Plumbers Insurance for Small Businesses
You Do the Pipework. We’ll Handle the Insurance.
Plumbing is never straightforward. You’re dealing with pressurised systems, tight spaces, expensive finishes, and jobs where one mistake can flood a whole house or stop work on site.
That’s why we tailor your plumbing insurance so it fits the way you actually work. It’s quick to set up, easy to understand, and ready for whatever the builder, contract, or site manager throws your way.
You need a cover that handles the real risks, not just the paperwork.
Plumbers Insurance for Mid-Sized Businesses
Insurance That Grows with Your Business. We Keep You Compliant as You Scale.
For established plumbing contractors overseeing site teams, subcontractors, and critical systems, your insurance must do more than meet compliance obligations.
It should support operational continuity, protect tools, plant, and infrastructure, and uphold your capacity to deliver under contract, safely and on schedule.
All Trades Cover provides tailored plumbing insurance programs for businesses managing complex workflows, high-risk installations, and projects where technical precision, risk control, and reliability are non-negotiable.
Insurance That Keeps Up With Your Plumbing Work
If you’re running a small plumbing crew or working on your own, your insurance should handle the real risks without slowing you down.
You might be dealing with:
- Builders or councils asking for Certificates of Currency with specific wording
- Contracts that include things like ‘Principal’s Indemnity’ or ‘Cross Liability’
- Tools and gear loaded in the ute, trailer, or left on site
- Subbies jumping on and off jobs, each bringing their own risk
You don’t need delays or technical jargon. Just a solid plumbing company insurance broker that sorts the paperwork and keeps you moving.
Insurance Designed for Commercial Plumbing Contractors
Commercial plumbing projects carry a unique combination of operational, regulatory, and contractual risks that off-the-shelf policies often fail to address, especially as your business grows in size and complexity.
You may be managing:
- Contracts with tight insurance or hold harmless clauses
- High-pressure systems, gas lines, or specialised water infrastructure
- Work across multiple construction sites with staggered timelines
- Expensive tools, equipment, and plant are stored or in transit
- Certification audits, union requirements, or builder-side compliance checks
- Subcontractors, apprentices, or labour-hire workforce liabilities
What Insurance Do You Need as a Small Plumbing Contractor?
Plumbers face a range of risks that most other trades don’t. Water damage, high-pressure systems, confined spaces, and tools in and out of vehicles all add to the complexity of each job.
Here’s the kind of plumbing business insurance that you need to keep you protected and compliant. At All Trade’s Cover, we tailor it to suit your trade, the type of work you take on, and how your team operates.
Public Liability Insurance
Personal Accident & Illness Insurance
Business Package Insurance
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Contract Works Insurance
Workers Compensation Insurance
Tools & Equipment Insurance
Contractor Plant & Machinery Insurance
Commercial Motor Insurance
Motor Fleet Insurance
Management Liability/Directors & Officers
Tax Audit Insurance
Public Liability Insurance
If you’re working in homes, shops, or on job sites, Public Liability insurance is a must for any plumbing business. It protects you if your work causes damage or injury, like a burst pipe flooding the unit below, or a tool scratching up finished surfaces.
It’s one of the key types of liability insurance for plumbing businesses, and it’s often required before you can even set foot on site.
Most builders, councils, and property managers will expect you to hold between $5 million and $20 million in cover, sometimes more. Some may also ask for specific wording or clauses in your insurance paperwork, especially on larger or higher-risk jobs.
This might include naming the head contractor, adding legal clauses, or confirming that your plumbing liability insurance meets the contract requirements.
With All Trades Cover, you’ll get tailored cover for:
- General plumbing jobs like fit-offs, rough-ins, and maintenance
- Work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings
- Use of your own tools and hired equipment
- Jobs with subbies or work on multi-storey buildings
- Principal’s Indemnity and Cross Liability for Contract Compliance
- Certificates tailored for councils, builders, and commercial contracts, including required clauses and custom wording
Our plumbers’ Public Liability insurance helps you get on-site faster, keeps you protected, and gives you backup when things go sideways.
Extra Insurance Requirements for Victorian Plumbers
If you’re a licensed plumber in Victoria, your Public Liability policy needs to meet a few extra rules set by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). They won’t issue or renew your plumbing licence unless your insurance ticks the right boxes.
What Your Certificate of Currency Needs to Include
To get your licence sorted, your Certificate of Currency (CoC) must clearly show:
- Your full legal name (not just your business or trading name)
- The insurer’s name, policy number, and current policy dates
- A specific legal statement that proves your insurance meets VIC plumbing rules
If you’re licensed for general plumbing:
It must include:
- ‘This insurance complies with all of the requirements of the Ministerial Order, Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order, dated 20th June 2002’
If you also do Type B gasfitting:
Your insurance must meet both Ministerial Orders, and your Certificates need to reflect that.
