Search for insurance help

Public Liability for Electrical Contractors

Most businesses have the option to get public liability insurance but for an electrical contractor it is often mandatory. It may be a requirement by the state in which they operate or by the companies that they subcontract to.
How much cover does an electrical contractor need?
The requirement set by most states in Australia is a minimum of five million dollars in public liability insurance for those carrying out both residential and commercial work. Some electricians may even require more depending on the types of work that they are doing which is why it is important to talk to an expert to ensure the correct cover is taken out.
What does public liability cover?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect the holder of the policy and their business from claims made against them. It will cover the costs of any incident that has resulted in either in personal injury to another person or property damage.
If you are found to be negligent then you will likely be liable for the other person’s costs which can include repair and replacement, medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation and other forms of compensation in the event of personal injury or death.
These costs can range from a few hundred to millions which is why it is important to make sure you have adequate cover before commencing any contracting work.
How much does public liability cover cost?
The cost of public liability insurance depends on the type of work you do, where you carry out this work and how big your business is. If you are a sole trader, with an average turnover, working as a domestic electrician then you can expect to pay between $500 and $700 for your insurance. Larger electrical contracting businesses with more staff, higher turnover and working in higher risk locations can expect to pay a lot more. The most accurate way to determine what your cost will be is to talk to a professional. They will be able to provide information on the level of cover you require, and the costs involved.
Do I need insurance if I am an employee?
If you are working as an employee rather than a contractor you won’t need your own personal cover but if you are planning on taking on jobs on the weekends or after hours it is important that you do take out cover. That way you are covered if an incident were to occur when carrying out this work.
Talking to a professional insurance broker will help you determine the level of public liability insurance you need to operate your business with peace of mind. If you need assistance in determining what is right for your business, please get in touch with the team at Norton & Co. so that we can help you get covered today.

Management Liability insurance is designed to provide protection to both the business and its directors or officers for claims of wrongful acts in the management of the business.

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.

Purchase up to six products under one Business Insurance Package. 

Talking to a professional insurance broker will help you determine the level of public liability insurance you need to operate your business with peace of mind. If you need assistance in determining what is right for your business, please get in touch with the team at Norton & Co. so that we can help you get covered today.
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.


Norton & Co Insurance, ABN 11 628 176 787, AFSL 239049

Related articles

Comments (0)

Related insurance brokers

Review rating
16 reviews
Review rating
58 reviews

Featured Featured

Laura Meyer

MeyerInsure

  • Typically replies within
    a few hours
  • Review rating
    5 reviews

    Chris Hunter

    Grace Insurance