Public Liability Insurance New South Wales

Compare online quotes for public liability insurance in NSW here with Savvy today. 

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, updated on August 1st, 2023       

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Whether you live in Sydney or Newcastle, public liability insurance is essential for most businesses that have contact with members of the general public. It can offer protection for a range of covered events, including situations where someone is hurt or if their property is damaged as a result of your business activity. 

Savvy makes the process of comparing public liability insurance in NSW simple by presenting you with a range of instant quotes from some of Australia’s leading insurers. Just answer a few simple questions about your business and the insurance you’re after and you’ll have competitive offers to consider instantly. Get started with a free quote through us today. 

Public liability insurance in New South Wales - what is it and how does it work?

Public liability insurance is a form of business insurance that offers your business protection in the event of claims of injury or property damage as a result of your negligent business activity. If your business has any interaction with members of the public, there’s always a risk that an accident could occur. This could be something as simple as a shopper slipping over on a wet floor, or a customer’s car getting damaged by one of your delivery drivers.  

If someone does get hurt, or their property damaged, there’s always the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit. If you or your business is found to be liable, you could face a compensation claim of tens of thousands of dollars, if not more in some cases. Public liability insurance could cover the legal costs associated with such a claim, subject to meeting your insurer’s eligibility criteria.  

You can get a range of quotes for public liability insurance right here through Savvy. You’ll be able to compare deals from our trusted insurance providers, offering 100% free, no-obligation quotes online. Start your quote here today.  

What does public liability insurance cover my NSW business for?

Public liability insurance can cover your business for the following:  

  1. Third-party injury claims 
  2. Third-party property damage 
  3. Damage to property in your care 
  4. Legal fees to defend the claim 

Naturally, all coverage is subject to the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions listed under your agreement. It’s important to read the PDS carefully before deciding which policy offers you the most appropriate cover for your personal circumstances.

What is not covered by public liability insurance? 

  1. Damage to your property 
  2. Injuries to yourself or your workers 
  3. Any damages awarded for professional negligence 
  4. Faulty workmanship 
  5. Product recalls 
  6. Accidents which happened before or after your period of cover 

Public liability insurance is there to protect you if a third party makes a claim against your business. It will not cover your own business equipment or assets. If you do require cover for your business equipment, you should consider taking out business assets insurance, which can protect your business against instances of loss of, or damage to, your assets (including theft).  

Your employees should also be covered for any injuries sustained at work by workers compensation insurance, which is compulsory for all employers in Australia. 

Which types of businesses in NSW need public liability insurance?

Many different types of businesses in NSW should consider taking out public liability insurance, including the following:  

  • Allied health professionals
  • Builders, carpenters and electricians 
  • Conveyancers and consultants 
  • Cafes and Restaurants 
  • Engineering firms 
  • Event organisers 
  • Finance and IT professionals 
  • Graphic designers and architects 
  • Hairdressers and home businesses 
  • Landscapers and lawn mowers 
  • Nurses and other health professionals 
  • Mobile businesses 
  • Tradies and sole traders

It doesn’t matter whether your business is based in Sydney or Wollongong; what these businesses have in common is they all face third-party liability risks. 

Having public liability insurance is essential for anyone in NSW who deals with the public or their property on a day-to-day basis. Start your quote here through Savvy today to enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve got your business insurance organised. 

How do I compare public liability insurance for my business in NSW?

There are several elements of public liability insurance that you should look at when comparing business liability quotes. These include: 

  • What’s covered: compare the extent of coverage offered and look at the exclusions carefully to see which policy offers the widest coverage 
  • The cost: be aware that the cheapest public liability insurance may not necessarily always be the best, as a lower-priced policy may come with fewer benefits or a lower claim limit in some cases 
  • Benefit amount: public liability insurance is usually available in three pre-defined amounts: $5 million, $10 million or $20 million. The level of insurance you’ll need will often be specified by your landlord, council, state or Federal government (if you’re tendering for a contract) 
  • Optional extras and add-ons: by reading the PDS carefully, you’ll generally be able to determine if you need any add-ons or optional extras which may be offered, such as business interruption insurance 
  • Bundle options: if you require more than one type of insurance, check whether you’re able to take out this insurance as part of a business insurance package, which includes elements of other types of cover. For example, you may be able to combine public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance 

What factors will affect the cost of my public liability insurance in NSW?

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Frequently asked questions about public liability insurance in NSW

Can I get insurance coverage for products I sell in NSW through public liability insurance?

No – public liability insurance only tends to cover third-party injury or damages claims which happen within your business premises. If you wish to be covered against claims that a product you supplied caused sickness, injury or property damage, you may have to look at getting additional product liability insurance. 

Is public liability insurance compulsory in NSW?

No – public liability isn’t compulsory in NSW under Australian law, but it's compulsory in certain situations. For example, to hold a public market, your local council will insist that you show proof of your public liability insurance as a condition of granting the permit to allow you to hold your market. In any circumstance where you have responsibility for the safety of members of the public, you should consider having public liability insurance. 

What’s the difference between public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance?

Professional indemnity insurance can cover a business against claims it offered poor advice or the service provided was below reasonable standards or was negligent. This is in contrast to public liability insurance, which protects a business from claims that someone was injured or their property was damaged as a result of business negligence.

What is a Certificate of Currency and do I need one?

A Certificate of Currency is an official receipt and acknowledgement that you’re covered by a named type of insurance from a specified date and time. It’s a legal document which will be automatically sent to you once you pay your first insurance premium. You’ll need this document to provide to anyone (such as a council or landlord) who requires proof you have the required insurance policy to operate your business. 

Do I need public liability insurance for a home-based business?

This will depend on whether you come into contact with members of the public. If your home-based business involves booking appointments and having clients visit your home, you should still consider public liability insurance to protect you in case they’re accidentally injured at your place of residence. You may also consider this type of insurance if you store your customers’ belongings in your home, such as a home-based dress repairer, or if you visit clients in their homes and risk damaging their property, such as real estate agents. 

Can I take out public liability insurance for specific events?

Some insurers may offer public liability insurance for a specific event in NSW. Common examples of when one-off event insurance may be required include public concerts, parties, fireworks shows, street markets, parades and other community celebrations.  

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