What We Do at All Trades Cover
We know what the VBA is looking for and make sure:
- Your Certificate includes all the right wording
- Your policy lines up with your licence class
- You avoid delays or knockbacks over missing info
Personal Accident & Illness Insurance
Plumbing work can be tough on the body. One slip, strain, or serious injury can put you out of action for weeks or longer. And if you’re a sole trader or running a small crew without Workers’ Comp, you’ll need a plan to keep the income coming in.
Personal Accident and Illness insurance is designed to back you up when you can’t work.
It can include:
- Weekly payments to help replace your income while you recover
- A lump sum payout if you suffer a permanent injury or pass away
- Optional extras for medical bills, rehab, or hospital stays
- Cover that applies on and off the tools, not just during work hours
From fitting pipes on a ladder to fixing a burst in a crawlspace, we know your work has risks. We’ll help you find the right protection to make sure your income is secure, even if you can’t be on the job.
Business Package Insurance
Running a plumbing business means staying on top of your tools, your crew, and your cover. Business Package insurance lets you bundle the essentials into one policy that’s easier to manage and tailored to how you actually work.
It’s a solid option if you’ve got a few jobs on the go, run a small team, or handle commercial or council work.
Your plumbing Business Package insurance can include:
- General Property cover for tools, drain gear, and hired equipment
- Public and Products Liability with limits that suit bigger contracts
- Fire, storm, or impact damage cover for your storage shed or workshop
- Theft or vandalism cover for tools left on site or in the ute
- Business Interruption insurance to help with lost income after a covered event
- Transit cover for equipment and materials while you’re on the move
If you’re growing your plumbing business and want the right protection without the hassle of juggling multiple policies, we’ll help build tailored Business Package insurance that keeps things simple and covered.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
If you’re giving advice, issuing reports, or signing off on plumbing work, Professional Indemnity insurance is worth having in your corner. It helps protect your business if a client claims your advice or documentation caused them financial loss, even if the work was done properly.
You might need this cover if you:
- Provide plumbing reports or compliance certificates
- Sign off on installations or inspections for councils or builders
- Advise on drainage plans, water pressure issues, or site compliance
This type of insurance is often required for plumbing businesses working on government jobs, council sites, or larger commercial projects. If you’re unsure whether you need it, we’ll walk you through it and set up the right protection for the work you do.
Contract Works Insurance
If you’re working on installs, fit-offs, or full system upgrades, Contract Works insurance can help protect you while the job is still in progress. It covers your materials, gear, and the work itself if something goes wrong before handover.
This type of plumbing contractor insurance is a smart move if you’re working under fixed-price contracts or taking on staged commercial jobs where you’re responsible for completing the work properly and on time.
What it typically covers:
- Materials and plumbing work that’s still in progress
- Theft, storm damage, or vandalism during the job
- Job-specific or annual cover, depending on how you work
It’s often required for high-value jobs like full fit-outs, hot water system installs, or large commercial and civil plumbing packages. That can include sewer upgrades, stormwater systems, fire mains, or infrastructure work. If you’re not sure if it applies to your setup, we’ll look at your workload and let you know what makes sense.
Workers Compensation Insurance
If you’ve got someone on the books, even just a casual or part-timer, you’re legally required to have Workers’ Compensation. Each state has its own rules, and it’s easy to get caught out if you’re not sure who qualifies as a worker or how the setup applies to your business.
We help plumbers get it right from the start, with support that fits the way small trade businesses run.
Here’s what we do at All Trades Cover:
- Set up your Workers’ Comp correctly in WA, and help with placements or guidance across the rest of Australia, including the NT
- Classify your team the right way, including apprentices, casuals, subbies, and potential directors
- Add Principal’s Indemnity to your cover if a contract or job site requires it
- Handle wage estimates, declarations, and working director cover if needed
- Help you lodge claims quickly, and advise on when and how to report incidents
- Manage the paperwork, including forms and supporting documents
- Work with the insurer to plan return-to-work, light duties, and rehab if someone’s injured
- Stay across treatment plans, medical reports, and liability decisions so nothing gets missed
If your premiums are too high due to past claims, we can:
- Review your history and show where the issues started
- Advocate for better rates based on crew changes or updated safety processes
- Help reduce your premium rate over time with a clear plan
And even if your history is clean:
- We’ll negotiate with the insurer to make sure you’re paying fair rates
- Ensure your policy reflects how your plumbing business actually runs
Whether you’re running solo with one apprentice or growing your crew for bigger jobs, we’ll keep you compliant and properly covered, with support that actually makes sense.
Tools & Equipment Insurance
Also called General Property insurance, this cover protects the tools and equipment that keep your plumbing business moving. Whether it’s locked in the ute, sitting in the trailer, or left on site between jobs, this insurance helps cover the cost if your gear is stolen, lost, or damaged.
