Trades Insurance | WebInsure

Trades Insurance | WebInsure

Trades insurance isn’t one policy — it’s liability, tools, vehicles, contract works and on-site risk structured together based on the work you actually do and the sites you work on.

WebInsure helps tradies and contractors arrange practical cover that fits real-world exposures — including public and products liability, tools and equipment, contract works (where appropriate), commercial motor and plant. As insurance brokers (not insurers), we compare options and place cover with an insurer that matches your trade, your contracts and your budget.

Need trades cover sorted?

Contact WebInsure or complete our Trades Insurance Fact Find to get started.

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What trades insurance is designed to protect

Most tradies need a mix of covers depending on trade type, sites, contract terms and the value of tools and gear. Common sections include:

• Public & products liability — injury or property damage claims arising from your work and products supplied.
• Tools & portable equipment — theft and damage of tools and gear, including from vehicles, subject to policy conditions.
• Contract works / works in progress — damage to the job while it is being built or installed, where applicable.
• Business property — workshop or yard contents, stock, signage and business contents, where applicable.
• Vehicles, trailers and plant — commercial motor or specialist cover for plant and equipment where needed.
• Business interruption — helps protect cash flow after an insured event stops trading, where appropriate.
• Income protection — weekly or monthly benefit if injury or illness stops you working, subject to policy terms.

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Common gaps in trades cover — and how to avoid them

• Trade description doesn’t match reality — the declared activity is too broad or too narrow. Insurers underwrite based on what you tell them; a mismatch can void a claim.
• Contract requirements missed — principals often require specific liability limits, interested parties or clauses not on a standard policy.
• Tools theft conditions — “left in vehicle” provisions, security requirements, time limits and evidence requirements can catch you out.
• Subcontractors and labour hire — who is responsible for what can be unclear at claim time if not documented and declared.
• Hot works, height and hazardous tasks — some activities are excluded or need to be specifically declared.
• Property you’re working on — damage to existing structures may require specific wording or sections.
• Rural or remote sites — some policies restrict cover to metropolitan or suburban areas.

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How we set up trades cover

1. What you do — trade type, typical jobs, any specialist work such as height, hot works or excavation.
2. Where you do it — domestic vs commercial, farm sites, and who your principals are.
3. Contracts and limits — required liability limits and any special clauses to meet.
4. Tools and equipment — what you carry, where it is stored, and realistic replacement values.
5. Vehicles and plant — whether commercial motor or specialist placement is needed.

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Who this cover suits

A good fit if you:

• Work as a trade contractor or sole trader and need liability, tools and contract-aligned protection.
• Carry tools and gear between sites and want theft and damage cover structured correctly.
• Need a broker to help match your actual work to insurer appetite and wording.

You may need a different approach if you:

• Do high-risk specialist work requiring a specialist market or higher limits.
• Run multiple crews or large contracts needing tailored contract works, plant schedules and bespoke endorsements — see Civil Contractors Insurance or Construction Insurance.

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Trades we commonly arrange cover for

Electricians, plumbers and gasfitters, carpenters and joiners, painters, plasterers and tilers, bricklayers and concreters, roofers and waterproofers, HVAC and refrigeration technicians, landscape and irrigation contractors, fencing and pool contractors, earthmoving and excavation operators, crane and rigging operators, security installers, flooring and glazing contractors.

Cover structure, availability and exclusions vary by trade type and insurer appetite. Complex or high-risk trades may require specialist underwriters.

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If you need to make a claim

• Notify early — contact us as soon as practical, especially for liability incidents, even if no formal claim has been made yet. Early notification protects your position.
• Evidence matters — photos, incident notes, quotes and invoices, police report for theft, CCTV if available.
• Prevent further loss — reasonable temporary protection or repairs may be required; keep receipts.
• Broker support — we will help present the facts clearly and keep the process moving.

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Quick checklist before you renew

• Have your trade activities or project types changed?
• Doing any different work — height, hot works, excavation, waterproofing?
• New contract requirements — limits, interested parties, special clauses?
• Tool values changed — new gear or higher replacement costs?
• New vehicles, trailers or plant, or different use patterns?
• More subcontractors or labour hire involved?
• Any incidents that might give rise to a claim?

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Information commonly required when arranging cover

• Trade type and description of typical work activities
• Annual turnover and number of employees or subcontractors
• States and territories where you operate
• Value of tools and equipment
• Any contracts with specific insurance requirements
• Claims history and any known incidents or losses

General guidance

Cover, limits, conditions and exclusions vary by insurer and policy wording. Always review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and confirm suitability for your circumstances.

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All strategies and information provided on this website are general advice only which does not take into consideration any of your personal circumstances. Please arrange an appointment to seek personal advice prior to acting on this information. Cover availability, terms, exclusions and premiums vary by insurer, product and individual circumstance.

WebInsure Pty Ltd ABN 32 054 247 666 is an Authorised Representative 000271148 of Community Broker Network Pty Ltd ABN 60 096 916 184 AFSL 233750.

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Related pages

• Civil Contractors Insurance
• Construction Insurance
• Contract Works Insurance
• Earthmoving Insurance
• Crane Insurance
• Public Liability Insurance
• Trades Insurance Fact Find
• Business Insurance