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Handyman insurance
Insurance for handymen and handypeople: public liability for the homes you work in, cover for your tools and vehicle, and the licence limits that decide which jobs you can take. Tell us you’re a handyman and a licensed broker compares quotes for you.
- Handyman set as your occupation (ANZSIC 3299)
- Public liability, tools and vehicle in one request
What insurance do handymen need?
Public liability is the core cover, because the work happens in other people’s homes and businesses. Tools and vehicle cover protect the gear you work with. It also pays to know the licence limits, because jobs above them need a licence and the right insurance.
Licence limits for handyman work
| State | The limit |
|---|---|
| NSW | A contractor licence is needed for residential building or trade work, including minor trade work, valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST. |
| Queensland | A handyman doesn’t need a QBCC licence for work valued at no more than $3,300, as long as it isn’t electrical or plumbing work and doesn’t need an occupational licence. |
| Everywhere | Electrical, plumbing and gas work need the relevant licence, whatever the value. |
The covers handymen usually hold
| Cover | Why |
|---|---|
| Public liability | A client trips over your gear, or you damage their floor or fixtures. |
| Tools and equipment | Drills, saws and kit stolen from the vehicle or damaged on a job. |
| Commercial vehicle | The ute or van you work from. |
| Income protection (broker) | Pays you if illness or injury stops you working. |
What handyman public liability won’t cover
These need other cover, or aren’t insurable:
- Work outside your licence.Stay within the licence limits, and describe your work accurately to your insurer.
- Fixing your own faulty work.Public liability responds to the damage the work causes, not the cost of redoing it.
- Your own injury.That’s income protection.
How to compare handyman insurance
Handyman insurance questions
Do handymen need public liability insurance?
It isn’t compulsory for every handyman, but many clients, strata managers and agents require it, and it covers the most common claims.
Do handymen need a licence?
For larger jobs. In NSW, residential work over $5,000 needs a contractor licence. In Queensland, work over $3,300 needs a QBCC licence. Electrical and plumbing work always needs a licence.
How much public liability does a handyman need?
Whatever your clients or 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 handymen compare insurance online?
Yes. Handymen can request quotes online.
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