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Public liability insurance in WA
Public liability covers claims for injury and property damage caused by your business. In Western Australia, councils, contracts and leases usually set the limit, and residential building work has its own insurance rules. Here’s what applies, and how to compare.
- No phone number needed to request quotes
- Tools and a business pack in the same request
Do you need public liability insurance in WA?
It isn’t compulsory for every Western Australian business, but you’ll often be asked for it. The City of Perth requires $20 million public liability for an outdoor dining permit, with the City’s interest noted on the policy. Head contractors, landlords and event organisers set their own minimums.
The ABS counted 278,520 actively trading businesses in Western Australia at 30 June 2026, up 4.6% in a year, and about two thirds of Australian businesses have no employees. Most of the requests for a certificate of currency described below come from that base of small operators.
business.gov.au notes that some states and territories require public liability for certain occupations, so check your licence conditions as well as anything you’ve signed.
Where WA businesses are asked for it
| Situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Outdoor dining in Perth | The City of Perth asks for $20 million for any single occurrence, from an APRA-authorised insurer, with the City’s interest noted. Other councils set their own limits. |
| Subcontracting on a building site | The head contractor’s minimum limit, and a copy of your certificate of currency before you start. |
| Residential building work over $20,000 | Home indemnity insurance, taken out in the owner’s name before you accept any payment or start work. It’s separate from public liability. |
| Leasing a shop or office | The insurance clause in the lease, which usually sets a minimum limit. |
| Employing workers | Workers compensation from an insurer approved by WorkCover WA. You can go direct or use a broker. |
What public liability costs in WA
The premium depends on what you do, your turnover and staff, your claims history and the limit you choose. GST is added, then WA insurance duty of 10% of the premium.
Our public liability cost guide compares stamp duty in every state.
What it covers
Usually covered
- Injury to customers and the public. A visitor is hurt on a site you’re working on.
- Damage to other people’s property. You damage a client’s floor, fence or driveway.
- Legal costs of defending a covered claim.
- Products you sell, when products liability is included.
Usually not covered
- Your workers’ injuries. That’s workers compensation.
- Defective home building work. That’s home indemnity insurance.
- Your own tools and property. These need their own cover.
- Advice or design mistakes. That’s professional indemnity.
The full list is on our public liability insurance page.
Two WA covers that get mixed up with public liability
Each is separate, with its own rules.
- Home indemnity insurance.Protects the homeowner if a builder can’t finish the work or fix faulty work because of death, disappearance, insolvency or loss of registration. It usually runs for six years from practical completion.
- Workers compensation.Compulsory for employers. WorkCover WA notes penalties of up to $10,000 per worker for not holding it. Workers compensation
How to compare public liability in WA
Public liability in WA: questions
Is public liability insurance compulsory in WA?
Not for every business. Councils, head contractors, landlords and event organisers commonly require it, and some occupations do too. Check your licence conditions and anything you’ve signed.
How much public liability do I need for outdoor dining in Perth?
The City of Perth asks for $20 million for any single occurrence, with the City’s interest noted on the policy. Other councils set their own minimums.
Is there stamp duty on public liability in WA?
Yes. WA insurance duty is 10% of the premium.
Is home indemnity insurance the same as public liability?
No. Home indemnity protects homeowners on residential building work over $20,000. Public liability covers injury and property damage claims caused by your business.
Who provides workers compensation in WA?
Insurers approved by WorkCover WA. You can approach one directly or use a broker.
Keep reading
More by state
Sources
- business.gov.au: Types of business insurance
- City of Perth: Outdoor dining guidelines (2024)
- WA Government: Home indemnity insurance fact sheet
- WA Government: Insurance duty
- WorkCover WA: Engaging a licensed insurer
- WorkCover WA: Employer essentials fact sheet
- ABS: Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, July 2022 to June 2026
Western Australia