3 min read
Do Tradies Need Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability isn't legally compulsory for tradies in New Zealand - but going without it is a real gamble, and many clients won't let you on site without it. Here's the honest answer.
The short answer
It's not required by law, but for most tradies it's close to essential. Your work puts you in and around other people's property every day, and a single mistake - a burst pipe, a fire, damage to a finished surface - can cost far more than the premium. Public liability covers the compensation and legal costs if that happens.
When clients require it
Plenty of clients, main contractors and property managers won't engage a tradie without proof of public liability, often at a set limit like $1m or $2m. If you want access to commercial and larger residential work, having cover (and a certificate to prove it) opens doors.
What else tradies usually carry
Alongside public liability, most tradies protect their tools and vehicle, and consider income protection so an injury doesn't stop the money coming in. On bigger jobs, contract works cover protects the work itself. We'll build the right mix for your trade without overselling.