A tiler’s angle grinder kicks a chip of porcelain through your lounge room window. A roofer’s apprentice falls from scaffolding and breaks his collarbone. A plumber’s blowtorch scorches the timber framing inside your wall cavity. Each of these scenarios raises a single, immediate question: is the tradie insured?
Checking a tradesperson’s insurance before work begins is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself, your property, and your finances. Yet most homeowners skip it entirely. They check licences, compare quotes, and read reviews, but never ask to see proof of insurance. This guide walks you through exactly how to verify a tradie’s insurance coverage in Australia, what documents to request, what to look for on those documents, and what to do when something does not add up.
For a detailed explanation of what public liability insurance covers and how much a tradie should carry, see our companion guide: Public Liability Insurance for Tradies: What Australian Homeowners Should Check.
Four Types of Insurance You Should Check
Not every tradie needs every type of insurance. But as a homeowner, you should know which types exist and when to ask for them.
1. Public Liability Insurance
This is the big one. Public liability insurance covers property damage and personal injury caused by a tradesperson’s work. If a painter spills a tin of enamel on your timber floors, or an electrician’s work causes a fire, public liability covers the repair costs and any legal claims.
When to expect it: Every job, every trade, every time. Industry standard coverage is $10 million for residential work. Some sole traders carry $5 million, which is acceptable for small domestic jobs. High-risk trades (demolition, asbestos removal, tree lopping) should carry $20 million.
Who requires it: QBCC requires minimum $5 million for all licensed contractors in Queensland. Most state licensing bodies require it as a condition of holding a contractor licence.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If your tradie employs anyone (apprentices, labourers, subcontractors in some states), they must hold workers’ compensation insurance. This covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages if a worker is injured on your property.
Why you care: Without it, an injured worker could potentially make a claim against you as the property owner. Each state runs its own workers’ compensation scheme:
| State | Workers’ Comp Authority | Sole Trader Exempt? |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | WorkCover Queensland | Yes (optional) |
| NSW | icare / State Insurance Regulatory Authority | Yes (optional but recommended) |
| VIC | WorkSafe Victoria | Yes (optional) |
| WA | WorkCover WA | Yes (optional) |
| SA | ReturnToWorkSA | Yes (optional) |
| TAS | WorkSafe Tasmania | Yes (optional) |
| ACT | Aon (default fund manager) | Yes (optional) |
| NT | NT WorkSafe | Yes (optional) |
When to check: Any time a tradie brings workers, apprentices, or subcontractors onto your property. Sole traders are generally exempt but can take out voluntary cover.
3. Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity covers financial losses caused by incorrect advice, faulty designs, or errors in professional judgement. It applies to trades that involve design, specification, or certification work.
When to expect it: Primarily for building designers, architects, engineers, building surveyors, and energy assessors. Also relevant for:
- Builders who provide design-and-build services
- Electricians and plumbers who issue compliance certificates
- Any tradesperson who signs off on specifications
State requirements: VIC, QLD, WA, and NT already require professional indemnity for registered building practitioners. NSW is mandating it for registered building practitioners from July 2026.
4. Home Warranty Insurance (Home Building Compensation)
Home warranty insurance (called Home Building Compensation in NSW) protects you if a builder becomes insolvent, dies, or disappears before completing or rectifying major defects.
When it applies: Residential building work above state thresholds:
| State | Threshold | Insurer |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | Over $3,300 | QBCC provides cover directly |
| NSW | Over $20,000 | icare HBCF |
| VIC | Over $16,000 | VMIA |
| WA | Over $20,000 | QBE, various |
| SA | Over $12,000 | Various approved insurers |
| TAS | Over $20,000 | Various approved insurers |
| ACT | Over $12,000 | Various approved insurers |
Your builder must give you the insurance certificate before starting work or taking a deposit. It is a legal requirement in every state. For a full breakdown, see our Home Warranty Insurance Guide.
What Is a Certificate of Currency?
