Running a business means dealing with the unexpected. Whether you operate a small business, work as a sole trader, or manage a large company, having public liability insurance ensures that you’re financially protected if someone makes a claim against you for injury, property damage, or legal costs.
At PublicLiability.com.au, we help business owners find affordable, tailored insurance solutions to suit their industry, risk level, and business activities.
We love tech and digital, but we’re also big believers that your small business deserves the personal touch.
That’s why every quote we issue is reviewed by one of our team of qualified and experienced insurance brokers.
It might take a little longer than the 100% online options, but it gives you the peace of mind knowing that your business information has been reviewed by a real insurance broker.
There are typically two ways for a small business to obtain public liability insurance.
1. Buy a policy online
2. Speak with an insurance broker
Option 1 comes with the risk that you buy the wrong policy. It might only take you five minutes to “buy” the insurance, but to properly read and understand the various policies could take hours, if not days.
Option 2 has less risk in terms of getting the right advice, but the downside is that you have to take time out of your business to speak with an insurance broker.
There is a third option…
PublicLiability.com.au gives you the best of both worlds!
We give you the convenience of doing everything online or over the phone, but we have a team of experienced insurance brokers to ensure you’re getting the right advice and policy information.
Many business owners in Australia know that they need public liability insurance, but fewer understand exactly what the cover is and what it protects them against.
Businesses are exposed to a huge range of risks, and one of those is the risk that their business activities could result in property damage or personal injury to another person.
This is the type of risk which public liability protects against, and in this guide we will take a more in depth look at this important form of cover.
What Does It Cover?
A public liability policy will cover your business in the event that you cause personal injury or property damage to another person or entity, as a result of your business activities.
A public liability insurance policy protects your business if your actions or negligence cause personal injury or property damage to another person or entity during the course of your business operations.
There are countless potential claims, but one of the most common for tradespeople involves faulty workmanship that leads to property damage or injury. For example, an electrician who installs faulty wiring that results in a fire may be held liable for the damages.
In the retail industry, one of the most frequent claims is the slip and fall accident. If a customer trips on an unmarked wet floor in your store and suffers an injury, they may take legal action to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses.
Without insurance, your business would have to cover these costs out of pocket, which can be financially devastating. A public liability policy ensures that your insurer absorbs the financial burden, allowing you to focus on running your business without worrying about unexpected legal claims.
What Doesn’t It Cover?
All public liability policies will have various exclusions for events which they do not cover.
One of the major factors to keep in mind is that a public liability insurance policy will not cover you or your workers for any property damage or personal injury that you or they suffer.
If you damage your own property of cause yourself a personal injury, the policy will not cover you. The same goes for your workers, and also and incidents between you and your workers.
You or your insurance broker will need to read through the product disclosure statement (PDS) to check for any other exclusions which may affect your business.
How Much Do I Need?
Public liability insurance policies are generally issued in amounts of $5, $10, $15 and $20 million. More cover may be available in special cases.
In terms of how much you need, often it depends on any requirements which have been placed upon you by others.
For example if you do any work within schools or shopping centres you may be required to hold a higher amount of public liability, whilst if you are doing domestic work you may be able to get away with the minimum $5 million cover.
Public Liability Quotes
Getting a public liability insurance quote is easier than ever thanks to the many insurance brokers operating across Australia. Whether you are a small business owner, sole trader or contractor, securing the right coverage at a competitive price is crucial to protecting your livelihood.
You do not have to stick to a local broker as many Australian insurance brokers operate nationally and can provide quotes no matter where your business is located. However, it is essential to choose a broker who understands the local laws, industry regulations and compliance requirements specific to your business. The wrong policy could leave you exposed to financial risk if it does not meet legal or contractual obligations.
If you already have a trusted insurance broker, speak with them about your public liability policy options. If you are unsure where to start, feel free to contact us and we will help connect you with a reliable and experienced broker who can provide expert advice tailored to your business needs.
Do plumbers in Victoria need public liability insurance?
Yes, if you’re a licensed plumber in Victoria, you must have public liability insurance, it’s a legal requirement set by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Your policy needs to meet the standards of the Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order 2002, which covers you for things like property damage, personal injury, and legal costs.
If you’re working in other states, public liability insurance isn’t always mandatory, but most plumbers get it anyway. Many clients and contractors won’t hire you unless you’re covered.
Is public liability insurance compulsory for electricians in Queensland?
Yes, in Queensland, if you’re applying for an electrical contractor’s licence, you must have public liability insurance. The law requires at least $5 million in cover, plus a minimum of $50,000 in consumer protection insurance. This rule is set out in the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 and helps protect customers if something goes wrong.
In other states, electricians aren’t always legally required to have public liability insurance, but it’s still a smart move. Many large contracts and industry bodies won’t let you work without it.
Do builders and contractors need public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance is something most builders and contractors wouldn’t go without. Accidents happen, whether it’s property damage or someone getting injured on site, this insurance protects your business from costly claims. Plus, many clients and contracts won’t let you start work without it.
Do subcontractors need their own public liability insurance?
Yes, you do. If you’re a subbie, don’t assume the main contractor’s policy will cover you, it usually doesn’t. Many contractors will require you to have your own insurance before hiring you. It’s the best way to protect yourself from claims that could otherwise land you in serious financial trouble.
Do self-employed tradies need public liability insurance?
As a self employed tradie, you don’t have a boss covering you, you’re fully responsible if something goes wrong on the job. Public liability insurance covers accidental damage, injuries, and legal claims, keeping your business (and personal assets) safe.
Does public liability insurance cover mobile businesses?
Absolutely. If you run a mobile business, whether you’re a cleaner, gardener, handyman, hairdresser or mobile mechanic, public liability insurance protects you if you accidentally damage a customer’s property or someone gets injured because of your work. It’s peace of mind, especially when working in people’s homes or public spaces.