Builders Insurance
Cover your construction projects with tailored Builders Insurance.
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02 9000 1155
What Is Builders Insurance?
Public liability
Covers costs if someone sues you for injury or damage caused by your scaffolding work.
Material damage
Covers damage to the project you’re working on, like a house or building, if something goes wrong (e.g., a fire or storm).
Other common covers (depending on the policy):
Product liability: Covers damage or injury caused by products you install, like faulty wiring or plumbing.
Legal expenses: Helps pay for legal fees if you’re taken to court over an incident related to your work.
Temporary works: Covers things like scaffolding or temporary structures used during the project.
Who Needs Builders Insurance?
If you work in construction, chances are you’ll need builders insurance (or a contract works package). Here are some common trades that should have it:
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New home builders: People building houses from scratch.
Renovators: Those fixing up or extending existing homes or buildings.
Carpenters: Workers handling timber framing, roofing, or other woodwork.
Bricklayers: Those laying bricks or blocks for walls and structures.
Concretors: People pouring concrete for foundations, driveways, or slabs.
Plumbers: Workers installing pipes, drainage, or gas systems.
Electricians: Those setting up wiring, lighting, or electrical systems.
Painters: People painting homes or commercial buildings.
Landscapers: Workers building retaining walls, paving, or other outdoor structures.
Demolition contractors: Those knocking down buildings or structures.
Basically, if you’re doing any kind of building or trade work that could accidentally cause injury or damage, you’ll likely need this insurance.
Who Needs Builders Insurance?
If you’re working on construction projects, you’ll likely need builders insurance (or contract works) to cover both the project you’re building and any injuries or damage to others. This is different from standalone public liability, which only covers third-party risks and not the project itself. Here are some common trades that typically need this insurance:
New home builders:
People building houses from the ground up need it to cover the project and any accidents.
Renovators
Those fixing up or adding extensions to homes or buildings need it for the work in progress and public risks.
Carpenters
Workers doing timber framing, roofing, or structural woodwork need it for the project materials and third-party risks.
Bricklayers
Those building walls or structures with bricks or blocks need it to cover their work and any accidents.
Concretors
People pouring concrete for foundations, slabs, or driveways need it for the project and public liability.
Plumbers
Workers installing pipes, drainage, or gas systems on construction sites need it to cover their installations and risks to others.
Electricians
Those setting up wiring or lighting in new builds or renovations need it for their work and third-party risks.
Painters:
If painting new homes or commercial buildings as part of a construction project, they need it. For standalone painting jobs, public liability might be enough.
Landscapers
If building retaining walls, paving, or other structures on a construction site, they need it. For simple garden work, public liability may suffice.
Demolition contractors
Those knocking down buildings need it due to the high risk of damage to the site and surrounding areas.
Basically, if you’re doing trade work on a construction site or handling materials for a building project, you’ll likely need builders' insurance to meet client and / or council requirements and protect yourself from risks.
Why You Need Builders Insurance
Covers accidents
If someone gets hurt or something gets damaged because of your work, this insurance helps pay for medical bills, repairs, or compensation.
Pays for legal stuff
If someone takes you to court over an accident or damage, it covers your legal fees.
Gets you jobs
Many clients, councils, or construction sites in Australia won’t let you start work without this insurance. It shows you’re legitimate and can cover any problems.
How to Pick the Right Builders Insurance
Work out what you need
Think about the size of your projects and the risks. Smaller jobs might need $10 million in public liability cover, while bigger ones might need $20 million or more.
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Check job rules
Some clients or sites will ask for a certain amount of cover. Ask them upfront so you get a policy that fits their requirements.
Compare options
Don’t just go for the cheapest policy. Check what each one covers, like injuries, property damage, or legal costs. Make sure it suits the kind of work you do.
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Read the details
Before you sign up, look at what’s covered and what’s not. Some policies might not cover risky tasks or might limit how much you can claim. If you’re confused, ask questions.
Talk to a broker
This covers your stock, cash, or equipment if they’re stolen or damaged in a break-in. It can help you replace items like tobacco products or registers.Glass and Signage Insurance for Your Shopfront: This covers the cost of fixing or replacing broken glass, like your shop’s windows or doors, and any signage if it’s damaged. It’s useful for tobacconists with large shopfronts.
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Frequently asked questions
What does builders insurance cover?
- Injuries to people, like workers or random passersby.
- Damage to things, like buildings, cars, or other property.
- Legal fees if someone sues you over an accident.
- Damage to the project you’re working on (like if a storm wrecks your half-built house).
What doesn’t it cover?
- Your own tools or equipment.
- Injuries to you or your employees (you’ll need separate workers’ compensation insurance for that).
- Damage you caused on purpose.
- Work you knew had potential for claim to begin with.
Does it cover subcontractors?
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