Public Liability Insurance for Plumbers
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What is public liability insurance for plumbers?
Public liability insurance covers your legal liability when your work causes injury to someone or damage to their property. For plumbers, that means everything from a customer tripping on your tools to a hidden pipe you crack flooding a kitchen. You're covered for compensation claims and your legal defence.
Most builders, head contractors and commercial sites require proof of $10M or $20M public liability before you set foot on their property. Viz issues your Certificate of Currency the moment your policy is confirmed - no waiting around.
What's Included
Third-Party Bodily Injury
Third-Party Bodily Injury
A customer slips on water you left on the floor and injures their back. Your policy can cover a claim they make against you for their loss, including their medical costs, lost wages, and any compensation claim - plus your legal costs.
Third-Party Property Damage
Third-Party Property Damage
You accidentally crack a concealed pipe during a rough-in. The resulting water inundation damages walls, floors and cabinetry. The repair bill can be covered under your public liability policy.
Products Liability
Products Liability
A component or fitting you supplied and installed fails after the job is done, causing damage. Products liability is included in your cover - you're not just protected for what you do, but what you supply.
Legal Defence Costs
Legal Defence Costs
Even a groundless claim can run up legal costs fast. Your policy can cover your defence costs whether the claim succeeds or not.
Residential & Commercial Work
Residential & Commercial Work
Your Viz policy is designed to cover you, whether you're working on a home bathroom renovation or a commercial fit-out. One policy covers both residential and commercial work - no need for separate policies when your work crosses both settings.
Loading and unloading vehicles
Loading and unloading vehicles
Viz's public liability insurance can cover damage to third party property that happens while loading or unloading a registered vehicle during your business activities.
What public liability actually covers
Three situations every plumber could face - and how Viz responded
✔ Scenario 1: Water Damage to Floorboards
Marcus, from Clearpoint Plumbing Services. Marcus fitted a new mixer tap in a client's kitchen and the seal let go overnight, staining and cupping the floorboards. The homeowner wanted it sorted straight away and the repair quote came to just over $6,500, which was covered under Marcus's public liability insurance.
✔ Scenario 2: Tools Theft
John, from Munro Plumbing. John's locked toolbox on the back of his ute was broken into overnight while the ute was parked in his own driveway. A press gun with a set of interchangeable heads and a wet-and-dry vac were taken, together worth just over $3,000, which were covered under his tools of trade cover.
✔ Scenario 3: Water Damage to Home
Craig, from Crystal Plumbing & Gas Richmond. Craig fixed a leak at a client's place, and a few weeks later the repair let go and water got through into the property again. The owner held Craig's business liable for the resulting water damage. The claim came to just over $8,300, which was covered under his public liability insurance.
The names and businesses above have been changed for privacy. Every claim is different and assessed on its individual circumstances and policy coverage.
What can you get covered for as a plumber?
Cover for gasfitting, drainage and air conditioning work
If your business also does work such as:
- ● Gasfitting*
- ● Air conditioning
- ● Gutter installation and maintenance
- ● Bathroom renovations
- ● Kitchen installation
- ● Waterproofing
You can add these trades to the same policy and only pay one premium.
*when you select 'Plumbing and Gas Fitting' on your policy, you will be asked to select whether or not you do gasfitting.
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Pay Monthly at no Extra Cost
Cashflow matters. No fees or interest for paying monthly.
One Policy. Multiple Occupations.
Put multiple occupations under one policy and one premium.
Get your Viz Tradie Pass
A Certificate of Currency & insurance hub in your phone's digital wallet.
What might a plumber's claim process look like?
Claim time is when your insurance needs to deliver, especially with a builder or homeowner waiting on you. At Viz, claims are managed by our specialist claims partner, Sedgwick. Their role is to guide you through your claim and help you get back to your pre-loss position as quickly as possible, with minimal disruption.
1.
Lodge your claim
Fill out the claim form, call the claims team on 1300 850 491, or send the details to vizclaims@au.sedgwick.com. You'll get confirmation once your information has been received.
2.
A representative will get in touch
A Sedgwick representative will be in touch, likely to gather more detail about your claim. That can include a police report, proof of ownership, and an account of what happened, when and where.
3.
Claim assessment
Once the claims team has everything they need from you, they aim to make a decision within 1 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the claim.
Grab a quote online in 120 seconds
Have a question? Give us a ring on 1300 216 226.
Things to know
Monthly payments vary by state due to state-based stamp duty charges. Viz charges an annual $45 Policy Fee plus $4.50 GST, payable in addition to your premium. The prices shown are based on selecting a $500 excess and are an indication only. Your premium will be calculated based on the information you provide to us during the insurance application process.
You can add up to two occupation categories on to your quote online. Some of these categories contain two different trades, e.g. 'Plumbing and renovations'. If you need additional business activities covered or have any questions about our policies, give us a call on 1300 216 226 or email us at hello@vizinsurance.com.au.
Frequently asked questions
For a sole trader, plumber public liability insurance with Viz starts at about $40 per month for $5 million of cover without gas work, or about $60 per month with gas work. For $10 million of cover, it starts at about $50 per month without gas work, or around $70 per month with gas work. Your exact premium depends on your cover limit, whether you do gas work, the number of workers in your business, and your state.
In most cases, yes. Principal contractors and builders in Australia typically require subcontract plumbers to hold current public liability insurance, often with a minimum limit of $10 million or $20 million, before they're allowed to start work.
Once you take out a policy with Viz, your Certificate of Currency and other documents are emailed to you within seconds. You can also sign up for the Viz Tradie Pass, which keeps an up-to-date copy on your phone whenever you need it.
Yes. If your plumbing work accidentally damages a client's property - a floor, ceiling, cabinetry or fitting - your Viz public liability policy is designed to cover the third-party property damage claim, including legal costs and compensation. Subject to policy terms and conditions.
Yes. An interested party, such as a builder, head contractor or property owner, can be added to your Viz policy by phone or email.
Public liability insurance is expected for plumbers working on most Australian building sites. Principal contractors and builders typically require subcontractors to hold current public liability insurance before starting work. Viz provides plumber cover up to $20 million.
Yes. Gas fitting is treated as higher risk, so if you do gas work as part of your plumbing business, your premium will generally be higher than for a plumber who doesn't. You'll be asked whether you do gas work when you get a quote, so your price reflects the work you actually do.
Yes. Viz's public liability policy for plumbers includes a Victoria-specific extension designed to comply with the Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order 2002.