Insurance for Construction, Trades and Contractors

Running a business in the construction and trades industry comes with unique risks. Whether you’re a builder, subcontractor, engineer, or tradesperson, you need insurance cover that protects your work, your reputation, and your livelihood. At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we specialise in providing tailored insurance for construction businesses, tradies, and contractors across Australia.

We understand the pressures of working on site, managing contracts, and keeping projects on schedule. Our role is to help you find the right cover — whether that’s public liability insurance, contract works insurance, or professional indemnity cover for design and construct projects — so you can focus on the job with confidence.

Why Construction Businesses Need Insurance

From the moment you step onto a site, your business is exposed to risks — accidents, property damage, contract disputes, or professional errors. Without the right insurance, a single incident can lead to costly claims, lost contracts, and even the end of your business.

Insurance for contractors and trades isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about protecting the work you’ve built and the clients who rely on you. Whether you’re a sole trader electrician or a construction company running multi-million-dollar projects, having the right cover in place is essential.

Quote Your Construction Insurance Today

Public Liability Insurance for Tradies and Contractors

Public liability insurance is one of the most important policies for anyone working in construction or the trades. It protects you if a third party suffers injury or property damage as a result of your work.

  • Who needs it? Builders, subcontractors, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, landscapers — essentially every trade and contractor.

  • Why it matters: Many principal contractors and clients require proof of public liability insurance before you step onto site.

  • Common claims: A ladder falling on a parked car, a client tripping over your tools, or damage caused during renovations.

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At Design Cover, we make it simple to get the right level of cover. Whether you need $5 million, $10 million, or $20 million public liability insurance, we’ll help you compare policies and costs so you don’t pay more than you need to.

Contract Works Insurance for Builders and Subcontractors

Construction projects are complex, and things don’t always go to plan. Contract works insurance (sometimes called “construction works insurance”) protects the work in progress, materials, and equipment on site.

  • Who needs it? Builders, contractors, subcontractors, and anyone working under construction contracts.

  • What it covers: Theft of tools or materials, damage to work under construction, fire, storm, or vandalism.

  • Why it matters: If an unfinished project is damaged or destroyed, the financial loss can be devastating.

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We can arrange cover for both single projects and annual policies, depending on how you operate. That means whether you’re working on a one-off home renovation or managing multiple projects across sites, you’ll be protected.

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Professional Indemnity Insurance for Contractors

If you provide design, project management, or consultancy as part of your construction services, you may be exposed to professional liability claims. Professional indemnity insurance protects you if a client alleges negligence, errors, or omissions in your advice or design.

This is particularly important for those offering design and construct professional indemnity cover.

  • Who needs it? Builders who provide design services, engineers, architects, project managers, and consultants.

  • What it covers: Legal defence costs, compensation payments, claims of negligence or errors in your work.

  • Why it matters: Even if you’ve done nothing wrong, defending a claim can cost thousands.

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At Design Cover, we specialise in helping construction businesses navigate PI cover. We’ll make sure your insurance is tailored to your role, project, and exposure — so you’re not left vulnerable.

Quote your Professional Indemnity Insurance Now

Combined Insurance Packages for Trades and Construction

Often, businesses need a combination of covers. We can help you create a tailored construction insurance package that may include:

  • Public Liability Insurance

  • Contract Works Insurance

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance

  • Tools and Equipment Insurance

  • Business Interruption Insurance

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By bundling policies, you may save money and simplify renewals, while ensuring there are no gaps in your cover.

Why Choose Design Cover Insurance Brokers?

  • Experience in construction insurance: With over 20 years in insurance broking, we understand the risks tradies and contractors face every day.

  • Personalised advice: We don’t just sell policies — we listen to your business needs and tailor cover to suit.

  • Access to top insurers: We work with leading Australian insurers who understand construction and trades risks.

  • Local support: Based on the Sunshine Coast, we’re here to support construction businesses across Australia.

When you work with Design Cover, you get more than an insurance policy — you get peace of mind and a trusted partner for your business.

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Common Questions About Construction Insurance

Do contractors need both public liability and contract works insurance?
Yes, they cover different risks. Public liability protects you against third-party injury or property damage, while contract works protects the project itself.

Is professional indemnity insurance compulsory?
Not always, but if you provide design or consultancy services, many contracts will require it.

Can subcontractors get their own insurance?
Yes, subcontractors often need their own policies, especially public liability, to work on site.

How much does construction insurance cost?
Premiums depend on your trade, turnover, number of employees, and the type of work you do. We’ll help you compare costs across insurers to find the best fit.

Get a Construction Insurance Quote Today

If you’re looking for reliable, affordable insurance for your construction, trades or contracting business, we’re here to help.

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Don’t wait until something goes wrong on site. Get covered today with tailored insurance solutions from Design Cover Insurance Brokers.

Final Word

Construction is one of the most rewarding but high-risk industries in Australia. Having the right insurance gives you the freedom to build, design, and create with confidence. At Design Cover, we’re committed to protecting contractors, trades, and construction businesses with insurance that works as hard as you do.

Protect your business, protect your future

☎️ Talk to Design Cover today