If something goes missing, this cover gets you back on the tools fast without the financial headache.
What’s typically covered:
- B-press power tools, hand tools, drain and snake cameras, water or hydro jetters and testing gear
- Pipe locators, pressure testers, and other specialised equipment
- Gear stored in vehicles, trailers, sheds, or on job sites
- Optional extras for open-air theft or work at remote sites
It’s a smart add-on to your plumbing Public Liability insurance, especially if you’re on the move a lot or carrying high-value gear. We’ll help you pick the right level of cover for how and where you work, make sure your expensive tools are insured properly, and lock in the details to avoid drama at claim time.
Contractor Plant & Machinery Insurance
If you use high-value machinery on the job, whether it’s your own, on hire, or leased, Contractor Plant and Machinery insurance helps protect that gear from damage, theft, or breakdown.
It’s a good option for plumbers using things like excavators for drainage, trenchers, bobcats, or other heavy plant equipment to get underground work done.
This policy helps cover things like:
- Owned and registered machinery or plant
- Hired or leased equipment for short- or long-term jobs
- Wet or dry hire setups (with or without an operator)
- Cover for accidental damage, fire, or theft
- Breakdown and recovery costs
- Road risk or Public Liability if your plant moves between sites
- Finance protection if the machine is under a loan or lease
- Automatic updates when gear is added or removed from your fleet
If you rely on gear like this to get the job done, we’ll help you set up the right cover to keep things moving if something goes wrong.
Commercial Motor Insurance
Driving between jobs with a ute full of gear or towing a jetter or trailer? Commercial Motor insurance helps cover your work vehicles, trailers, and mounted equipment while you’re on the road or parked up on site.
You’ll get protection for:
- Use on public roads, job sites, and access tracks
- Cover for trailers, toolboxes, jetters, and mounted equipment
- Windscreen replacement with no excess
- Optional hire vehicle cover while your vehicle is being repaired
- Options to meet finance or lease conditions
- Cover for adding or removing vehicles as your business grows
We will help you set it up based on how you actually use your gear, not just what the paperwork says. That way, you are covered where it counts and ready to go when the next job comes in.
Motor Fleet Insurance
If you have a few vehicles on the road, whether they are used to carry gear, tow trailers, or get your crew to the site, Motor Fleet insurance can help keep things simple and covered under one policy.
It is a practical option for plumbing businesses running multiple utes, vans, or trucks and wanting reliable protection without juggling separate policies for every vehicle.
Your cover can typically have:
- Comprehensive or third-party property damage
- Owned, leased, or financed vehicles
- Windscreen replacement and downtime protection
- Optional cover for hired-in vehicle liability when needed
- Automatic additions and removals of vehicles within policy limits
- Optional cover for tools and equipment in transit
If your plumbing business is on the move and the vehicle list is growing, we will help you set up a policy that is easy to manage and built for the way you work.
Management Liability/Directors & Officers
As your plumbing business grows, so does the responsibility. Management Liability insurance helps protect the business and the people who run it from claims related to mismanagement, unfair dismissal, WHS breaches, or other legal issues that fall outside of your day-to-day plumbing work.
Even small teams can face claims from employees, subcontractors, or regulators. This cover helps you deal with the legal and financial fallout if something goes wrong behind the scenes.
Your policy can include:
- Directors and Officers Liability
- Employment Practices Liability for things like harassment or unfair dismissal claims
- Statutory Liability for WHS breaches, fines, or investigations
- Crime cover for internal or external fraud and theft
- Tax audit costs and regulatory investigation support
This type of cover is especially useful if you manage a crew, deal with subcontractors, or hold commercial contracts where your business decisions are more visible and often reviewed.
We will help you decide if this is a good fit for your setup and build a policy that protects the people behind the business, not just the tools and vehicles out on site.
Tax Audit Insurance
If the ATO comes knocking, Tax Audit insurance helps cover the cost of getting your paperwork sorted without putting pressure on your business cash flow.
It covers the accountant or advisor fees that can pop up during a tax audit, BAS review, or super check. If you are running a crew, using subcontractors, or doing government or council work, this cover gives you an extra layer of protection behind the scenes.
What’s normally covered includes:
- Accountant or bookkeeper fees during an ATO audit
- Reviews of your BAS, super, payroll tax, or income tax
- Help prepare reports, financial statements, and supporting documents
It is a smart add-on for plumbing businesses that want to stay focused on the work, not buried in paperwork when the tax office comes calling.
Public Liability Insurance
If you’re working in homes, shops, or on job sites, Public Liability insurance is a must for any plumbing business. It protects you if your work causes damage or injury, like a burst pipe flooding the unit below, or a tool scratching up finished surfaces.
It’s one of the key types of liability insurance for plumbing businesses, and it’s often required before you can even set foot on site.
