All the cover a tradie needs, in one simple package
You're on tools every day. Client property, your gear, injuries, damaged work, Tradies Insurance bundles Public Liability, tools cover, and income protection into one policy built for trades. Stop juggling separate policies and get back to work.
What could go wrong
Damaged client property, stolen tools, an injury on your worksite, or an injury that stops you working, any one of these can cost more than you'd expect. Here's what Tradies Insurance actually protects you from.
Your tools are stolen
Your van was broken into overnight. They take $15,000* worth of tools, drills, saws, power tools, hand tools, and your laptop. You can't work tomorrow without them.
Someone gets hurt at your worksite
You're a builder. A client walks through your worksite, trips over materials, and breaks their wrist.
They're off work for 6 weeks and claim $40,000* for medical costs and lost income.
You're injured and can't work
You fall off a ladder and break your leg. You're out of work for 12 weeks. Your bills don't stop, but your income does. Lost income: $20,000*.
What this actually covers
Tradies Insurance
Tradies Insurance typically bundles:
Public Liability:
- Damage to client property
- Injury to clients or the public at worksites
- Legal defence costs
- Compensation payments
Tools and Equipment:
- Hand tools, power tools, equipment
- Theft from vehicles or worksites
- Accidental damage
- Temporary hire costs for replacements
Professional Indemnity (if applicable):
- Mistakes in your trade work
- Faulty workmanship claims
- Breach of contract
- Defective work that causes loss
Income Protection / Accident & Sickness (often added):
- Weekly payments if you can't work due to injury or illness
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Up to 75-85% of your income covered
- Waiting periods apply (usually 14-30 days)
Commercial Motor (often added):
- Business use of vehicles
- Tools in transit
- Damage to work vehicles
- Liability while driving for work
When you need this
Pre-launch to first year
You need this from day one if:
- Visit client properties for work
- Use tools worth more than $5,000
- Have materials or equipment at worksites
- Work on residential or commercial sites
- Need to meet client or contract insurance requirements
Growing and hiring
Your cover needs to increase when:
- You hire employees
- You're taking on larger jobs ($50k+)
- You've invested in more tools and equipment
- You're working on commercial projects
- Contracts require higher liability limits ($20M+)
Established and optimising
Review your cover when:
- You've bought expensive new equipment
- You're subcontracting or using labour hire
- You've expanded into new trade areas
- You're doing design or consulting work (add PI)
- Your turnover exceeds $1M
Common questions
I only do small jobs, do I really need this?
Yes. Small jobs can have big consequences. A $200 repair job can cause $20,000 in damage if something goes wrong. Public Liability is essential for any tradie visiting client properties.
My client says I need $20 million cover, is that normal?
Yes. Many commercial clients and some residential projects contractually require $20 million in Public Liability. $10M used to be standard, but $20M is increasingly common.
Ensure your policy meets the contract requirements.
What if my tools are stolen from my van?
Tools coverage typically includes theft from locked vehicles, but there are conditions: the van must be locked, the tools must be out of sight, and the van must be parked securely overnight.
Some insurers exclude tools in vehicles entirely—check your policy.
Does this cover me for faulty workmanship?
Only if you have Professional Indemnity included. Public Liability covers damage you cause during work.
PI covers claims that your completed work was defective or faulty. Builders and renovators especially need PI.
Can I claim for tools that wear out?
No. The tools cover is for sudden loss, theft, fire, and accidental damage. Normal wear and tear isn't covered. If your drill breaks after 5 years of use, that's not a claim.
What if I can't work due to injury, how much will I get?
Income protection typically pays 75-85% of your proven income after a waiting period (14-30 days). You'll need to provide proof of your income with tax returns.
Payments continue until you are able to work again or reach the policy limit (typically 2 years).