Handyman Public Liability Insurance

Public Liability Insurance for a Handyman*

As a handyman, your job often involves manual labour, which inherently carries a range of risks. With such a broad range of tasks, accidents are always a possibility.

Public liability insurance may provide financial protection for you and your business in the event of accidents resulting in bodily injury, property damage, or injury to others. While it’s not a legal requirement for handymen, having public liability insurance is worth considering. A single accident such as knocking a client’s vase over while repairing a wall may lead to costly claims for damages. Without insurance coverage, you may be responsible for covering the costs out of pocket which could severely impact your business.

Moreover, many real estate agencies and property managers in Australia require proof of public liability insurance before you can take on their projects. This insurance not only protects you financially but also meets industry standards, making you a more attractive choice for potential clients.

What Are the Risks of Not Having Public Liability Insurance?

Operating without public liability insurance may leave your business vulnerable to significant financial and legal risks. If a client, member of the public, or a third party is injured because of your work, or if you accidentally damage someone’s property, you could be held responsible for compensation. These claims can quickly escalate, with legal fees and repair costs adding up fast.

Beyond the financial burden, a lack of insurance may damage your professional reputation. Many clients prefer to hire handymen who are insured, as it gives them peace of mind knowing they’re protected if something goes wrong. Without coverage, you may miss out on potential jobs, limiting your business growth and opportunities.

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What Does Public Liability Insurance Cover for Handymen?*

Does It Cover Accidents and Injuries to others?

Yes, public liability insurance may cover accidents and injuries that occur to others as a result of your work or if you damage their property. For example, if a client trips over your tools and is injured, your policy may cover medical expenses and compensation claims. It does not cover accidents and injury to you or your employees. This is covered by completely different insurance covers such as Personal Accident Insurance or Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

Does It Cover Property Damage?

Yes, public liability insurance may also cover accidental property damage to others property. For example, if you’re working on a ladder and it slips and crashes into your client’s window, the insurance may help cover the cost of repairs. This ensures that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for potentially expensive property damage claims.

Does It Cover Legal Fees?

Yes, if a client or third party sues you for damages or injuries as a result of your work causing them an injury or damaging their property, your public liability insurance may cover the legal fees associated with defending yourself. This may include court costs, lawyer fees, and any settlements. Having coverage for legal expenses is crucial, as legal battles can be both time-consuming and costly, particularly if you are a small business or operating as a sole trader.

How Much Does Public Liability Insurance Cost for Handymen?

What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost?

The cost of public liability insurance for handymen can vary based on several factors. The size and scope of your business, the type of work you perform, and if you have filed any claims in the past can all influence your premium. Additionally, the amount of coverage you choose and your claims history will also impact the cost.

How Can a Handyman Obtain Public Liability Insurance?

What Are the Steps to Get Insured?

Getting public liability insurance is a simple and straightforward process:

Call 1300 670 250 during business hours and speak to a public liability insurance broker.
Submit an enquiry online with us and a public liability insurance broker will call you within 24 hours.

What Information is Needed?

When applying for public liability insurance, you’ll typically need to provide documentation about your business, including your business licence, details of the work you perform, and your previous claims history (if applicable). Insurers may also ask for financial records and proof of past work experience.

What are Some Tips for Choosing Suitable Public Liability Insurance for a Handyman?

Coverage limits and inclusions/exclusion: Ensure you understand the coverage limits to confirm they are adequate for potential accidents or damages. Also, be aware of any exclusions in the policy – for example, most public liability insurance does not cover asbestos removal.
Business size and type: Larger businesses or those engaging in higher-risk activities might need more extensive coverage. Tailor your insurance to the specific risks associated with your trade.
Claims process: Choose an insurance broker known for efficient and responsive claims handling to avoid delays and complications when you need to make a claim.
Additional coverage options: Explore any optional add-ons or additional coverage that might be relevant to your business. For example, you might want to consider coverage for equipment, tools, or professional indemnity, depending on the nature of your work.

How to compare different public liability insurance for a handyman business?*

Compare handyman public liability insurance from a range of leading insurers with the help of our liability brokers.

List of insurers we may compare public liability policies for handyman businesses:

We do not typically compare all the above insurers for the one client, or all products offered by all the insurers. Depending on the business activities we will typically compare between 0-8 insurers.