Works covers accidental physical damage to a construction site or project you’re working on. There are optional covers that can be included as well for items not limited to but including contractor tools, existing structures, principal supplied materials.

It’s useful for builders, carpenters, landscapers, and trades doing renovations or fixed-price contracts on a single project or annual basis.

Not always. Many policies only cover new works, with existing structures requiring an optional extension.

It pays a weekly benefit if you’re unable to work due to injury or illness (depending on your cover). It helps with income replacement while you are medically certified unfit for work and are recover.

Most policies cover you 24/7, including weekends and non-work-related injuries. Subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions.

No. Injuries or illnesses you had symptoms of before taking out the policy are normally excluded.

Yes. A company may need cover for multiple insured entities or employees. A sole trader may only need cover for themselves. Structure affects liability exposure and claims.

In many states, yes – especially for:

• electricians
• plumbers
• builders
• gas fitters

Minimum cover levels may apply depending on the state.

Not automatically. You typically need Commercial Motor Insurance, Contractors Plant or Mobile Plant & Equipment cover for vehicles, trailers, bobcats, excavators, etc.

Depending on the claim type:

• photos of damage
• receipts, serial numbers, or proof of ownership
• police reports (for theft or malicious damage)
• job contracts or invoices (for liability)
• witness statements

The more evidence you provide, the faster the claim moves.

Tool claims may resolve in days. Liability claims can take weeks or months depending on investigation, third parties, and repair quotes.

Typical reasons include:

• changes in your turnover or subcontractor use
• additional tools or machinery listed
• claim history
• inflation and rising repair costs
• industry-wide claim trends

Yes – most insurers allow monthly payments. There is usually a small premium funding fee included.

Yes.

• Tax audit covers accountant costs if audited by the ATO
• Professional indemnity applies if you design, certify, or provide advice.

These can be added depending on your work scope.