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Tell us about your work
Answer a few questions about your trade, business and the cover you need.
What kind of construction insurance are you looking for?
The cover you need will depend on the work you do, the size of your business and the projects you take on.
Tradies & subcontractors
Cover for trade work, tools and liability.
Builders & contractors
Contract works, liability and cover for building projects.
Construction consultants
Professional indemnity and liability cover for design, advice and project services.
Residential building
Cover options for residential building work, including state-based requirements where they apply.
Why construction insurance is different
Construction insurance needs can change depending on your trade, the work you do and the size of your projects.
A tradie, builder and construction consultant can need very different types of cover.
The value and type of projects you work on can also affect the cover and providers available.
Some residential building insurance requirements vary by state or territory and the type and value of work.
What you'll need to get a quote
Having a few details ready can make the quote process easier.
- Your ABN, trade or role and the type of work you mainly do.
- Your estimated annual turnover and number of employees.
- The types of cover and limits you need.
- Typical and maximum project values.
- Details of any subcontractors, labour hire, design or advice work.
- Your current policy or renewal details and recent claims history if you already have cover.
How Specialist Compare works
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Review your results
See the providers that match your answers.
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Choose who to contact
Review your options and decide which provider you want to approach.
What affects the cost of construction insurance?
The cost of construction insurance can depend on the work you do, the size of your business, your projects and the cover you choose.
Trade and type of work
Different trades and construction activities can have different insurance risks.
Business size
Turnover, employee numbers and the amount of work you do can affect the cost.
Project size and value
The type and value of the projects you work on can affect the cover you need and the price.
Cover and limits
The types of insurance you choose and the amount of cover can affect your premium.
Claims history and excess
Your claims history and the excess you choose can affect the price of your insurance.
State and project requirements
Some residential building and workplace insurance requirements vary by state or territory and type of work.
What is construction insurance?
Construction insurance is a broad term for cover designed for builders, tradies, contractors and other construction businesses. Depending on the work you do, this can include public liability, contract works, tools and equipment, professional indemnity and other cover.
What construction insurance can cover
Cover varies by provider and policy, but construction insurance can include:
Public liability
Cover for claims involving injury to other people or damage to their property.
Contract works
Cover for construction work, materials and other insured property while a project is underway.
Tools and equipment
Cover for tools and equipment used for your work.
Professional indemnity
Cover for claims arising from professional design, advice or services.
Home warranty / domestic building cover
Required for some residential building work. Rules vary by state or territory.
Workers compensation is separate and may be compulsory if you employ workers. Requirements vary by state and territory.
Helpful guides
How much does construction insurance cost in Australia?There isn't one standard price for construction insurance. Here's what usually matters:Contract works vs public liability insurance: what's the difference?They cover different problems on a construction site.Owner-builder insurance: what cover should you check?“Owner-builder insurance” isn't necessarily one policy.Do builders and construction consultants need professional indemnity insurance?Professional indemnity is about your advice, design and professional services, not physical damage to the job itself.
Construction insurance FAQs
What insurance does a builder or tradie need?
It depends on the work you do, where you operate and your contracts. Common types of cover can include public liability, tools and equipment, contract works and, for some professional roles, professional indemnity.
What is contract works insurance?
Contract works insurance is designed to cover construction work, materials and other insured property while a project is underway. What is covered depends on the policy.
Is public liability insurance compulsory for tradies?
It depends on your trade, state or territory, licence requirements and contracts. Some occupations or work sites may require it, so check the rules and contracts that apply to your work.
What is home warranty insurance?
It is a form of consumer protection for certain residential building work. The name, rules and project thresholds vary by state or territory, so check the requirements where the work is being done.