Most builders, councils, and property managers will expect you to hold between $5 million and $20 million in cover, sometimes more. Some may also ask for specific wording or clauses in your insurance paperwork, especially on larger or higher-risk jobs.
This might include naming the head contractor, adding legal clauses, or confirming that your plumbing liability insurance meets the contract requirements.
With All Trades Cover, you’ll get tailored cover for:
- General plumbing jobs like fit-offs, rough-ins, and maintenance
- Work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings
- Use of your own tools and hired equipment
- Jobs with subbies or work on multi-storey buildings
- Principal’s Indemnity and Cross Liability for Contract Compliance
- Certificates tailored for councils, builders, and commercial contracts, including required clauses and custom wording
Our plumbers’ Public Liability insurance helps you get on-site faster, keeps you protected, and gives you backup when things go sideways.
Extra Insurance Requirements for Victorian Plumbers
If you’re a licensed plumber in Victoria, your Public Liability policy needs to meet a few extra rules set by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). They won’t issue or renew your plumbing licence unless your insurance ticks the right boxes.
What Your Certificate of Currency Needs to Include
To get your licence sorted, your Certificate of Currency (CoC) must clearly show:
- Your full legal name (not just your business or trading name)
- The insurer’s name, policy number, and current policy dates
- A specific legal statement that proves your insurance meets VIC plumbing rules
If you’re licensed for general plumbing:
It must include:
- ‘This insurance complies with all of the requirements of the Ministerial Order, Licensed Plumbers General Insurance Order, dated 20th June 2002’
If you also do Type B gasfitting:
Your insurance must meet both Ministerial Orders, and your Certificates need to reflect that.
What We Do at All Trades Cover
We know what the VBA is looking for and make sure:
- Your Certificate includes all the right wording
- Your policy lines up with your licence class
- You avoid delays or knockbacks over missing info
Personal Accident & Illness Insurance
Plumbing work can be tough on the body. One slip, strain, or serious injury can put you out of action for weeks or longer. And if you’re a sole trader or running a small crew without Workers’ Comp, you’ll need a plan to keep the income coming in.
Personal Accident and Illness insurance is designed to back you up when you can’t work.
It can include:
- Weekly payments to help replace your income while you recover
- A lump sum payout if you suffer a permanent injury or pass away
- Optional extras for medical bills, rehab, or hospital stays
- Cover that applies on and off the tools, not just during work hours
From fitting pipes on a ladder to fixing a burst in a crawlspace, we know your work has risks. We’ll help you find the right protection to make sure your income is secure, even if you can’t be on the job.
Business Package Insurance
Running a plumbing business means staying on top of your tools, your crew, and your cover. Business Package insurance lets you bundle the essentials into one policy that’s easier to manage and tailored to how you actually work.
It’s a solid option if you’ve got a few jobs on the go, run a small team, or handle commercial or council work.
Your plumbing Business Package insurance can include:
- General Property cover for tools, drain gear, and hired equipment
- Public and Products Liability with limits that suit bigger contracts
- Fire, storm, or impact damage cover for your storage shed or workshop
- Theft or vandalism cover for tools left on site or in the ute
- Business Interruption insurance to help with lost income after a covered event
- Transit cover for equipment and materials while you’re on the move
If you’re growing your plumbing business and want the right protection without the hassle of juggling multiple policies, we’ll help build tailored Business Package insurance that keeps things simple and covered.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
If you’re giving advice, issuing reports, or signing off on plumbing work, Professional Indemnity insurance is worth having in your corner. It helps protect your business if a client claims your advice or documentation caused them financial loss, even if the work was done properly.
You might need this cover if you:
- Provide plumbing reports or compliance certificates
- Sign off on installations or inspections for councils or builders
- Advise on drainage plans, water pressure issues, or site compliance
This type of insurance is often required for plumbing businesses working on government jobs, council sites, or larger commercial projects. If you’re unsure whether you need it, we’ll walk you through it and set up the right protection for the work you do.
Contract Works Insurance
If you’re working on installs, fit-offs, or full system upgrades, Contract Works insurance can help protect you while the job is still in progress. It covers your materials, gear, and the work itself if something goes wrong before handover.
This type of plumbing contractor insurance is a smart move if you’re working under fixed-price contracts or taking on staged commercial jobs where you’re responsible for completing the work properly and on time.
What it typically covers:
- Materials and plumbing work that’s still in progress
- Theft, storm damage, or vandalism during the job
- Job-specific or annual cover, depending on how you work
It’s often required for high-value jobs like full fit-outs, hot water system installs, or large commercial and civil plumbing packages. That can include sewer upgrades, stormwater systems, fire mains, or infrastructure work. If you’re not sure if it applies to your setup, we’ll look at your workload and let you know what makes sense.
