Frequently asked questions.
Business Insurance FAQs – Australia
General Business Insurance & Broker FAQs
What types of small business insurance do you offer in Australia? Design Cover Insurance Brokers provides tailored business insurance solutions for small and medium-sized businesses across Australia.
We can assist with a wide range of insurance covers, including:
Public Liability Insurance – protection against certain third-party personal injury and property damage claims.
Professional Indemnity Insurance – cover for certain claims arising from professional advice, services, errors or omissions.
Business Pack Insurance – protection for business property, contents, stock and interruption to business operations.
Cyber Insurance – cover for selected cyber incidents, including data breaches, ransomware and cyber-related business interruption.
Management Liability Insurance – protection against certain management-related claims and business exposures.
Trades and Construction Insurance – tailored cover for contractors, tradespeople and construction businesses.
We also arrange commercial motor, marine, property owners and other specialist insurance solutions.
At Design Cover, we take the time to understand your business activities, contractual obligations and individual risks before recommending appropriate insurance options. All cover is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Explore our Business Insurance Solutions to learn more about the different types of cover available.
Do insurance brokers charge a fee?
Yes, insurance brokers may receive commission from insurers, charge a broker fee, or receive a combination of both.
At Design Cover, our remuneration arrangements depend on the insurance product, the complexity of the risk and the services involved.
Any applicable broker fees and relevant remuneration disclosures will be provided in accordance with our disclosure obligations, so you can understand the costs before proceeding.
Our focus is on providing appropriate insurance recommendations, clear communication and ongoing support throughout the policy period.
For more information about how we operate and are remunerated, please refer to our Financial Services Guide (FSG).
Why use a broker instead of buying insurance online?
Buying business insurance online can be convenient, particularly for businesses with straightforward insurance needs. However, selecting cover based on price alone may mean important risks, exclusions or policy conditions are overlooked.
Working with an insurance broker provides access to professional advice and assistance in understanding the cover available for your business.
At Design Cover, we take the time to understand your operations, contractual obligations and potential exposures before recommending suitable insurance options.
We can assist with:
• Comparing insurers, policy wordings, limits and exclusions.
• Identifying potential gaps or overlaps in existing cover.
• Reviewing contractual insurance requirements.
• Arranging specialised insurance for complex or industry-specific risks.
• Providing ongoing support with renewals, policy changes and claims.
Our goal is to help you make informed insurance decisions, with cover that reflects how your business actually operates.
Whether you're arranging insurance for the first time or reviewing an existing policy, Design Cover offers a personalised approach to business insurance.
Learn more: Discover the team and experience behind Design Cover
Do you help with claims?
Yes. Claims support is an important part of the service we provide at Design Cover Insurance Brokers.
If your business experiences an insured event or receives a claim against it, we can help you understand the claims process, your policy requirements and the next steps.
Our claims assistance may include:
• Helping you notify the insurer and prepare supporting documentation.
• Liaising with insurers, claims handlers and assessors.
• Explaining policy conditions, exclusions and claims decisions.
• Following up on claim progress and outstanding information.
• Assisting with disputes or concerns about a claims decision where appropriate.
We understand that making an insurance claim can be stressful, particularly when your business operations or income are affected. Our role is to help you navigate the process and advocate for a fair assessment under your policy.
Claims decisions and payments remain subject to the insurer's assessment and the applicable policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Do you only work with Sunshine Coast businesses?
No. While Design Cover Insurance Brokers is based in Buderim on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, we provide business insurance broking services to clients throughout Australia.
We work with businesses across Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and regional areas, as well as clients in New South Wales, Victoria and other Australian states and territories.
Our online systems, phone and video consultations make it easy to arrange and manage your business insurance regardless of your location.
Whether you're a consultant, professional services firm, IT business, contractor or established small business, we can help you explore insurance solutions suited to your industry and individual risks.
At Design Cover, we combine personalised service with access to a range of insurance markets, helping Australian businesses make informed decisions about their insurance.
How long does it take to get a quote?
The time required to obtain a business insurance quote depends on the type of insurance, your business activities and the information insurers need to assess the risk.
For straightforward business insurance enquiries, we may be able to provide indicative options within one business day, depending on insurer availability and the completeness of the information supplied.
More complex risks, specialist occupations or businesses requiring multiple insurance policies may take longer, particularly where insurer underwriting approval or additional information is required.
At Design Cover, we aim to make the process as efficient as possible while carefully reviewing insurer terms, policy limits, exclusions and pricing.
We'll keep you informed throughout the quoting process and let you know if additional information is required.
Our priority is to recommend appropriate insurance options that reflect your business activities and individual risks, rather than rushing the placement of cover.
Can you review my existing insurance policies?
Yes. At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we can review your existing business insurance policies to help identify potential gaps, overlaps or areas where your cover may no longer reflect your business activities.
As part of an insurance review, we may assess:
Policy limits and sums insured – whether your current cover is appropriate for your business operations and exposures.
Exclusions and policy conditions – identifying important restrictions that could affect your protection.
Business activities and changes – checking whether your insurance reflects changes in turnover, services, employees or contractual obligations.
