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Carpenter insurance
Insurance for carpenters and joiners: public liability for the sites you work on, cover for your tools and ute, and the licence and warranty rules that apply to residential work. Tell us you’re a carpenter and a licensed broker compares quotes for you.
- Carpenter set as your occupation (ANZSIC 3242)
- Public liability, tools and vehicle in one request
What insurance do carpenters need?
Most carpenters start with public liability, because builders and head contractors require it before you start on site. Tools and the work vehicle usually come next, and workers compensation once you take on an apprentice. Residential work also brings licence and warranty insurance rules above set values.
Licence thresholds for residential carpentry
| State | When you need a licence |
|---|---|
| NSW | A contractor licence for residential building work, including carpentry, valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST. Unlicensed work can mean fines of up to $22,000 for an individual. |
| Queensland | A QBCC licence for building work valued over $3,300. |
| Other states | Check your state’s building regulator before you quote residential work. |
Above higher thresholds, residential work can also need state warranty insurance. Our tradie insurance page lists them by state.
The covers carpenters usually hold
| Cover | Why |
|---|---|
| Public liability | Injury or property damage from your work. Head contractors usually set the limit. |
| Tools and equipment | Saws, nail guns and power tools, on site or in the ute. |
| Commercial vehicle | The ute or van. Vehicle policies only include a small amount for tools. |
| Income protection (broker) | Pays you if illness or injury stops you working. |
| Workers compensation | In NSW and Victoria, any apprentice means you need a policy. |
What carpenter public liability won’t cover
These need other cover, or aren’t insurable:
- Fixing your own faulty work.Public liability responds to the injury or damage your work causes, not the cost of redoing it.
- Your tools.Tools insurance
- An injured apprentice.That’s workers compensation.
How to compare carpenter insurance
Carpenter insurance questions
Do carpenters need public liability insurance?
It isn’t compulsory everywhere, but builders, head contractors and most clients require it before you start.
Do I need a licence for carpentry work?
For residential work above a value: more than $5,000 in NSW and over $3,300 in Queensland. Check your state’s regulator.
How much public liability does a carpenter need?
Whatever your contracts require. Limits are commonly offered at $5 million, $10 million and $20 million.
Does public liability cover my tools?
No. Your tools need tools insurance.
Can carpenters compare insurance online?
Yes. Carpenters can request quotes online, and a licensed broker emails your quotes.
Do joiners and cabinetmakers need insurance?
Yes, the same covers as a carpenter on site, plus a workshop. Public liability covers injury and damage at the client’s home and in your workshop, and the products liability section covers the cabinets and joinery you make and install. A business pack covers the workshop, machinery and timber stock against fire and theft.
Does public liability cover faulty workmanship?
Generally not the cost of redoing your own work. Public liability responds to injury or damage to other property caused by your work, such as a collapsed shelf damaging a client’s floor. Fixing the shelf itself is usually excluded. Check the PDS, because wordings differ.
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