Builders insurance for residential and commercial builders
Builders carry risk at every stage of a project: damage to the works before handover, injuries on site, theft of materials and plant, and liability for design and workmanship. Principal contracts often spell out exactly what insurance you must hold. We arrange cover for residential and commercial builders, developers and owner-builders across Australia.
Risks builders face
- Fire, storm, theft or vandalism damaging works in progress
- Injury to members of the public or damage to neighbouring property
- Theft of materials, tools and plant from site
- Claims about design decisions on design and construct jobs
- Contracts requiring specific limits and wording
- Damage to existing structures during renovations
What builders insurance usually includes
Contract Works Insurance
Protects the project itself and materials on site until practical completion.
Public Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage claims arising from your building work.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
For builders who provide design services or design and construct contracts.
What to check before you buy
Contract works and home warranty insurance are different. Home warranty (called domestic building insurance in some states) is a statutory cover that protects homeowners and is arranged through your state's scheme, while contract works protects the project during construction. We'll review your contracts, maximum project values, existing structures cover and how your policies interact with subcontractors' insurance.
Why work with a broker?
Policies that look similar on price can differ a great deal in what they pay for. As your broker, we act on your behalf: we ask the right questions about your business, compare options, explain the fine print in plain language and support you through any claim, wherever you are in Australia.
Common questions
What insurance does a builder need?
Most builders need contract works and public liability as a minimum, plus tools, plant and vehicle cover. Builders offering design services may also need professional indemnity.
Should I have an annual or single-project policy?
Builders running several projects a year usually benefit from an annual turnover-based policy. Single-project cover suits owner-builders, developers and one-off large projects.
Do my subcontractors need their own insurance?
Generally yes. Most builders require subcontractors to hold their own public liability, and it's important to check certificates of currency before work starts.
What is a certificate of currency?
A certificate of currency is a document from your insurer confirming that your policy is active, along with key details such as the type of cover, limits and expiry date. Principals, head contractors and councils usually ask for one before you start work, and we can issue them quickly.
Do builders need professional indemnity insurance?
If you provide design services, design and construct work or professional advice, professional indemnity may be needed and is often required by contracts. Builders who only build to others’ plans may not need it, but it’s worth reviewing your contracts and services with us.
How to get a quote
Getting a quote for your business 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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