Public liability insurance can cover claims for death, injury or property damage caused by your negligence, subject to the policy's terms, limits and exclusions. Check the cover required by your state, occupation and contracts, then give a licensed broker or insurer a written description of the work. Compare the same scope and limits and read the issued policy back against that brief.[1]
What public liability is, and what it is not
Business.gov.au says public liability insurance covers you if someone dies, is injured or has property damaged because of your negligence. It may cover injury or death, emotional distress or a recognised psychiatric illness, property damage and consequential loss where negligence causes another business to lose expected revenue.
It is a different cover from workers compensation for employees, income protection for you, professional indemnity for mistakes in advice or services, and portable equipment insurance for your tools. Product liability may also be relevant if you make, sell or supply goods, even in the form of a repair or service.
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Is it required?
Business.gov.au lists public liability among insurances that some states and territories need for certain occupations. That means requirements depend on your state and your trade, so do not assume a universal figure such as $20 million applies. Check with your state regulator, industry association or a professional adviser, and note that clients or head contractors may set their own minimum cover.
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Brief your broker
The list below is our recommended workflow. A written brief makes quotes comparable and shows what you asked for.
| Item | What to tell them | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Legal entity | Exact insured legal entity, trading name and ABN; trustee details if operating through a trust | The policy must name the right insured |
| Trades and work | Install, service, repair, commercial or residential, any work at heights or with refrigerants | Insurers rate by activity |
| Subcontractor work | Whether you use subcontractors and what they do | Can affect what is covered |
| Sites and territory | Where you work and any interstate jobs | Territory limits can apply |
| Required limits | Any limit your regulator, client or head contractor asks for | Avoids buying below a stated minimum |
| Exclusions and excess | Ask for both in writing | Shows what you carry yourself |
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Broker brief you can copy
Replace every square bracket and send the same text to each broker or insurer.
Subject: Public liability quote request, [business name] Insured: [legal entity and ABN] Trades and activities: [list] Residential / commercial split: [text] Subcontractors used: [yes / no, what they do] Sites and states: [list] Products or goods supplied or installed: [list] Limit required by regulator, client or head contractor: [text and source] Limit I would like quoted: [text] Excess options: [text] Please confirm in writing: policy wording, exclusions, excess, territory, and whether the cover includes work by subcontractors. After the policy is issued I will read the schedule and wording back against this brief and note any differences.
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Where to get advice
Business.gov.au suggests a licensed insurance broker, insurer or business adviser. You can find an authorised general insurer on the APRA register and check a broker's licence on the ASIC professional register. It also suggests asking insurers whether they offer packages tailored for your business type. This guide does not recommend a provider or give a premium.
Sources[1]
Common questions
- How much does public liability insurance typically cost in Australia?
- Get quotes for the actual business activities, required limit and excess, using the same written brief each time. Compare the policy wording and exclusions alongside the price; a price for a different trade or scope does not show what your own cover will cost.[1]
- Is tradesman insurance the same as public liability?
- Not necessarily. Public liability is one type of cover, and other covers such as workers compensation, professional indemnity and portable equipment insurance protect different things. A package sold to tradies may bundle several covers, so read the policy to see exactly what is included.[1]
Official sources
Checked 16 October 2026. Rules can change; use these sources to check the requirements for your job.
Related guides
- Does an HVAC business need an ARC handling licence, trading authorisation, or both?
- How do trade businesses distinguish employees and contractors?
Job workflows for HVAC businesses.
Put it to work on the next job
Leadhand keeps your clients, sites and job records in one place, which makes it easier to describe your work and sites accurately in a broker brief.
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