Workers Compensation Insurance
If you’ve got someone on the books, even just a casual or part-timer, you’re legally required to have Workers’ Compensation. Each state has its own rules, and it’s easy to get caught out if you’re not sure who qualifies as a worker or how the setup applies to your business.
We help plumbers get it right from the start, with support that fits the way small trade businesses run.
Here’s what we do at All Trades Cover:
- Set up your Workers’ Comp correctly in WA, and help with placements or guidance across the rest of Australia, including the NT
- Classify your team the right way, including apprentices, casuals, subbies, and potential directors
- Add Principal’s Indemnity to your cover if a contract or job site requires it
- Handle wage estimates, declarations, and working director cover if needed
- Help you lodge claims quickly, and advise on when and how to report incidents
- Manage the paperwork, including forms and supporting documents
- Work with the insurer to plan return-to-work, light duties, and rehab if someone’s injured
- Stay across treatment plans, medical reports, and liability decisions so nothing gets missed
If your premiums are too high due to past claims, we can:
- Review your history and show where the issues started
- Advocate for better rates based on crew changes or updated safety processes
- Help reduce your premium rate over time with a clear plan
And even if your history is clean:
- We’ll negotiate with the insurer to make sure you’re paying fair rates
- Ensure your policy reflects how your plumbing business actually runs
Whether you’re running solo with one apprentice or growing your crew for bigger jobs, we’ll keep you compliant and properly covered, with support that actually makes sense.
Tools & Equipment Insurance
Also called General Property insurance, this cover protects the tools and equipment that keep your plumbing business moving. Whether it’s locked in the ute, sitting in the trailer, or left on site between jobs, this insurance helps cover the cost if your gear is stolen, lost, or damaged.
If something goes missing, this cover gets you back on the tools fast without the financial headache.
What’s typically covered:
- B-press power tools, hand tools, drain and snake cameras, water or hydro jetters and testing gear
- Pipe locators, pressure testers, and other specialised equipment
- Gear stored in vehicles, trailers, sheds, or on job sites
- Optional extras for open-air theft or work at remote sites
It’s a smart add-on to your plumbing Public Liability insurance, especially if you’re on the move a lot or carrying high-value gear. We’ll help you pick the right level of cover for how and where you work, make sure your expensive tools are insured properly, and lock in the details to avoid drama at claim time.
Contractor Plant & Machinery Insurance
If you use high-value machinery on the job, whether it’s your own, on hire, or leased, Contractor Plant and Machinery insurance helps protect that gear from damage, theft, or breakdown.
It’s a good option for plumbers using things like excavators for drainage, trenchers, bobcats, or other heavy plant equipment to get underground work done.
This policy helps cover things like:
- Owned and registered machinery or plant
- Hired or leased equipment for short- or long-term jobs
- Wet or dry hire setups (with or without an operator)
- Cover for accidental damage, fire, or theft
- Breakdown and recovery costs
- Road risk or Public Liability if your plant moves between sites
- Finance protection if the machine is under a loan or lease
- Automatic updates when gear is added or removed from your fleet
If you rely on gear like this to get the job done, we’ll help you set up the right cover to keep things moving if something goes wrong.
Commercial Motor Insurance
Driving between jobs with a ute full of gear or towing a jetter or trailer? Commercial Motor insurance helps cover your work vehicles, trailers, and mounted equipment while you’re on the road or parked up on site.
You’ll get protection for:
- Use on public roads, job sites, and access tracks
- Cover for trailers, toolboxes, jetters, and mounted equipment
- Windscreen replacement with no excess
- Optional hire vehicle cover while your vehicle is being repaired
- Options to meet finance or lease conditions
- Cover for adding or removing vehicles as your business grows
We will help you set it up based on how you actually use your gear, not just what the paperwork says. That way, you are covered where it counts and ready to go when the next job comes in.
Motor Fleet Insurance
If you have a few vehicles on the road, whether they are used to carry gear, tow trailers, or get your crew to the site, Motor Fleet insurance can help keep things simple and covered under one policy.
It is a practical option for plumbing businesses running multiple utes, vans, or trucks and wanting reliable protection without juggling separate policies for every vehicle.
Your cover can typically have:
- Comprehensive or third-party property damage
- Owned, leased, or financed vehicles
- Windscreen replacement and downtime protection
- Optional cover for hired-in vehicle liability when needed
- Automatic additions and removals of vehicles within policy limits
- Optional cover for tools and equipment in transit
If your plumbing business is on the move and the vehicle list is growing, we will help you set up a policy that is easy to manage and built for the way you work.
Management Liability/Directors & Officers
As your plumbing business grows, so does the responsibility. Management Liability insurance helps protect the business and the people who run it from claims related to mismanagement, unfair dismissal, WHS breaches, or other legal issues that fall outside of your day-to-day plumbing work.
Even small teams can face claims from employees, subcontractors, or regulators. This cover helps you deal with the legal and financial fallout if something goes wrong behind the scenes.
