The Insurance Every Tradie Should Actually Understand

Insurance jargon makes this harder to understand than it needs to be. Here's what the main types actually cover, in plain terms.

Public liability

Covers you if your work causes injury to someone else or damage to their property — for example, a tool dropped on-site, or a fault in your work that causes damage later. Most sites and head contractors will require you to hold this before they'll let you work.

Income protection

Replaces part of your income if you're unable to work due to injury or illness. Often overlooked, but especially relevant for a physically demanding trade where an injury can mean months without income.

Tool and equipment insurance

Covers theft or damage to your tools — relevant given how common theft from utes and site sheds actually is in the trades.