How to Get Public Liability and Indemnity Insurance in Australia: A Practical Guide for Small Businesses

If you’re running a business in Australia—whether you're a support worker, tradie, consultant, or freelancer—insuranceis more than just a formality. It’s peace of mind.

Two of the most important types of business insurance are Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. They protect you financially if something goes wrong during your work—whether it's a physical accident or a professional mistake.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand and get the right coverage.

🔍 What’s the Difference Between Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Public Liability InsuranceProtects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged due to your business activities.➡️ Example: A client trips over your equipment and breaks their ankle.

Professional Indemnity InsuranceCovers you if a client suffers financial loss due to your professional advice or services.➡️ Example: A support coordinator makes a planning error that leads to a funding shortfall for a client.

Depending on your industry, you may need one or both.

🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Get Covered

1. Know What You NeedDifferent professions carry different risks. Consider:

• Do clients visit your premises or do you work onsite? (Public Liability)

• Do you offer advice or a service that could cause financial loss if done incorrectly? (Indemnity)

• Are you required to have insurance under NDIS, by clients, or venues?

Some industries have minimum coverage requirements—especially under NDIS or industry associations.

2. Compare Insurance ProvidersYou can get quotes and cover from:

• Insurance brokers – Great if you want tailored advice

• Direct insurers – Like AAMI, Allianz, BizCover, or NRMA

• Online platforms – Compare quotes fast via sites like BizCover, iSelect, or Compare the Market

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Look for:

• What’s included and excluded

• Excess amounts (what you pay out-of-pocket for a claim)

• Annual or monthly payment options

• Claims support

3. Apply for a Policy

Applications can usually be done online and only take 10–15 minutes. You’ll need to provide:

• Your ABN

• Business structure (sole trader, company, etc.)

• Nature of your work (the more detail, the better)

• Approximate annual income

• Any history of previous claims

Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Currency—this proves you're insured and is often required by clients, agencies, or platforms.

4. Keep It Updated

• Review your coverage annually or if your business changes (e.g. new services, bigger income).

• Make sure your policy is active and paid up—lapses can leave you unprotected.

  
  

💰 How Much Does It Cost?

Premiums vary based on:

• Your industry

• Business size and income

• Level of risk involved

• Chosen coverage amount (e.g. $5M, $10M, $20M)

Here’s a rough guide:

• Public Liability: from $300–$800 per year for low-risk sole traders

• Professional Indemnity: from $400–$1,200+ depending on the industry

Paying monthly can help manage cash flow, but often costs slightly more overall.

📌 Bonus Tips

• If you work under NDIS, most support workers and providers are expected to carry Public Liability.

• Some insurers offer bundled policies that include liability, indemnity, and contents coverage—ask about package deals.

• Document everything—having good records can help if you ever need to make a claim.

  
  

🧾 Final Thoughts

Getting insurance isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about protecting your work, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance are essential tools for running a responsible, professional business in Australia.

Take the time to compare, read the fine print, and choose cover that fits your needs today and into the future.