Your policy can include:
- Directors and Officers Liability
- Employment Practices Liability for things like harassment or unfair dismissal claims
- Statutory Liability for WHS breaches, fines, or investigations
- Crime cover for internal or external fraud and theft
- Tax audit costs and regulatory investigation support
This type of cover is especially useful if you manage a crew, deal with subcontractors, or hold commercial contracts where your business decisions are more visible and often reviewed.
We will help you decide if this is a good fit for your setup and build a policy that protects the people behind the business, not just the tools and vehicles out on site.
Tax Audit Insurance
If the ATO comes knocking, Tax Audit insurance helps cover the cost of getting your paperwork sorted without putting pressure on your business cash flow.
It covers the accountant or advisor fees that can pop up during a tax audit, BAS review, or super check. If you are running a crew, using subcontractors, or doing government or council work, this cover gives you an extra layer of protection behind the scenes.
What’s normally covered includes:
- Accountant or bookkeeper fees during an ATO audit
- Reviews of your BAS, super, payroll tax, or income tax
- Help prepare reports, financial statements, and supporting documents
It is a smart add-on for plumbing businesses that want to stay focused on the work, not buried in paperwork when the tax office comes calling.
What Insurance Do You Need as a Mid-Sized Plumbing Contractor?
Your plumbing business carries risk across every layer of operations, from onsite works and asset exposure to subcontractor oversight and the demands of commercial contract delivery.
Here’s the type of plumbing company insurance you may need to consider, tailored for managing multiple teams, high-risk infrastructure, and projects with strict compliance and performance requirements.
Public & Products Liability Insurance
Business Package Insurance
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Contract Works Insurance
General Property Insurance
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Contractor Plant & Machinery Insurance
Commercial Motor Insurance
Management Liability / Directors & Officers Insurance
Motor Fleet Insurance
Tax Audit Insurance
Marine Transit Insurance
Project-Specific Endorsements
Corporate Travel Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Public & Products Liability Insurance
Whether your teams are working in residential buildings, commercial facilities, or active construction sites, Public Liability insurance is essential for any established plumbing business.
This cover protects your operations in the event your work causes property damage or personal injury, such as a burst pipe flooding the level below, or a scratched surface in a completed tenancy. In most cases, it is also a prerequisite before you can begin work on-site.
Commercial contracts with builders, councils, and asset managers typically require between $5 million-$20 million and more in cover. Larger or higher-risk projects may also specify mandatory clauses or endorsements in your Certificate of Currency.
These often include:
- Naming the head contractor or principal as an interested party
- Confirming your policy meets specific indemnity or hold harmless obligations
- Demonstrating that your plumbing Liability insurance aligns with project-specific requirements
At All Trades Cover, we structure your plumber’s Public Liability insurance around how your company’s operations are run:
- Coverage for general plumbing activities, including rough-ins, fit-offs, and maintenance
- Approved for residential, commercial, and industrial environments
- Cover for subcontractor activity and work on multi-level or high-rise sites
- Principal’s Indemnity and Cross Liability clauses were included where required
- Certificates of Currency tailored for commercial contracts, councils, and builders, including custom wording where necessary
This is Public Liability insurance designed to keep your business contract-compliant, site-ready, and supported if something goes wrong.
[H4] Additional Requirements for Victorian Plumbers
Licensed plumbers in Victoria are legally required to hold Plumbers Warranty insurance to issue compliance certificates. This cover is mandated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), under its Ministerial Orders, and applies to most domestic plumbing work.
Separate from your Public Liability policy, Plumbers Warranty insurance protects after the work is completed, covering both workmanship-related issues and post-completion liability exposures.
Key areas of cover include:
- Defective Work insurance: Provides cover for the rectification of plumbing work later found to be defective due to workmanship or material failure.
- Completed Work Liability: Covers third-party injury or property damage that occurs after completion but is directly related to the plumbing work performed.
All Trades Cover ensures your policy meets current VBA requirements and is supported by an approved insurer. We assist with both one-off and ongoing cover, provide compliant Certificates of Currency, and manage renewals and updates in line with licensing and audit obligations.
If you are unsure whether your licence or current scope of work requires this insurance, we can review your setup and ensure your obligations are met in full.
Business Package Insurance
Managing a plumbing business means overseeing tools, teams, and timelines, often across multiple sites. A Business Package insurance policy brings key covers together under one streamlined program, reducing administrative overhead while ensuring comprehensive protection.
Your Business Package insurance can be structured to include:
- General Property cover for tools, diagnostic equipment, and hired plant
- Public and Products Liability with increased limits to meet contract requirements
- Property cover for fire, storm, or impact damage affecting your depot, storage facility, or workshop
- Theft and vandalism cover for tools secured on site, in vehicles, or in transit
- Business Interruption Insurance to assist with lost revenue following an insured event
- Transit cover for materials, equipment, and fittings moved between sites
As your operations scale, you need a policy structure that can grow with your business. Instead of managing the complexity of multiple standalone covers, let All Trades Cover help.
