Why tradies need business insurance

Everyday Tradies are exposed to variety of risks in their work – third-party injuries or property damage, lost or damaged tools, and equipment breakdown are just a few of these common risks. Covering these risks with business insurance can help to protect businesses from the cost of these risks occurring.

Customise your insurance to the risks of your business and get business insurance that is the right fit for you. Here are some of the types of insurance trades businesses often choose to cover their risks.

Public Liability insurance

Public Liability insurance is designed to provide protection for you and your business in the event a customer, supplier or a member of the public brings a claim against you due to their being injured or sustaining property damage as a result of your negligent business activities.

Public Liability insurance can cover*:

• Personal Injury – Compensation costs for personal injuries suffered by a third party, such as a customer, supplier or member of the public.
• Property Damage – Compensation for damage to property owned by a third party due to your negligent business activities.
• Legal & Defence – The legal and defence costs associated with a claim.
• Damage in custody – Compensation for damage of third-party goods not owned by you which are in your care, custody or control.

Many worksites will require Tradies to have Public Liability insurance to get on site, but this isn’t the only type of cover that can cover the risks Tradie businesses face.

Here are some more types of insurance you could use to cover your Tradie risks:

Personal Accident & Illness insurance

Personal Accident and Illness insurance can provide cover should you become permanently disabled or pass away as a result of an accident. Cover can also include a weekly benefit for loss of income if you are unable to work as a result of an unexpected injury or illness (even if it occurs outside of your employment).

Personal Accident & Illness insurance can cover*:

• Loss of income – Resulting from injury, illness or a combination of both
• Disablement – An optional extension that covers the loss of physical or mental function
• Death Benefits – An optional extension that covers your death
• Business Expenses – An optional extension that can help you cover ongoing business bills

Professional Indemnity insurance

Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance is an important form of protection for businesses that provide specialist services or professional advice. It is designed to respond to claims against your business for losses as a result of actual or alleged negligent acts or omissions in the provision of your professional service or advice. PI Insurance will also assist with some of the legal costs associated with responding to or managing claims which are covered by the policy.

Professional Indemnity insurance can cover*:

• Providing your client with negligent advice
• Breaching your professional duty
• Confidentiality and other privacy breaches
• Defamation, libel or slander

Statutory Liability insurance

Statutory Liability insurance protects you, your business and your employees against certain unintentional breaches of some Australian laws. It also covers the costs of representation related to investigation costs for alleged breaches, as well as defence costs, and fines or penalties payable following a conviction.

Statutory Liability insurance can cover*:

• Costs and expenses from official investigations and inquiries
• Pollution Liability defence cost
• Fines and penalties

Portable Equipment insurance

Portable Equipment insurance (also known as General Property insurance) covers you for loss and damage to items of portable equipment associated with your business. These can include tools of trade and items of stock.

Portable Equipment insurance can cover*:

• Fire, storm, water, explosion, impact or malicious damage
• Accidental damage
• Theft of equipment securely attached to a vehicle
• Collision or overturning of the conveying vehicle
• Theft following forcible and violent entry
• Photographic equipment, Tools, Mobile Communication and Electronic Devices

Machinery Breakdown insurance

Covers the cost of having nominated machines in your business, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, repaired or replaced following a breakdown.

Machinery Breakdown insurance can cover*:

• Unexpected breakdown of machinery
• Cost of repair
• Unexpected damage to machinery
• Cost of replacement

Types of tradies who can get business insurance:

• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Landscapers
• Cleaners
• Plumbers
• Painters
• Handymen
• Bricklayers
• Builders
• Tilers
• Lawn Care
• and many more

Protect yourself and your business from the headache of your risks turning into reality with business insurance. Compare quotes from multiple insurers and buy online with BizCover.

*This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording or Product Disclosure Statement (available on our website). Please consider whether the advice is suitable for you before proceeding with any purchase. Target Market Determination document is also available (as applicable). © 2025 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved. ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769.