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Safeguarding Tradies in 2023: The Ultimate Insurance Guide

Income Protection Insurance Professional Indemnity Insurance Trades Insurance Industrial Insurance Truck Insurance Professional Services Insurance Tradies Insurance

Accidents happen, even to the most cautious tradies. And when mishaps occur or tools go missing, the repercussions can be overwhelming. As a tradie, regardless of whether you're a seasoned handyman, plumber, builder, carpenter, or electrician, having comprehensive insurance coverage is the key to instilling genuine peace of mind for yourself, your clients, and your dedicated workforce.

Public Liability: A Must-Have Shield

For many tradies, public liability insurance is more than just a requirement—it's a lifeline. Most building contracts demand this coverage for projects of a certain value. But let's go beyond the obligation. Consider this: if an accidental injury or property damage occurs due to your actions, you could face significant financial loss. Medical expenses, rehabilitation fees, repair costs, and even legal fees can take a toll. Moreover, being uninsured may limit your work opportunities, as clients prefer to know they will be compensated if something goes wrong.

Cover for Your Tools: Keeping You in the Game

Your tools are your trusted companions, enabling you to work wonders. But what if they are stolen from your worksite, storage shed, or the back of your truck? Don't worry- with the right coverage, you can swiftly replace your invaluable equipment, getting you back on track to conquer your projects with ease.

Your Vehicle Matters: Protecting Your Workhorse

Your reliable ute, truck, or wagon is more than just a mode of transportation—it's a vital asset for your business. While it may be tempting to save a few bucks by not disclosing its work-related usage to your insurer, this can backfire. To ensure smooth sailing, it's crucial to mention your vehicle's purpose. Opting for policies that acknowledge your vehicle's work-related usage is crucial. Such policies may even extend coverage to include essential accessories and modifications like signage, racks, and tow bars, while also accommodating multiple drivers—an invaluable perk if your team shares the driving responsibilities.

Loss of Income: Shielding Your Livelihood

Worksites can be perilous, exposing tradies to various dangers such as incomplete electrics, working at heights, excessive noise, and demanding manual labor. And let's not forget the unpredictable nature of illnesses or injuries. As a self-employed tradie without sick leave benefits, the thought of losing income can be daunting. Fear not—Income protection insurance steps in as a vital safety net, ensuring that you maintain financial stability during extended periods of work absence. Some trade insurance policies even offer an income protection option, or you can choose to purchase standalone cover for added peace of mind.

Mitigating Risks: Your Path to Safety

Preventing accidents is the ultimate goal for any tradie. Based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics report for the 2021/22 financial year, here are some key risk reduction strategies:

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Agile's Professional Indemnity insurance protects against claims arising from an act, error or omission in the performance of professional services.

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Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional Indemnity insurance is designed for professionals who provide a specialist service or advice, providing protection for financial loss and legal costs of a claim.

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Business Insurance

A business insurance pack can provide cover for your business premises and contents, against loss, damage, theft or financial loss from an insured interruption to the business.

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Preventing accidents is the ultimate goal for any tradie. Based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics report for the 2021/22 financial year, here are some key risk reduction strategies:

Handle with care: Nearly a quarter of reported accidents (24%) were caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, or bending. Employ safe lifting techniques and utilize mechanical aids to reduce strain and minimize the risk of injuries.
Keep tidy: Slips and trips accounted for 17% of injuries. Maintain a clutter-free workspace by removing trailing wires, cables, hoses, and spills. A clean environment ensures a safer working environment for you and your team.
Stay vigilant: With a flurry of activities on the worksite, it's crucial to remain aware of your surroundings. Bumping into objects or being hit by vehicles accounted for 16% of accidents. By staying alert, you can avoid potential hazards and keep yourself and your team safe.

Do You Have the Right Cover?

When your livelihood is on the line, there's no room for mistakes. That's why our expert insurance brokers are here to help you tailor the perfect protection for your needs. Trust our expertise and let us secure your future, so you can focus on what you do best—creating wonders with your skills and craftsmanship. At Truck Insurance HQ, we've got your back, always.

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General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.

All information above has been provided by the author.

Adam Pile, Insurance HQ Pty Ltd, ABN 33606759228, AFSL 363610