A certificate of currency (CoC) is the single most useful document you can request from any tradesperson. It is a one-page document issued by the tradie’s insurer that confirms their policy is active and lists the key details of their coverage.
Think of it as the insurance equivalent of a licence card. Any insured tradie can produce one in minutes, either by downloading it from their insurer’s online portal or by calling their broker.
A legitimate certificate of currency will include:
- Insured party name and ABN
- Policy number
- Type of cover (public liability, workers’ compensation, professional indemnity)
- Sum insured (the maximum payout, e.g. $10 million)
- Policy period (start date and expiry date)
- Insurer name (the underwriting company, not just the broker)
- Description of insured activities (what trade or work type the policy covers)
A CoC is not a full copy of the policy. It does not list exclusions or specific conditions. It simply confirms that coverage exists and is current as of the date printed.
Cost to the tradie: Free. Every insurer in Australia provides certificates of currency at no charge.
How to Read a Certificate of Currency
Knowing what to look for on a CoC can save you from accepting a document that looks right but does not actually protect you.
Check these five things:
1. The dates. The policy period must cover the dates your job will be performed. If the certificate expires next week and your renovation runs for three months, the tradie needs to show you a renewed certificate before the old one lapses.
2. The business name and ABN. The name on the certificate should match the name on your quote or contract. If your quote is from “Smith Electrical Pty Ltd” but the certificate is in the name of “John Smith” as a sole trader, ask why. It could be legitimate (trading name vs legal entity), but it could also mean the policy does not cover the business doing your work.
3. The sum insured. For public liability, look for at least $10 million on residential work. $5 million is the minimum, and anything below $5 million should give you pause. For workers’ compensation, coverage is statutory (set by the state scheme), so the sum insured is less relevant.
4. The insurer name. The certificate should name a recognisable Australian insurer or Lloyd’s syndicate. Names like QBE, Allianz, Zurich, CGU, Vero, GT Insurance, or a Lloyd’s of London syndicate are standard. If you do not recognise the insurer, check they hold an APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) licence at apra.gov.au.
5. The description of activities. Some policies restrict coverage to specific trade activities. A policy that covers “residential painting” will not cover a painter who also does minor plastering repairs unless plastering is listed. Check that the insured activities match the work you are hiring them to do.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify a Tradie’s Insurance
Follow these steps before any tradesperson starts work on your property.
Step 1: Ask for certificates before signing a contract
When you receive a quote, ask: “Can you please send me your certificate of currency for public liability insurance?” If the tradie employs workers, also ask for their workers’ compensation certificate.
Phrase it as routine. Most professional tradies expect this request, especially on jobs over a few thousand dollars. A simple email works: “Before we proceed, could you send through your current certificates of currency for public liability and workers’ comp?”
Step 2: Review the certificates
Check the five items listed above: dates, business name, sum insured, insurer name, and activity description. This takes about two minutes.
Step 3: Verify the policy is genuine
If you want extra assurance, call the insurer directly. The insurer’s name and contact details are on the certificate. Give them the policy number and ask: “Can you confirm this policy is current and covers [trade type] work?”
This step is optional for small jobs but recommended for large renovations ($20,000+), high-risk work (demolition, electrical, roofing), or any time something feels off about the certificate.
Step 4: Check the licence separately
Insurance verification does not replace licence verification. Use TradieVerify’s search tool to check your tradie’s licence status, or go directly to the state regulator:
- QLD: QBCC Online Licence Search
- NSW: NSW Verify Licence
- VIC: VBA Practitioner Register
- WA: DEMIRS Online Licence Search
- SA: CBS Licence Search
- ACT: Access Canberra
For a full walkthrough of licence verification, see our guide: How to Check a Tradesperson’s Licence in Australia.
Step 5: Keep copies on file
Save the certificates with your contract and quote documents. If something goes wrong during the job, you will need the policy number and insurer details to lodge a claim or seek legal advice.
