Best Business Insurance for Australian Tradies (2026)
Every trade business needs at least public liability cover — often a $10M or $20M certificate before a builder will let you on site. Here is how the main options compare, what you actually need, and why the premium is always quote-based rather than a list price.
At a glance
| Software | Best for | Price from | Our score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade RiskSpecialist tradie insurance broker | Best for a broker who knows the trades | Quotepremium varies by trade, turnover & cover | 8.9 | Get a quote |
| BizCoverCompare insurers online in minutes | Best for quick cover online | Quotecompares several insurers online | 8.7 | Compare quotes |
| NRMA Business InsuranceDirect insurer, bundled cover | Best if you already run vehicles with NRMA | Quotepublic liability up to $10M | 8.1 | Get a quote |
| AAMI Business InsuranceCustomisable packaged cover | Best packaged liability + assets | Quotepackages include public liability | 8 | Get a quote |
| GIO Business InsuranceBroad cover incl. commercial vehicle | Best for liability + vehicle together | Quotepublic liability, vehicles, interruption | 7.9 | Get a quote |
Prices are the standard published rates (indicative, and often ex-GST) — always confirm on the vendor's site, which may also be running introductory offers. We last reviewed them against vendor pages inOctober 2026, and where a vendor doesn't publish pricing we say so instead of guessing.
How we compare insurance
- Cover that actually matters to tradies: public liability, tools, income protection.
- Whether you can get covered — and get a certificate of currency — without a runaround.
- What really drives the premium: trade, turnover, staff and cover limit.
- Plain-English notes on what each option is not.
Our promises
The top picks, in detail
Trade Risk
Pros
- Tradie-only broker — understands trade risks
- Public liability, tools of trade and income protection
- Helps produce the certificates of currency clients ask for
Cons
- Quote-based — no instant online price
- Premium depends on your trade and turnover
Price checked October 2026 against the vendor's pricing page.
BizCover
Pros
- Compares multiple insurers in one online flow
- Public liability cover limits up to $20M
- Fast to get a certificate of currency
Cons
- Best for straightforward risks
- Complex trades may still need a broker
Price checked October 2026 against the vendor's pricing page.
NRMA Business Insurance
Pros
- Public liability cover up to $10M
- Can bundle with business vehicle cover
- Direct insurer
Cons
- $10M limit is under what some builders require
- Quote-based
Price checked October 2026 against the vendor's pricing page.
Common questions
How much does public liability insurance cost for a tradie?
It is quote-based: the premium depends on your trade, turnover, staff and the cover limit. A simple policy for a sole trader is often in the hundreds per year, but only a real quote is accurate — never plan around a headline figure.
What cover limit do I need?
Many commercial clients and builders require at least $10M public liability; some require $20M. Check the contract before you buy, because the limit is one of the biggest drivers of the premium.
Do I need tools of trade cover?
If your tools live in a ute or on site, yes. Public liability covers injury or damage to other people and their property — not your own gear. Tools cover is usually a cheap add-on.
Is income protection worth it as a sole trader?
If you have no sick leave or safety net, it is the cover that keeps the mortgage paid while you cannot work. Compare it alongside your business policy, not instead of it.