The gutter job
A handyman adds gutter cleaning to their services. Their policy excludes work above two storeys, so the two-storey jobs they've started quoting may not be covered.
Insurance for Handymen
Understand the cover handymen commonly use, what clients and sites ask for, and when it gets more complicated.
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The short answer
What insurance does a handyman need in Australia?
Handymen in Australia usually carry public liability insurance, commonly $5 million to $20 million, plus tools and vehicle cover. Because handyman work varies so much, the biggest issue is making sure the policy's list of covered activities matches what you actually do. Licensed work, heights and some trades are often restricted.
- Most common cover
- Public liability, tools and equipment, commercial vehicle
- Limits clients ask for
- $5m to $10m homeowners, $10m to $20m property managers and strata
- Biggest issue
- The policy's list of covered activities
- Gets complicated when
- Work at heights, licensed trade work, strata and commercial contracts
Common cover
What cover do handymen commonly use?
Most handymen build their insurance from a few separate policies. These are the ones that come up most, and why they matter for this kind of work.
Public liability
Covers damage and injury caused by your work, as long as the activity is one the policy covers.
Tools and equipment
A broad kit of tools for varied jobs.
Commercial vehicles
The ute or van and any trailer.
Personal accident and illness
Sole-trader handymen are usually not covered by workers compensation for their own injuries.
When it gets harder
When does insurance get more complicated for handymen?
The handyman's challenge is variety. Each new type of job is a chance the policy doesn't match the work.
Activities outside the policy
Many handyman policies list included activities or exclude certain ones. A claim from a job outside that list may not be covered.
Licensed work
Electrical, plumbing, gas and some building work need a licence. Policies usually exclude licensed work you aren't licensed for.
Heights and roofs
Gutter cleaning and roof repairs can be restricted, especially above a certain height.
Property manager and strata panels
Real estate agencies and strata managers often ask for $10 million to $20 million and may ask to be noted on the policy.
Illustrative examples
What does this look like in practice?
These are illustrative examples, not real clients, showing how the work changes the insurance.
The property manager panel
To join a real estate agency's maintenance panel, a handyman needs $20 million public liability and a certificate of currency. Their $5 million policy needs updating first.
Cost
What affects the cost of insurance for handymen?
These are the main factors for handyman premiums.
| Factor | Impact | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Range of activities | Major | More varied or higher-risk activities increase premium. |
| Liability limit | Moderate | Property managers often want higher limits. |
| Work at heights | Moderate | Roof and gutter work costs more. |
| Turnover | Moderate | More jobs mean more exposure. |
| Claims history | Moderate | Previous claims affect pricing. |
Common questions
Questions handymen ask about insurance
What insurance do handymen need?
Most handymen carry public liability insurance, plus tools and vehicle cover. Property managers and strata usually require it before giving you work.
Am I covered for every job I do?
Only for the activities your policy covers. Handyman policies often list or exclude specific activities, so check the list matches your work.
Can a handyman do electrical or plumbing work?
Only with the right licence. Unlicensed work in those trades is usually illegal and excluded from insurance.
Related trades
This page is general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not a recommendation to buy any insurance product. Always read the policy wording and, where applicable, the Product Disclosure Statement.
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