Trade Sectors & Coverage
Find the right cover for your trade and your projects
Builders & Construction
Builders, carpenters, roofers, scaffolders, concreters, demolition specialists
Building and construction are the highest-risk trades. You're working at heights, with heavy equipment, near public areas, and on projects that affect neighbouring properties. One dropped tool, one collapsed scaffold, one water leak into a neighbour's home can result in claims exceeding $100,000.
Key Risks:
- Property damage from construction work
- Falling debris and dropped tools injuring passersby
- Structural damage to adjacent properties
- Water damage from roof repairs or plumbing work
- Scaffold collapse and falling materials
- Vehicle damage to client property
- Injury to workers on site (ACC + PLI)
- Noise and dust complaints causing business loss
Real Scenario:
During roofing work, loose materials fall from scaffolding and damage a neighbour's car and fence. Repairing the damage costs $8,000. The neighbour claims injury from the falling debris: $6,000 in medical costs. Your PLI covers all $14,000 plus legal defence costs.
Site Requirements: Most main contractors require builders and subcontractors to have $5M-$10M PLI. Major commercial projects may require $20M. Always check contract requirements before quoting on work.
Plumbers & Gas Fitters
Plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers, water specialists
Plumbers and gasfitters work with systems that can cause catastrophic damage if something goes wrong. A burst pipe repair that fails and floods a $500,000 home. A gas connection that leaks. These risks are significant and claims can be substantial. You need robust insurance.
Key Risks:
- Water damage from burst pipes or failed repairs
- Flooding of client property from plumbing work
- Gas leaks and gas-related injuries
- Property damage from drain clearing work
- Damage to underground services (hitting pipes, cables)
- Scalding injuries from hot water systems
- Slip hazards from water spills
- Damage to client furnishings and fixtures
Real Scenario:
A plumbing repair causes a pipe to burst overnight, flooding the client's kitchen and damaging cabinetry and appliances. Repair costs total $28,000. Your PLI covers the full amount, plus your legal defence costs, protecting your business from financial ruin.
Professional Note: Many councils and regions require gasfitters to be registered with engineering standards bodies. Ensure your PLI is compatible with any licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
Electricians
Electricians, data cablers, solar installers, electrical maintenance
Electrical work carries risk of serious injury and property damage. Faulty wiring can cause fires, injuries, or damage to expensive electronics and equipment. Electrical hazards are often invisible to customers, making proper documentation and insurance essential for your protection.
Key Risks:
- Electrical fires from faulty wiring
- Shock injuries to workers or occupants
- Damage to client electronics and appliances
- Power surges damaging equipment
- Data cable installation errors
- Solar system failures causing injury or fire
- Property damage from electrical faults
- Injury during electrical work at height
Real Scenario:
Faulty wiring work you completed causes a power surge that damages the client's $12,000 home theatre system. The client also claims electrical shock injury and personal injury costs of $4,000. Your PLI covers all costs, preventing a shutdown of your business.
Master Electricians: If you're a registered Master Electrician with the Master Electricians New Zealand, your PLI is a requirement for membership. Verify that your insurance meets their standards.
Painters & Decorators
Interior/exterior painters, wallpaperers, plasterers, decorators
Painting and decorating work involves chemical exposure, working at heights, and the risk of accidental damage to valuable client property. Paint and chemical splashes on expensive furniture, ladder falls, and chemical burns are all realistic scenarios. Coverage is affordable and essential.
Key Risks:
- Paint and chemical damage to client furnishings
- Ladder falls and work-at-height injuries
- Chemical burns from paint and solvents
- Damage to client belongings left in rooms
- Slips on wet paint or water
- Allergic reactions to paints or solvents
- Damage to client carpets and flooring
- Property damage from scaffolding setup
Real Scenario:
Paint splashes damage a client's expensive imported rug worth $5,000 and an antique chair worth $3,000. The client insists on compensation. Your PLI covers the $8,000 claim, maintaining your relationship with the client and protecting your cash flow.
Landscapers & Gardeners
Landscapers, arborists, gardeners, lawn mowing services, garden designers
Tree removal and landscaping work is inherently hazardous. Falling trees and branches, lawn mower thrown debris, damage to underground services, and injury during tree work all represent serious liability risks. Arborist work especially requires high coverage levels.
Key Risks:
- Tree falling on property, structures, or people
- Falling branches during tree work
- Lawn mower throwing debris at bystanders
- Damage to underground services (pipes, cables)
- Injury during tree pruning or removal
- Damage to client property during landscaping
- Equipment-related injuries
- Damage to neighbour properties
Real Scenario:
While removing a tree, a large branch falls and crushes a neighbour's shed worth $6,000, and damages a car parked in the neighbour's driveway ($8,000). The neighbour claims injury from the incident. Your PLI covers the full property damage and injury claim, keeping your business operating.
HVAC & Refrigeration
Air conditioning installers, refrigeration technicians, heat pump technicians
HVAC and refrigeration work involves pressurised gases, electrical systems, and water. Refrigerant leaks, electrical fires, improper installation, and water damage from cooling systems are all serious risks that require comprehensive insurance coverage.
Key Risks:
- Refrigerant gas leaks causing injury
- Electrical hazards during installation
- Water damage from cooling systems
- Pressure vessel failures
- Fire from electrical faults
- Injury to workers during installation
- Damage to client property during work
- Equipment failure after completion
Real Scenario:
An air conditioning installation causes water damage from a cooling line failure, flooding the client's office and damaging computers, furniture, and flooring. Total damage: $22,000. Your PLI covers the full claim without affecting your operating capital.