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Bricklayer insurance
Bricklayers and blocklayers work on other people’s sites, off scaffolds, with gear that walks. Here are the covers brickies hold, the licence and home warranty rules that apply to residential work, and how to compare public liability, tools and the ute online in one request.
- Public liability builders ask for
- Mixers, saws and the ute
- No phone number needed to request quotes
What insurance does a bricklayer need?
Public liability, because a dropped brick, a collapsed wall or mortar damage to a client’s finishes are the claims bricklaying attracts, and builders ask for $10 million or $20 million before you start. Tools cover for mixers, brick saws and hand tools stolen from a site or the ute. Commercial motor for the ute and trailer. Personal accident for a sole trader, and workers compensation once you employ.
In Queensland, bricklaying and blocklaying above the licensing threshold needs a QBCC licence, and residential work above the home warranty threshold needs the scheme premium paid. Our home warranty guide sets out each state.
Bricklayer covers at a glance
| Cover | What it does | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Public liability | Injury to people and damage to property on site, including the client’s home. | Compare online |
| Tools & equipment | Mixers, saws, levels and hand tools in the ute and on site. | Compare online |
| Commercial vehicle | The ute and trailer on the road. | Compare online |
| Personal accident | Your own income if an injury stops you laying. | Arranged by a broker |
| Workers compensation | Compulsory once you employ, through your state scheme. | Arranged by a broker |
Scaffolding above 4 metres needs a licensed scaffolder. Safe Work Australia says scaffolding work involving a platform with a fall over 4 metres requires a high risk work licence.
What’s usually covered, and what isn’t
Usually covered
- Injury and property damage at the site and to neighbours, under public liability.
- Tools and equipment stolen from a locked ute or site, with conditions.
- The ute and trailer, under commercial motor.
- Products you supply, under the products section.
Usually not covered
- Redoing your own faulty work, in most policies.
- Your own injury. That’s personal accident cover.
- Tools left in an unlocked vehicle.
- Employee injuries. That’s workers compensation.
How to compare bricklayer insurance
Bricklayer insurance questions
Do bricklayers need public liability insurance?
Builders and head contractors require it before you start, usually $10 million or $20 million, and it’s the cover that responds when your work damages property or injures someone.
Do I need a licence to lay bricks?
In Queensland, QBCC licences cover bricklaying and blocklaying above the licensing threshold. Other states have their own rules for residential building work. Check your state regulator.
Does public liability cover a wall that falls over?
Injury or damage to other property from a collapse, yes, subject to conditions. Rebuilding the wall itself is usually excluded as faulty workmanship.
Are my tools covered in the ute overnight?
Only if the policy allows it and the ute is locked, often with proof of forced entry. Check the PDS for overnight conditions.
Can bricklayers compare insurance online?
Yes. Public liability, tools and the ute can be compared online in one request.
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