Insurance for Painting Businesses
Most Australian painting businesses carry public liability because clients demand it, and workers compensation when they employ staff. Tool, income protection and professional indemnity cover are commercial choices. This page separates those roles without inventing premium figures.
General information for Australian painting businesses, not legal, financial, tax or safety advice. Rules change and vary by state or territory. Confirm anything you rely on with the relevant regulator (your insurer, and Safe Work Australia / your state workers-compensation authority) before acting.
What each cover does
| Cover | What it does | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Public liability | Covers injury or property damage you cause to others while working | Usually not a blanket legal mandate; clients and head contractors often require a certificate of currency |
| Workers compensation | Covers employees injured at work; administered by state schemes | Yes if you employ workers (confirm your state authority) |
| Tool & equipment | Replaces stolen or damaged tools and gear | Optional — commercial decision |
| Income protection | Pays a portion of income if illness or injury stops you working | Optional — commercial decision |
| Professional indemnity | Covers claims arising from advice, design or specification (less common for pure labour painting) | Optional — more relevant if you specify systems or consult |
Source: business.gov.au Source: Safe Work Australia — workers compensation
Public liability first
Public liability is the cover clients and builders most often ask to see, because it responds to injury or damage on a job. It is usually the first policy a painting business takes out even when it is not a universal statutory mandate.
Workers compensation is state-based
If you employ workers, you generally must hold workers compensation cover under your state’s scheme. Sole traders without employees sit outside that duty in most cases, but confirm with your state authority before you assume you are exempt.
What it costs
Premiums are quote-driven. We omit “average cost” figures that would be guesswork. Compare at least two brokers or insurers with your real turnover and work description.
Starting out?
Insurance is one step of setting up. The full guide to starting a painting business →
Frequently asked questions
Is public liability compulsory for painters?
There is no single national law that makes public liability compulsory for every painting business the way workers compensation is for employers. In practice clients, councils and head contractors routinely require a certificate of currency before awarding work, so most painters treat it as essential.
How much cover do painters need?
The sum insured is often set by who you work for — head contractors and commercial clients commonly specify a minimum. Ask what certificate they require rather than guessing a number from the internet.
What does painting insurance cost?
Premiums vary with cover level, turnover, claims history and work type. We do not publish a fake average. Get quotes from an insurer or broker who understands trade work.