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Public Liability Insurance Queensland

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

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, updated on August 1st, 2023       

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Public liability insurance can offer vital protection to a range of businesses, no matter whether you’re based in Brisbane, Cairns or the Gold Coast. All businesses in Queensland which have regular contact with members of the public should consider taking out public liability insurance, as it can offer protection against personal injury or damages claims stemming from covered incidents. 

If you’re looking for public liability insurance for your Queensland business, Savvy can help you compare multiple quotes from some of Australia’s leading insurers instantly. By answering a few simple questions, you can start considering offers from our trusted providers. Start looking for your policy today by getting a free, no-obligation quote through Savvy. 

Public liability insurance in Queensland – what is it and how does it work?

Public liability insurance is a type of business insurance that offers protection for your business against covered claims that your negligence caused injury to a member of the public or damage to their property. For example, you may be the subject of a claim if a member of the public slips and injures their back whilst boarding a catamaran that you run cruises on. It’s important to note that all coverage will be subject to your insurer’s terms and conditions. 

Cover is available for amounts of $5 million, $10 million or $20 million, so it’s important to assess how much your business may need. Such large amounts of coverage may be necessary because personal injury claims can prove to be very expensive. For example, tragic diving accidents off the Great Barrier Reef have resulted in multi-million-dollar damages claims in the past.  

Savvy can help you quickly compare a range of online quotes for business insurance, including public liability insurance. We make the comparison process simple by providing a range of free, no-obligation quotes online for you to consider before you buy.

What does public liability insurance cover my Queensland business for?

Public liability insurance may be able to offer protection to your business for the most expensive components of a personal injury claim, including:  

  1. Claims that your negligence caused personal injury 
  2. Claims that your business activity resulted in damage to another person’s property 
  3. Compensation claims for property damage or personal injury 
  4. The legal costs awarded to a successful litigant 
  5. The costs of defending yourself against such claims 

All insurance policies are subject to eligibility criteria and terms and conditions, so read the product disclosure statement (PDS) provided carefully to make sure you are aware of the conditions that apply to the coverage on offer. 

What isn't covered by public liability insurance?

The following aren’t usually covered by public liability insurance:  

  1. Damage to your own property 
  2. Injury to your employees or workers (who should be covered by your workers compensation insurance
  3. Damages awarded for professional negligence 
  4. The cost of rectifying faulty workmanship 
  5. Product recalls 
  6. Accidents that happened before or after your period of cover 

Public liability insurance is designed to protect you if a third party makes a claim against your business. It will not cover your own business property or equipment.  

If you have a small business and require cover for your own equipment, some insurers offer small business insurance packages which combine several different types of insurance, including for your assets.  

Which types of businesses in Queensland need public liability insurance?

There are many different types of businesses in Queensland that should consider taking out public liability insurance, including the following:  

  • Tourism operators, photographers and retail shops
  • Pizza shops, restaurants, cafes and food businesses 
  • Tradies including builders, electricians and plumbers 
  • Anyone working in IT businesses or finance industries 
  • Self-employed, sole traders and mobile businesses
  • Real estate agents, accountants and legal professionals 
  • Consultants, contractors and engineers 
  • Health professionals including doctors and nurses 

If your business involves interacting with members of the public or their property, it may be worth assessing its needs and primary risks to help determine whether public liability insurance is a suitable option.

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

Some of the elements you should compare when looking at policies for public liability insurance with Savvy include: 

The cost of premiums 

By carefully comparing insurance policies, you can find out which policies are the most affordable for you, which may help you avoid overpaying for cover. However, it’s important to ensure you’re comparing like with like. The cheapest insurance quote may not necessarily offer the best level of coverage, so compare policies thoroughly before making a decision.  

Level of cover 

Make sure you’re aware of the level of cover required before buying a particular policy. The amount of cover you may need can sometimes be determined by others; for example, landlords may insist you have a certain level of cover (often $5 million) in order to rent your premises. As such, it’s valuable to assess your needs and determine which claim limit will benefit your business the most. 

What’s covered and what isn’t 

Compare the areas which are and aren’t covered in your public liability insurance policy so you’re aware of any key exclusions which may be relevant to your business.

Optional extras 

Some insurers offer the opportunity to add on further coverage for an additional cost, so read the PDS carefully before deciding if these optional extras are right for your business. Extras can include things like additional product liability insurance or glass insurance. 

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

Types of business insurance

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Frequently asked questions about public liability insurance in Queensland

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

This document is an official acknowledgement that you’re covered by a certain type of insurance from a specified date and time. It will automatically be sent to you once you pay your first insurance premium. You may need to keep it handy to show to your landlord or council as proof you have the required insurance.  

Is public liability insurance compulsory in Queensland?

No – public liability insurance isn’t compulsory in Queensland under Australian law, but it may be required in certain situations. For example, if you want to hold a public event such as a dog walk for charity, your local council may ask for proof of your public liability insurance. You may also require it in some industries and as a condition of joining certain organisations and unions.  

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

No – public liability insurance offers cover for third-party injury or damages claims, but probably won’t cover any products you sell. If you wish to be covered for claims that a product you supplied caused sickness or injury, you may have to look at getting additional product liability insurance. 

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

Professional indemnity insurance can cover a business against claims they offered poor advice or the service they provided was below reasonable standards or 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 negligence. 

Do I have to have public liability insurance in Queensland if I’m a sole trader?

As mentioned, this type of insurance isn’t compulsory by law, but certain industry professionals may require it in certain situations. It’s important to check with your employer or professional body if you’re required to take out insurance as a sole trader. If you run any sort of business offering a service to members of the public, including handymen and tradies, dog-walkers and gardeners, it may be worth considering taking it out. 

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