Public liability, tools, and personal accident cover for Queensland tradies who can't afford to stop working — and can't afford to be underinsured.
These are the exposures that regularly catch Tradies & Sole Traders off guard — often because they weren't on anyone's radar until a claim was already underway.
Many principal contractors and builders won't allow subcontractors on site without a current certificate of currency. Even if they do, a single incident — a damaged pipe, an injured bystander — can cost more than a year's earnings without cover in place.
A ute full of tools is a target. Theft from unattended vehicles is one of the most common claims for Queensland tradies. Standard home and contents policies exclude tools used for business — a dedicated tools policy fills that gap.
You are the business. If you're injured and can't work, there's no sick leave — just no income. Personal accident cover pays a weekly benefit while you're off the tools, keeping the bills paid while you recover.
Contracts with builders, councils, or commercial principals often require specific liability limits or additional insured status. If your policy doesn't match what you've signed, you may be personally exposed to any shortfall.
Commercial vehicles, trailers, generators, and compressors are often inadequately covered under standard motor policies — particularly when used across multiple sites or temporarily hired to others.
A remediation claim — where your work is alleged to have caused damage to property or a third party — can arrive months or years after completing a job. Knowing your policy responds correctly before the work starts matters.
The insurance products most relevant for Tradies & Sole Traders — each placed through our panel of 20+ specialist insurers.
The non-negotiable for every tradie. Covers your legal liability for injury to third parties or damage to their property arising from your work — on site, off site, and in transit.
Covers theft, loss, and accidental damage to your tools and equipment — including overnight in a vehicle. We review blanket limits and ensure high-value items are specifically scheduled.
Weekly benefits if you're injured or ill and can't work. Available without an income test for sole traders who can't access standard income protection — covers both on-site and off-site injuries.
For tradies with fixed premises — a shed, a yard, a workshop. A business pack covers the building, contents, and stock alongside your liability exposure.
Three reasons an independent broker delivers more for your premium than buying direct.
Contracts can be awarded fast. We maintain your policy documentation and issue certificates of currency on demand — so you can start the job without administrative delays.
We review your contract insurance requirements before placing cover, not after a dispute. If a principal requires $20M liability or additional insured status, we ensure your policy actually delivers it.
A public liability claim or a tools theft shouldn't become a second full-time job. We lodge and manage the claim on your behalf — including follow-ups with loss adjusters — so you stay on the tools.
I'd been renewing the same public liability policy for years without questioning it. Alvero found a gap in my contract works coverage that could've been expensive to discover the hard way. Sorted it within a day and had the certificate to my builder the same afternoon.
Answers to the questions we hear most from Tradies & Sole Traders — no jargon, no spin.
In most cases, yes. Residential builders, principal contractors, and government bodies routinely require a minimum $5M–$10M public liability policy before subcontractors can work on site. Some contracts also specify tools cover and personal accident. Alvero can issue a certificate of currency once your policy is bound — typically within 24 hours of your application.
Your public liability policy covers you regardless of which site or principal you're working for — it follows you, not a specific contract. If a principal requires to be named as an additional insured on your policy, that's a standard endorsement we arrange at binding, usually at no extra cost.
Under a dedicated tools of trade policy, yes — provided there's evidence of forced entry and the policy includes unattended vehicle theft. Some policies require tools to be stored out of sight in a locked compartment. We review these conditions carefully before placing your cover so there are no surprises at claim time.
If you're a sole trader or subcontractor not covered by a principal's workers' compensation scheme, a work-related injury can leave you without income for weeks or months. Personal accident cover pays a weekly benefit — typically 85% of pre-injury earnings — while you're unable to work, regardless of how the injury occurred.
It depends on your trade, annual turnover, liability limit required, and tool values. As a rough guide, public liability for a sole trader typically starts from $400–$800 per year for $5M cover. We search 20+ insurers to find the most competitive pricing and policy terms for your specific risk profile.
Tell us about your situation and a broker will come back to you within one business day — no jargon, no pressure, no obligation.
Or call us: 07 3155 2296