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What is sole trader insurance?

Australia is home to over 700,000 sole traders1, and it’s no mystery why. Sole traders enjoy a lot of freedom, from setting their own hours to choosing the people they work with. 

But when you’re flying solo, you’re also personally responsible for every part of your small business. If anything goes wrong, it’s up to you to fix it. Mistakes, accidents and other unplanned events could potentially damage your finances or even put you out of business. 

Sole trader insurance is designed for the needs of sole traders and the self-employed. It could help you cover a long list of unexpected events that could impact your small business. 

A sole trader woman at a desk, working on a laptop.

Why do sole traders need insurance?

Sole traders might need business insurance to work in certain industries or occupations. Your clients may also require you to have certain forms of coverage to work with them.

Acquire professional licenses

Secure a business loan

Work as a contractor or sub-contractor

Pay legal costs if you face a liability claim

Who needs sole trader business insurance?

Business insurance is essential for many disability support workers, home care workers, and many more, including:

What types of insurance do sole traders need?

We offer a range of policies designed to cover your business, tools and stock. Build an insurance package that suits your needs and buy in minutes.

Public Liability

Covers costs and legal fees if you negligently cause injury to a member of the public or damage to property.

Public Liability insurance

Professional Indemnity

Covers losses and legal fees as a result of alleged or actual negligence in your professional services or advice.

Business Insurance Pack

Package cover under one policy to protect assets and liabilities. Can include legal fees, repair costs, and business interruption.

Business Insurance

Personal Accident & Illness

Covers individuals for loss of income if unable to work as a result of an injury or illness in or outside of work. Limits apply.

Personal Accident insurance

Cyber Liability

Protection against claims and supports your profitability following a broad range of cyber events.

Cyber Insurance

Let’s cover your small business on the go

Start a quote to see how much you can save and buy online in minutes.

How much does sole trader business insurance cost?

The average cost of business insurance for sole traders will vary with BizCover. The cost of your policies will depend on different factors, such as the services you provide and the size of your business.

A smiling plumber stands in front of a kitchen sink

Factors influencing cost

Risks of the industry 

Cover level amount

Annual turnover

Number of employees

Claims history

Get cover that works with the risks of your business

Select different cover amounts for each policy listed below.
This is the most you will be paid out if you need to make a claim.

Cover levels to choose from

  • $5M
  • $20M

Cover levels to choose from

  • $250K
  • $10M

Underinsurance

We know it’s tempting to select a lower level of cover to reduce premiums, but this can leave businesses shocked and insufficiently covered when making a claim.

Ways underinsurance catches business owners out:

Inflation

With inflation, the cost of living and doing business increases. Remember to cover you, your tools and assets for the rising costs of replacing or covering them, not what you paid for them – you may be surprised at the difference.

Not covering the full cost of your risks

If you select cover levels for less than the value you may be found liable – left out of pocket when it comes to claims time. It’s important to review your risks and determine how much you will need to cover any claim that may come your way.

Sole trader insurance cost

Factors influencing cost

Risks of the industry

Cover level amount

Annual Turnover

Number of Employees

Claims History

Get cover that works with the risks of your business

Select different cover amounts for each policy listed below.

This is the most you will be paid out if you need to make a claim.

Cover levels to choose from

  • $5M
  • $20M

Cover levels to choose from

  • $250K
  • $10M

Unsure how much to choose? Think about:

Statutory professional requirements

Cover required by contracts

Number of employees being covered

Your contract value

Worst case scenario claim size

Underinsurance

We know it’s tempting to select a lower level of cover to reduce premiums, but this can leave businesses shocked and insufficiently covered when making a claim.

Ways underinsurance catches business owners out:

Inflation

With inflation, the cost of living and doing business increases. Remember to cover you, your tools and assets for the rising costs of replacing or covering them, not what you paid for them – you may be surprised at the difference.

Not covering the full cost of your risks

If you select cover levels for less than the value you may be found liable – left out of pocket when it comes to claims time. It’s important to review your risks and determine how much you will need to cover any claim that may come your way.

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See how much others have saved while purchasing policy through BizCover

Colette

Disability Care Worker from

NSW

Saved

$1,200

on

Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance

Disability care worker
Andrea

Beautician from

VIC

Saved

$1,500

on

Business insurance Pack and,
Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance

Andrea, Beautician saved $1,500 on Professional Indemnity, Public Liability and Business Insurance
Deborah

Cleaner from

VIC

Saved

$3,600

on

Public Liability insurance

Cleaner from VIC saved on Business Insurance with BizCover
Lance

Electrician from

ACT

Saved

$800

on

Public Liability insurance

Electrician saved $800 on Public Liability insurance
Stephen

IT Professional from

VIC

Saved

$1,500

on

Information Technology Liability insurance

IT Professional saved on IT Liability with BizCover
Linda

Restaurant owner from

NSW

Saved

$1,000

on

Business Insurance Pack and
Public Liability insurance

Restaurant owner saved in Business Insurance with BizCover

Frequently asked questions

A sole trader can work in any occupation, from accountants and electricians to real estate agents and yoga teachers! Luckily, there are many insurance options that can help you address the unique risks of your small business.

Here are common types of sole trader insurance that you might consider for your business:

  1. Public Liability: Public Liability insurance for sole traders is designed to protect your business if a customer, supplier or a member of the public claims they were injured or sustained property damage as a result of your negligent business activities.
  2. Professional Indemnity: If you provide your clients with expert advice or recommendations, you might want to consider Professional Indemnity insurance. Professional Indemnity insurance is an important form of protection for sole traders that provide professional advice or specialist services. It is designed to respond to claims against your business for losses that result from actual or alleged negligent acts or omissions in the provision of your professional advice or service.
  3. Business Insurance: Business Insurance for sole traders is an insurance package designed to provide cover for your business contents, stock, tools and commercial premises when an insured event occurs (such as fire, storm, theft or even accidental damage). Your Business Insurance package can be customised to include coverage that fits your needs as a sole trader. This might mean covering your portable equipment, business interruptions, tax audits or other parts of your business.
  4. Personal Accident & Illness: Personal Accident and Illness insurance can provide cover if you become permanently disabled or pass away because of an accident. Cover can also include a weekly benefit for loss of income if you are unable to work due to an unexpected injury or illness (even if it occurs outside of your employment).

Hear from our customers

BizCover NZ Rating 4.7/5 on Feefo

Great service, every single question of mine was answered to 100% satisfaction, keep it up mate.

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Excellent, thank you. Quick and easy to fill out

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Made life easy for me in a small business

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