So How Much Does $10 Million Public Liability Insurance Cost in Australia? Let's Break it down
Public liability insurance is one of the most important policies for tradies and small businesses. Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or landscaper, it protects you if your work causes injury to someone or damage to property.
For many bigger contracts, councils, and commercial sites, the minimum requirement is $10 million public liability insurance. But what does that level of cover actually cost, and when do you really need it? Let’s break it down.
What Is $10 Million Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect your business if a third party suffers an injury or property damage because of your work.
Most insurers in Australia let you choose from three common cover levels:
$5 million – suited to sole traders and small jobs.
$10 million – the most common requirement for councils, builders, and larger contracts.
$20 million – usually needed for government tenders or major commercial projects.
Choosing $10 million cover gives you peace of mind that you’re meeting compliance for the majority of commercial and local government contracts.
The cost of $10m cover can vary widely depending on your trade, turnover, and location. On average:
Small tradies (sole traders, handymen, cleaners) can expect premiums from around $600–$900 per year.
Medium businesses (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) are usually in the range of $800–$1,500 per year.
High-risk trades (earthmoving, scaffolding, demolition) may pay $1,500+ annually.
Other factors that impact your premium include:
Type of trade and risk level.
Business turnover.
Number of employees.
State or territory licensing requirements.
Optional extras (tools, plant, income protection).
| Level of Cover | Typical Annual Cost* | Best For | Example Trade |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5 Million | $400 – $900 | Sole traders & smaller jobs | Handyman in Brisbane, Cleaner in Sydney |
| $10 Million | $600 – $1,500 | Mid-sized jobs, councils, larger clients | Electrician in Melbourne, Plumber in Perth |
| $20 Million | $1,200 – $2,500+ | Govt contracts & commercial projects | Earthmoving in Adelaide, Builder in Canberra |
*Costs vary depending on trade, location, business size, and sums insured.
When Do You Actually Need $10 Million Cover?
Not every tradie needs $10m cover, but in certain jobs it’s essential. You’ll commonly be asked for it when:
Working on council projects – parks, roads, public spaces.
Commercial construction sites – many builders set $10m as the standard entry requirement.
Government contracts – state or federal projects often require $10m or higher.
Large private clients – shopping centres, office towers, or big residential builders.
If you only work on small domestic jobs, $5m may be enough. But if you want to future-proof your business for bigger contracts, $10m is usually the safe choice.
How to Save on $10 Million Public Liability Insurance
While higher cover costs more, there are ways to keep your premiums competitive:
Compare insurers – brokers like Us ProTrades do the legwork to find the best price.
Bundle policies – add tools, plant, or professional indemnity to get package discounts.
Choose the right excess – slightly higher excess often lowers the annual premium.
Review annually – don’t auto-renew without checking better deals. Get your FREE Policy Review Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $10 million public liability insurance enough in Australia?
For most tradies, yes. Councils, builders, and corporate clients usually ask for $10m. Some government contracts may push it up to $20m.
What’s the difference between $5m and $10m cover?
Both policies work the same way — the difference is the payout limit. $10m cover gives you a higher safety net and meets more client requirements.
Does $10 million public liability insurance cost much more than $5m?
Not usually. In many cases the jump from $5m to $10m is only a few hundred dollars extra per year.
Who typically needs $10m cover?
Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, landscapers, and earthmoving contractors often need $10m for council or commercial projects.
Get a $10 Million Public Liability Insurance Quote Today
If you’re bidding for bigger jobs or working with councils and commercial builders, chances are you’ll need $10 million public liability insurance.
At ProTrades Insurance, we compare policies from leading insurers to find you the right cover at the best price. You’ll get:
Fast, obligation-free quotes.
Support from Aussie brokers who know the trades industry.
👉 Get your quote today and keep your business covered.