Public liability insurance for Australian businesses
If a customer, supplier or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, because of your business activities, you could be held legally responsible. Public liability insurance covers the compensation and legal costs that follow, so one accident doesn't put your business at risk. We arrange public and products liability cover for sole traders, tradies and businesses of every size across Australia.
Who needs public liability insurance?
- Tradies and contractors working on client sites
- Retailers, cafés and businesses with customers on premises
- Event organisers, market stallholders and hospitality venues
- Manufacturers, importers and wholesalers who need products liability
- Businesses whose contracts, leases or councils require proof of cover
What public liability insurance can cover
Every policy is different. Depending on the insurer and options you choose, cover can include:
- Compensation for third-party bodily injury
- Compensation for damage to third-party property
- Legal defence costs, even when a claim is unfounded
- Products liability for goods you make, sell, import or supply
- Cover for work done away from your premises
- Limits commonly from $5 million to $20 million or more
What to check before you buy
Public liability doesn't cover injuries to your own employees (that's workers compensation, arranged through your state scheme), damage to your own property, or losses caused by professional advice, which is where professional indemnity comes in. Check what limit your contracts require: many head contractors and councils ask for $10 million or $20 million. We also check exclusions that commonly catch tradies out, such as heat work, height limits, underground services and work on existing structures.
Why arrange public liability insurance through a broker?
Policies that look similar on price can differ a great deal in what they actually pay for. As your broker, we act on your behalf. We’ll ask the right questions, compare options, explain the fine print in plain language and be there to support you if you need to make a claim, wherever you are in Australia.
Public Liability Insurance: common questions
Is public liability insurance compulsory in Australia?
It isn't required by law for most businesses, but it's often required in practice. Head contractors, landlords, councils, event venues and industry licensing bodies frequently make it a condition of working with them.
How much public liability cover do I need?
It depends on your industry and contracts. $5 million is a common minimum, while construction, events and government work often need $10 million or $20 million. We'll look at your contracts and risks and recommend a sensible limit.
Does public liability cover my tools and equipment?
No. Public liability covers your legal liability to other people. Your tools and portable equipment are covered under general property or a business package policy, which we can arrange alongside it.
How much does public liability insurance cost?
Premiums depend on your occupation, turnover, claims history and the limit you choose. Lower-risk occupations can be quite affordable, while higher-risk trades cost more. A broker can approach multiple insurers to find the right balance of cover and price.
What’s the difference between public liability and products liability?
Public liability covers injury or property damage arising from your business activities, such as work on a client’s site. Products liability covers injury or damage caused by goods you make, sell, import or supply after they leave your hands. The two are often combined in one policy, and if you sell or supply products, we make sure both are included.
Does public liability cover work done by my subcontractors?
It can cover your legal liability for work subcontractors do on your behalf, but many insurers expect subcontractors to hold their own public liability and may limit cover if they don’t. Collect a current certificate of currency from every subcontractor before work starts, and let us know how much work you subcontract so your policy reflects it.
How to get a public liability insurance quote
Getting a quote is simple, and there is no obligation. Call Carly on 0497 100 469 or send an email with your business name and ABN, a short description of what you do, your approximate turnover and number of staff, a copy of your current policy schedule if you have one, and details of any claims in the last five years.
If your contracts or lease set specific insurance requirements, send those too.
We will ask a few questions about your operations, approach suitable insurers on your behalf and come back with options explained in plain language, including what is and isn’t covered. Once you choose, we arrange your cover and send your documents, then review it with you at every renewal so your insurance keeps pace with your business.
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