Premiums and insurer options – exploring whether alternative insurers offer suitable cover or more competitive terms.
Contractual insurance requirements – reviewing whether your current arrangements align with relevant insurance obligations under your business contracts.
We can then provide recommendations and, where appropriate, approach alternative insurers for quotations.
Our goal is to help you understand your existing insurance arrangements and make informed decisions about your business protection.
All recommendations are subject to the information provided, insurer availability and applicable policy terms and conditions.
Do you compare multiple insurers?
Yes. At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we have access to a range of Australian and specialist insurance markets, allowing us to explore insurance options suited to your business activities and individual risks.
Rather than focusing solely on price, we consider several important factors when comparing available insurance options, including:
Scope of cover – the protection offered under each policy.
Policy exclusions and conditions – restrictions or requirements that could affect your cover.
Limits and excesses – the level of protection provided and your financial contribution in the event of a claim.
Insurer suitability – whether an insurer is appropriate for your industry, occupation and risk profile.
Premiums and overall value – comparing the cost of insurance against the protection and services offered.
Depending on your business activities and the availability of suitable insurers, we may approach multiple markets to obtain competitive terms.
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision based on the quality and suitability of cover, not simply the cheapest premium.
As part of the Steadfast broker network, Design Cover also has access to insurer relationships and insurance solutions that may not be available directly to consumers.
What do you need to provide a quote?
To obtain a business insurance quote, we'll generally need some basic information about your business and the type of cover you're seeking.
Depending on the insurance required, this may include:
• Business details – your business name, ABN, location and industry.
• Business activities – a description of your services, products or operations.
• Annual turnover – your current or estimated business revenue.
• Employees and subcontractors – the number of people working in your business and their roles.
• Existing insurance – copies of your current policy schedule or renewal documents, if available.
• Claims history – details of previous claims or circumstances that may be relevant to insurers.
• Insurance requirements – any specific cover, limits or conditions required under contracts or industry regulations.
For more specialised insurance, insurers may require additional information or a completed proposal form.
At Design Cover, we'll guide you through the information required and explain anything you're unsure about. You don't need to have everything prepared before making an initial enquiry.
Our goal is to make the quoting process straightforward while ensuring insurers receive accurate information to assess your business risks.
Ready to get started? Request a Business Insurance Quote with Design Cover.
Do you offer personal insurance?
Yes. In addition to business insurance, Design Cover Insurance Brokers can assist with a range of personal insurance products, particularly for business owners and their families.
Depending on your needs, we can help arrange:
• Home and Contents Insurance – protection for your home, belongings and certain insured events.
• Landlord Insurance – cover for residential investment properties, including selected property damage, liability and loss of rent exposures.
• Motor Vehicle Insurance – comprehensive and other available cover options for privately owned vehicles.
• High-Value Home and Contents Insurance – specialist solutions for higher-value properties, valuables and unique insurance requirements.
Having one insurance broker review both your business and personal insurance can make policy management easier and help identify potential gaps or overlaps in cover.
At Design Cover, we take the time to understand your circumstances and explore suitable insurance options from our available markets.
All cover is subject to insurer acceptance and the relevant policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Learn more: Explore our Domestic & Personal Insurance Solutions
Why choose Design Cover?
At Design Cover Insurance Brokers, we believe business insurance should be straightforward, transparent and tailored to the way your business operates.
With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, we combine technical insurance knowledge with a personalised approach to helping Australian businesses manage their risks.
When you work with Design Cover, you can expect:
• Personalised service – a dedicated insurance broker who takes the time to understand your business.
• Experienced advice – guidance on insurance options, policy conditions, exclusions and contractual requirements.
• Access to insurance markets – the ability to explore suitable cover through our available Australian and specialist insurers.
• Clear communication – practical explanations without unnecessary insurance jargon.
• Ongoing support – assistance with renewals, policy changes and claims throughout your insurance relationship.
Based on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, we work with businesses across Australia, including professional services firms, IT and technology businesses, trades, contractors and other specialist industries.
Our focus is on building long-term relationships and helping clients make informed insurance decisions, not simply finding the cheapest premium.
Professional Indemnity & Public Liability Insurance FAQs
What is the difference between Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance?
Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance protect businesses against different types of risks.
Professional Indemnity Insurance generally provides cover for claims arising from actual or alleged errors, omissions or negligence in professional advice or services.
Public Liability Insurance generally covers legal liability for third-party personal injury or property damage arising from business activities.
For example, a consultant who provides incorrect advice that causes a client financial loss may need Professional Indemnity Insurance, while a contractor who accidentally damages a client's property may need Public Liability Insurance.
Many Australian businesses require both types of cover, depending on their activities and contractual obligations. Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.
Learn more: Professional Indemnity vs Public Liability Insurance – What's the Difference?
Who needs Professional Indemnity Insurance in Australia?
Professional Indemnity Insurance is relevant to businesses and individuals who provide professional advice, designs, recommendations or specialist services.
This may include consultants, accountants, engineers, architects, IT professionals, designers and other professional service providers.
Professional Indemnity Insurance may provide protection against certain claims alleging errors, omissions, negligence or breaches of professional duty that result in financial loss to a client or third party.