Insurance Requirements by Trade
Different trades carry different risk profiles, and insurance expectations vary accordingly. Here is what to expect for common trades:
| Trade | Public Liability | Workers’ Comp | Professional Indemnity | Home Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Builder | $10M-$20M (required by most states) | Required if employing | Required in VIC, QLD, WA, NT | Required above state thresholds |
| Electrician | $10M-$20M | Required if employing | Sometimes (if certifying) | Varies by state |
| Plumber | $10M-$20M | Required if employing | Sometimes (if certifying) | Varies by state |
| Painter | $5M-$10M | Required if employing | Rarely needed | Varies by state |
| Tiler | $5M-$10M | Required if employing | Rarely needed | Varies by state |
| Landscaper | $5M-$10M | Required if employing | Rarely needed | Rarely applies |
| Roofer | $10M-$20M (high-risk trade) | Required if employing | Rarely needed | Varies by state |
| Demolition | $20M (high-risk trade) | Required if employing | Rarely needed | Rarely applies |
| Pest Control | $5M-$10M | Required if employing | Sometimes | Does not apply |
| Air Conditioning | $10M-$20M | Required if employing | Sometimes (if certifying) | Varies by state |
Note: “Required if employing” means the tradie must hold workers’ compensation insurance if they have any employees, including apprentices and casual workers. Sole traders without employees are exempt in all states but can take out voluntary cover.
Red Flags: Signs of Fake or Inadequate Insurance
Watch for these warning signs when reviewing a tradie’s insurance:
They refuse to provide a certificate. Any insured tradie can produce a CoC within minutes. Refusal or long delays (“I’ll get it to you next week”) usually means they are not covered, or their policy has lapsed.
The certificate is a photocopy or screenshot. Legitimate certificates are PDF documents emailed directly from the insurer’s system. A blurry screenshot or a certificate that looks like it has been edited should raise questions. Ask for the original PDF or request it be emailed directly from the insurer.
The dates do not match. A certificate that expired two months ago is worthless. A certificate issued six months ago with a 12-month policy period might still be valid, but check the expiry date. Insurance can be cancelled mid-term.
The business name does not match the quote. If your contract is with “ABC Renovations Pty Ltd” but the insurance certificate is in the name of “Joe Bloggs trading as JB Building,” there is a mismatch. The work might not be covered under that policy.
Unusually low coverage. Public liability of $1 million or $2 million is below the minimum standard for any Australian trade. Industry standard is $10 million for residential work. A tradie carrying only $1 million might be trying to minimise premiums at your expense.
No insurer name or an unrecognisable insurer. Every CoC names the actual underwriting insurer. If the certificate only names a broker, or names an insurer you cannot find on APRA’s register, verify before proceeding.
They say “I’m covered under someone else’s policy.” A subcontractor might claim they are covered by the head contractor’s insurance. This can be true in some cases, but you should verify it with the head contractor. Blanket subcontractor cover under a principal’s policy often has restrictions and exclusions.
What to Do If a Tradie Has No Insurance
If a tradesperson cannot provide proof of insurance, you have several options:
Option 1: Do not hire them. This is the safest choice. An uninsured tradie doing work on your property creates an unacceptable risk. If something goes wrong, you may be liable for property damage, injuries, or both.
Option 2: Give them time to obtain cover. If you have a strong preference for a particular tradie (perhaps they came highly recommended or their quote is significantly better), let them know insurance is a requirement. Public liability insurance can be purchased online in under an hour, with certificates issued same day. Annual premiums start from around $400 to $800 for low-risk trades.
Option 3: Check your own home insurance. Your home and contents insurance may provide some coverage for damage caused by tradespeople, but this varies by policy and insurer. It will not cover injuries to the tradie or their workers, and making a claim could increase your premiums. This is a backup, not a substitute for tradie insurance.
What about the Australian Consumer Law? Under the ACL, all tradespeople must provide services with due care and skill, and services must be fit for purpose. These statutory guarantees apply regardless of insurance status. But winning a fair trading or tribunal claim against an uninsured sole trader who has no assets is a hollow victory. Insurance makes the guarantee worth something.