We will build a tailored plumbing business insurance package that:
- Grows with your company
- Meets your specific operational needs
- Satisfies all compliance requirements
Professional Indemnity Insurance
If your plumbing business provides reports, technical advice, or sign-off documentation, Professional Indemnity insurance plays a critical role in your risk strategy.
This cover helps protect your business against claims of financial loss resulting from advice, documentation, or certification, even if the workmanship itself was not in question.
You may require this cover if your scope of work includes:
- Preparing plumbing compliance reports or issuing certificates
- Signing off on installations or inspections for councils, builders, or head contractors
- Advising on site drainage, water pressure, system design, or infrastructure compliance
This form of cover is often mandated for plumbing contractors working on government tenders, infrastructure projects, or commercial developments where documentation carries legal or financial weight.
Contract Works Insurance
When your business is responsible for delivering fixed-scope plumbing works, whether installations, fit-offs, or complete system upgrades, Contract Works insurance provides vital protection while the project is still underway.
This cover protects your materials, tools, and in-progress work against unforeseen events before handover, helping to reduce exposure on jobs where you’re contractually liable for timely and defect-free delivery.
You may need Contract Works insurance if you’re managing:
- Fixed-price or staged commercial plumbing contracts
- Installations that span multiple trades or construction phases
- Projects where you’re responsible for site materials before completion
Typical inclusions:
- Cover for plumbing work and materials during construction
- Theft, storm damage, fire, and vandalism while the job is in progress
- Annual or project-specific policies, depending on your workload and delivery model
Contract Works is commonly required as part of a broader plumbing contractor insurance program, especially on high-value projects such as multi-unit developments, commercial fit-outs, hot water system installations, and industrial or civil works like sewer upgrades, fire mains, stormwater, or water supply infrastructure.
If you’re unsure whether it applies to your scope, we’ll review your contract exposure and recommend the right structure for your business.
General Property Insurance
General Property Insurance, also known as Tools and Equipment Cover, protects the physical assets your plumbing business relies on to keep jobs moving. This includes power tools, diagnostic gear, and equipment stored in vehicles, trailers, or on-site.
This cover is essential for plumbing businesses with mobile crews, high-value tools, and ongoing exposure to theft, damage, or loss across multiple locations.
What’s typically covered:
- Power tools, hand tools, and diagnostic or testing equipment
- Pipe locators, drain cameras, pressure testers, and other specialised gear
- Items stored in utes, trailers, site sheds, or other work-related locations
- Optional extensions for open-air theft, remote site coverage, or higher-value items
- Optional cover for hired or leased equipment
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If your business employs staff, Workers Compensation insurance is a statutory requirement in every state and territory where work is performed. For plumbing businesses working across high-risk scopes like excavation, trenching, and confined space entry, compliance isn’t optional; it’s critical.
Managing these obligations becomes more complex when you’re coordinating apprentices, engaging subcontractors, or working under fixed-price contracts with principal contractors.
All Trades Cover manages Workers Compensation policies for WA-based plumbing businesses, and we can assist with NT placements if required. For other states, we’ll provide guidance on where to source cover and how to meet your obligations.
Here’s how we support you:
- Set up your Workers Compensation policy in Western Australia, and assist with placements or advice across other states
- Ensure correct worker classification for employees, apprentices, labour-hire, and subcontractors
- Add Principal’s Indemnity if your project or contract conditions require it
- Manage wage estimates, working director cover, and annual declarations
- Provide claims support, including incident reporting advice and lodgement assistance
- Handle all related paperwork, including forms, supporting documentation, and correspondence
- Liaise with insurers around return-to-work programs, rehabilitation plans, and light-duty arrangements
- Track treatment progress, medical reports, and liability decisions to avoid administrative gaps
If your premiums have increased due to past claims, we can also:
- Review your claims history and identify patterns or underlying causes
- Advocate for better rates based on staffing changes or updated safety practices
- Develop a plan to reduce your premium rate over time
Even if your claims history is clean, we work on your behalf to:
- Negotiate with the insurer to secure competitive premiums
- Ensure the policy setup reflects your current operations and workforce structure
Whether you operate with a single apprentice or a growing team across multiple projects, we’ll keep your business compliant and properly protected, with support that’s responsive, reliable, and built around how plumbing businesses actually run.
Contractor Plant & Machinery Insurance
Contractor Plant and Machinery insurance protects the specialised equipment your business relies on to complete excavation, drainage, and large-scale plumbing works.
Whether the machinery is owned, leased, or hired for a specific project, this cover provides financial protection against theft, accidental damage, breakdown, and transit-related losses.