While Professional Indemnity Insurance is not compulsory for every Australian business, it may be required by professional associations, regulators, licensing arrangements or client contracts.
The appropriate level of cover depends on your profession, contractual obligations and exposure to potential claims. Cover is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
At Design Cover, we help Australian professionals review their Professional Indemnity requirements and explore suitable insurance options.
Learn more: Explore Professional Services Insurance
What is a retroactive date in Professional Indemnity Insurance?
A retroactive date is an important feature of many Professional Indemnity Insurance policies, which are generally written on a claims-made basis.
The retroactive date determines how far back your professional activities may be covered, subject to the policy's terms and conditions. Claims arising from work performed before this date are generally excluded, even if the claim is made during the current policy period.
For example, if your policy has a retroactive date of 1 July 2022, a claim made today relating to professional services provided in 2023 may fall within the retroactive period. However, a claim arising from work performed in 2021 may not be covered.
When changing insurers, it's important to maintain continuity of your retroactive date wherever possible and disclose any known claims or circumstances that could give rise to a claim.
At Design Cover, we help Australian businesses review their Professional Indemnity Insurance arrangements, including retroactive dates, claims notification requirements and continuity of cover. All cover remains subject to the policy wording, conditions and exclusions.
Learn more: Professional Indemnity Insurance for Professional Services
What does claims-made insurance mean?
Claims-made insurance is a type of insurance commonly used for Professional Indemnity and Management Liability policies.
Generally, a claims-made policy responds to claims first made against the insured and notified to the insurer during the policy period, subject to the policy wording, retroactive date and other conditions.
This means the policy in place when a claim is made is often the relevant policy, rather than the policy that was in place when the original work was performed.
For example, if a consultant provided advice in 2024 but a client makes a claim in 2026, the Professional Indemnity policy in place in 2026 may respond, provided the relevant requirements are met.
Some policies also allow certain circumstances that may give rise to a future claim to be notified during the policy period. Notification requirements vary between policies.
If a claims-made policy is cancelled or not renewed, claims made afterwards may not be covered unless appropriate run-off or extended reporting arrangements apply. Businesses should review these arrangements carefully when changing insurers or ceasing operations.
At Design Cover, we help Australian businesses understand claims-made policy conditions and the importance of maintaining continuity of cover.
Learn more: Professional Indemnity Insurance for Australian Businesses
Is Public Liability Insurance compulsory for Australian businesses?
Public Liability Insurance is not compulsory for every business in Australia. However, certain occupations, industries and licensing arrangements may require it under state or territory legislation.
Even where it is not legally required, Public Liability Insurance may be a condition of commercial contracts, leases, construction projects or access to particular worksites.
Public Liability Insurance generally provides protection against legal liability for third-party personal injury or property damage arising from your business activities, subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
For example, a tradesperson who accidentally damages a customer's property or a business whose visitor is injured on its premises may face a liability claim.
Many businesses choose Public Liability Insurance to help manage these exposures, even when it is not compulsory.
At Design Cover, we help Australian businesses understand their Public Liability Insurance requirements and explore suitable cover based on their industry, activities and contractual obligations.
Learn more: Understanding Insurance Requirements in Commercial Contracts
Cyber Insurance FAQs
Does a small business need Cyber Insurance?
Cyber Insurance isn't just for large corporations. Small businesses can also be exposed to cyberattacks, phishing scams, ransomware, data breaches and business interruption caused by cyber incidents.
Even businesses with a small number of employees may hold sensitive customer information, rely on cloud-based systems or process electronic payments.
Depending on the policy, Cyber Insurance may provide cover for incident response costs, data recovery, cyber-related business interruption and certain third-party claims.
At Design Cover, we help Australian businesses assess their cyber exposures and explore insurance options suited to their operations. Cover is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Learn more: Explore Cyber Insurance for Australian Businesses
Home-Based & Small Business Insurance FAQs
Does home insurance cover a home-based business?
Not always. Standard home and contents insurance may exclude or limit cover for business activities, equipment, stock and liability arising from operating a business at home.
For example, a graphic designer, consultant or online retailer working from home may require separate business insurance to protect against risks that fall outside their domestic insurance policy.
Depending on the nature of the business, suitable insurance could include Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Cyber Insurance and cover for business equipment or stock.
It's important to disclose your business activities to your home insurer and review both your home and business policies to identify potential gaps or overlaps.
At Design Cover, we help home-based business owners explore insurance solutions suited to their activities and individual risks.
Subcontractor & Contractor Insurance FAQs
Does my business insurance cover subcontractors?
Not automatically. Whether subcontractors are covered under your business insurance depends on the policy wording, the work being performed and your contractual arrangements.
Some policies may extend certain protections to subcontractors, while others exclude their activities or require them to hold their own insurance.
Even where a subcontractor has their own insurance, your business could still face liability arising from work performed on your behalf.
For businesses engaging subcontractors, it's important to review Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance, contractual obligations and any requirements for subcontractors to maintain their own cover.
At Design Cover, we help Australian businesses review their subcontractor arrangements and identify potential insurance gaps. All cover is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.