Public liability insurance for tradies – and other covers you may need
- Tradies are exposed to a variety of risks every day
- From digging in the wrong spot, to tools being misplaced or property damaged, risks are everywhere
- Having the right cover in place – starting with public liability insurance – can help manage those risks
When you’re working as a tradie there’s a host of things that could go wrong, from losing tools to accidentally causing damage to a property. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself and your business.
We’ve put together this handy checklist of some of the most common risks faced by our top trades: construction, landscaping, electrical and fire security, carpentry, cleaning and pest control.
Also featured are types of insurance cover to consider, including public liability insurance which most trade businesses need.
Construction and site preparation
Working up a ladder with heavy power tools can be a dangerous combination for those working in the construction industry. Other key risks may include:
- Damage to client or public property
- Injury to workers or third parties due to falling materials or equipment
- Accidents involving heavy machinery or tools
- Theft of tools, materials, or equipment
There are a few insurance policies that businesses in the construction sector may need.
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is a key policy for every trade business. In the construction industry, it can cover claims of injury or property damage to third parties.
Portable Items cover for tools
As you move between construction sites from job to job, your tools can get damaged or misplaced. This insurance could also cover your phone, laptop and more.
Theft cover for tools
Tools can be expensive, and you’ll be hard pressed to do your job without them. So, if you work from a set premises regularly, theft cover can provide protection for your tools if they go walkabout.
Landscaping and gardening
Falling trees and sharp blades are just a couple of risks facing gardeners. Other risks for landscaping businesses might include:
- Damage to underground utilities such as pipes and cables
- Injuries to third parties caused by machinery like lawn mowers, chainsaws and hedge trimmers
- Accidental property damage
- Theft of expensive tools
Insurances to consider for those working in landscaping include:
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance could protect you against third-party injuries, or property damage because of your work.
Tool and equipment insurance
Landscaping and gardening relies on many tools of the trade – and some are very expensive. Tool insurance could help you get back to business if things go missing. Consider Portable items, or Theft cover if you have a permanent base to work from.
Business buildings and contents
If you have an office or a storage shed, it’s important the structure is protected – as well as what’s inside it.
Related article: Insurance for tradies
Electrical and fire security systems
When you work in an electrical or fire security business, you face some significant risks, including:
- Fire hazards and electrical malfunctions that can cause property damage
- Electrocution risks
- Theft of expensive electrical tools and equipment
- Liability for incorrect installations
Key insurance policies to help protect your business can include:
Public liability insurance
This covers your business against injuries and property damage that may result from work such as installations.
Tool and equipment insurance
Electricians and fire security professionals rely on their tools – so it might be worth considering Portable items cover for your tools if you’re travelling from job to job. Then there’s theft cover, which can help if your tools are stolen from your premises.
Machinery breakdown
If you’re using cleaning machines and other equipment, this cover can come into play if it breaks down.
Carpentry and woodworking
Power tools and sharp nails can be a common cause of mishaps, which is why it’s important to protect yourself and your business. Key risks facing a chippy include:
- Injuries from saws, drills, and other power tools
- Property damage from incorrect fittings or installations
- Fire hazards from working with flammable materials
Insurance policies that can help protect your carpentry business include:
Public liability insurance
This could help protect you against claims related to accidents and property damage.
Tool and equipment insurance
Without your tools, you’re unable to work. Tool and equipment insurance can help protect the valuable tools you rely on. Consider looking at Portable items or Theft cover if you work from a dedicated premises.
Related article: How to cover your trade tools
Cleaning and pest control
Working with chemicals, often in a wet environment, is often part of the job as a cleaner. Risks facing cleaning and pest control businesses may include:
- Accidental slips and falls due to wet floors or cleaning chemicals
- Chemical exposure risks
- Damage to client property, such as stained carpets or broken fixtures
Insurance policies cleaning and pest control businesses might consider include:
Public liability insurance
This type of insurance protects your business against claims of injury or property damage.
Tool and equipment insurance
Protect the tools and equipment you rely on to do your job.
Machinery breakdown
This type of insurance policy provides cover for cleaning machines and other equipment if they break down.
Product liability insurance
Product and public liability insurance are considered essential for most small businesses, and come standard with a QBE Small Business Insurance policy.
Protect the business you’ve worked hard at
When you’re busy working day in, day out, it can be easy to look at the cost of insurance as an expense you can save on. It’s also easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “she’ll be right, mate”.
But that means you could be just one slip away from finding yourself in financial hot water.
Having the right insurance policies in place gives you confidence to get on with each day, safe in the knowledge you have a safety net supporting you and your business.