NSW HBC Check: Verifying Home Building Compensation Online
NSW offers a specific online tool for homeowners called HBC Check. This lets you independently verify whether a building or renovation project over $20,000 has a valid Home Building Compensation insurance certificate.
You can check:
- Whether a valid insurance certificate exists for your project
- The certificate number and issue date
- The builder’s name and licence number
- The nature of the insured work
This is separate from checking a builder’s licence. Use both HBC Check and the NSW licence verification portal before signing a contract for major building work in NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal for a tradie to work without public liability insurance in Australia?
In most states, there is no standalone law requiring all tradies to hold public liability insurance. However, state licensing bodies often require it as a condition of holding a contractor licence. QBCC in Queensland requires minimum $5 million for all licensed contractors. Even where it is not legally required, working without public liability insurance is reckless and any professional tradie will carry it. See our public liability guide for full details by state.
How do I get a certificate of currency from my tradie?
Ask for it. A simple email or text message works: “Before we proceed, could you send through your current certificate of currency for public liability?” Any insured tradie can download their CoC from their insurer’s online portal in minutes, at no cost. If they cannot produce one within a day or two, that is a red flag.
What is the difference between a certificate of currency and a full insurance policy?
A certificate of currency is a one-page summary confirming that insurance exists and is current. It shows the policy number, insurer, sum insured, and policy period. A full policy document runs to dozens of pages and includes all terms, conditions, and exclusions. You do not need to see the full policy. The certificate of currency is sufficient for verification purposes.
Should I check insurance for small jobs under $1,000?
Yes, but it matters less for very small jobs. A $500 tap replacement carries far less risk than a $50,000 bathroom renovation. For small jobs, confirming the tradie is licensed (use TradieVerify search) is the priority. For any job over $5,000, or any job involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or roofing work, always check insurance regardless of job value.
Can I check a tradie’s workers’ compensation insurance directly?
In most states, you cannot look up workers’ compensation policies in a public register. You need to ask the tradie for their workers’ compensation certificate of currency. In NSW, you can check with icare. In Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria provides a certificate of currency request tool for policyholders.
What happens if an uninsured tradie damages my property?
You can pursue a claim through your state’s consumer tribunal (NCAT in NSW, QCAT in QLD, VCAT in VIC) or through the courts. Under Australian Consumer Law, the tradie must provide services with due care and skill. However, if the tradie is a sole trader with no assets and no insurance, collecting on a judgement can be difficult or impossible. This is exactly why checking insurance beforehand is worth the two minutes it takes.
Key Takeaways
- Always ask for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance before any tradesperson starts work on your property
- Check four types of insurance where applicable: public liability, workers’ compensation, professional indemnity, and home warranty
- Read the certificate carefully — check dates, business name, sum insured, insurer name, and activity description
- Verify the licence separately using TradieVerify’s search tool or the relevant state regulator
- Watch for red flags like refusal to provide certificates, expired dates, mismatched business names, or unusually low coverage
- Keep copies of all insurance certificates with your contract and quote documents
- For more on what public liability covers and how much your tradie should carry, read our public liability insurance guide
- Search for licensed and insured tradespeople in your area on TradieVerify
Sources
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) — Certificate of Currency, hiainsurance.com.au
- SafeWork NSW — Check the Contractor’s Insurances, safework.nsw.gov.au
- NSW Government — Check Builders’ and Tradies’ Insurance Online (HBC Check), nsw.gov.au
- WorkSafe Victoria — Request a Certificate of Currency, worksafe.vic.gov.au
- QBCC — Insurance Requirements for Licensees, qbcc.qld.gov.au
- Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) — Register of General Insurers, apra.gov.au
- Berkley Insurance Australia — Risk Management: What You Need to Know If You Are Hiring Trades, berkleyinaus.com.au
- ProTrades Insurance — Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Requirements for Tradies, protradesinsurance.com.au