Types of insurance for tradies
The business insurance tradies ask about most, in plain English. Most start with public liability, then tools and vehicles, then workers comp once they employ people.
Cover for the job, the gear and you.
The job
- Public liabilityCan cover claims that your work injured someone or damaged their property.
- Workers compCover employers arrange for workers hurt or made ill by their work, under each state's rules.
- Contract worksCan cover damage to the works on a building job while they're underway.
- ContractorsWhat head contractors ask subbies for, from public liability to a certificate of currency.
The gear and you
- ToolsTheft of, or damage to, the tools and equipment you work with, up to the policy limits.
- VehiclesThe vehicles you use for work, for damage, theft and damage to others, depending on the policy.
- Accident and illnessCan pay a weekly benefit if injury or illness stops you working, depending on the policy.
- Sole tradersHow the covers fit together when you work for yourself on an ABN.
Which cover comes up when.
General information only. What suits you depends on your work and your contracts, so talk it through with a broker.
Starting out on an ABN
Public liability is usually first, because clients and builders ask for it. Sole traders also look at personal accident and illness cover, for time off if they're hurt or sick.
Subbing for a builder
The head contractor sets what they need to see, often public liability at a set limit and a certificate of currency.
Your tools and vehicle
Tools, stock and the ute or van you work from are the gear most tradies insure next.
Taking on staff
Taking on staff brings in workers comp, and we can arrange it in every state and territory. Each state sets its own rules on who you have to cover.
Building jobs
On a build, the works themselves can be covered while they're underway.
If you can't work
Personal accident and illness cover can pay a weekly benefit if injury or illness stops you working, depending on the policy.
Sort your cover.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or email mate@tradies365.com.au.