For plumbing contractors using excavators, trenchers, vacuum units, skid steers, and directional drilling equipment, having the right cover in place helps reduce downtime and ensures your gear can be repaired or replaced without disrupting project delivery.
Your insurance policy coverage can include:
- Registered or unregistered machinery and plant that you own
- Hired or leased equipment for short-term or ongoing use
- Wet or dry hire arrangements, with or without an operator
- Accidental damage, fire, theft, and malicious damage
- Mechanical breakdown and recovery costs
- Road risk and Public Liability if machinery is moved between sites
- Finance gap cover if the plant is under a lease or commercial loan
- Flexible fleet updates when equipment is added or removed
If your business depends on plant and machinery to deliver contracted works, we’ll help you structure the right level of protection, ensuring minimal disruption and fast recovery if something goes wrong on site or in transit.
Commercial Motor Insurance
If your business relies on vehicles to move between job sites, whether towing trailers, transporting tools, or supporting crews, Commercial Motor insurance provides essential protection for your fleet and mobile assets.
This cover can be structured to match how your vehicles operate in the field, ensuring you’re protected on the road, on site, and throughout your day-to-day workflow.
Commercial motor insurance policies can include:
- Coverage for use on public roads, construction sites, and access tracks
- Protection for trailers, mounted jetters, toolboxes, and other fixed attachments
- Windscreen replacement, often with no excess
- Access to hire vehicles during repair periods
- Policy terms that meet finance, lease, or fleet management requirements
- Flexible options for adding or removing vehicles as your business grows
We tailor your Commercial Motor cover to reflect your actual usage, not just what’s listed on the registration. That means stronger protection, smoother claims, and confidence that your vehicles are covered where it counts.
Management Liability / Directors & Officers Insurance
As your plumbing business grows, so does your exposure to risks that extend beyond tools and job sites. Management Liability insurance helps protect both the company and its decision-makers from claims related to mismanagement, governance breaches, and employment-related disputes.
These risks often arise not from physical work but from how the business is run, including staff oversight, subcontractor engagement, and compliance with regulatory obligations.
Common inclusions for Management Liability insurance are:
- Directors and Officers Liability for claims against business owners or senior managers
- Employment Practices Liability for issues such as unfair dismissal, harassment, or discrimination
- Statutory Liability, including coverage for WHS breaches, regulatory penalties, or compliance investigations
- Crime cover for internal fraud, employee dishonesty, or third-party theft
- Tax audit and regulatory investigation costs, including professional fees
This type of cover is particularly relevant for plumbing businesses with employees, subcontractor networks, or commercial contracts, where leadership decisions and internal processes are increasingly subject to scrutiny.
Motor Fleet Insurance
If your plumbing business operates multiple vehicles, whether for transporting equipment, towing trailers, or mobilising crews, Motor Fleet insurance offers a streamlined solution under a single, manageable policy.
This cover is suited to businesses that require consistent, reliable insurance across multiple vehicles and prefer a centralised approach to managing fleet risk and compliance.
Your Motor Fleet coverage can be structured to incorporate:
- Comprehensive or third-party property damage cover
- Vehicles that are owned, leased, or under finance
- Windscreen replacement and optional cover for downtime
- Hired-in vehicle liability, if required for project work or temporary needs
- Automatic inclusion or removal of vehicles within agreed policy limits
- Optional cover for tools and equipment while in transit
If your operations are expanding and your vehicle list is growing, we’ll structure a fleet solution that’s easy to administer, reflects how your business operates, and keeps your assets and team protected on the move.
Tax Audit Insurance
Tax Audit insurance covers the professional fees incurred if your plumbing business is audited, reviewed, or investigated by the ATO or other government bodies.
It helps reduce the financial impact of responding to:
- ATO audits and compliance reviews
- Superannuation and payroll tax audits
- BAS, FBT, and income tax reviews
- Workers’ Compensation or WorkCover audits
- State-based revenue authority investigations
For plumbing businesses with employees, subcontractors, or complex payroll and reporting requirements, this cover ensures you have the right financial and professional support in place if you’re selected for audit.
Marine Transit Insurance
Marine Transit insurance covers your plumbing tools, equipment, and materials while they’re being transported, whether by road, rail, air, or sea.
This cover is designed for goods in dedicated transit and helps fill the gap where General Property Insurance may not apply. It’s particularly useful when using freight or courier services, or transporting high-value items between suppliers, storage, and job sites.
Your cover can include:
- Theft or loss in transit, including from freight depots or vehicles
- Damage during loading, unloading, or while in motion
- Losses caused by fire, collision, or vehicle rollover
- Coverage for local, interstate, or international freight
- Optional cover for goods left in unattended vehicles or containers
For plumbing businesses that regularly transport equipment or materials beyond the day-to-day, Marine Transit insurance offers a practical way to manage transit-related risks and avoid costly delays or replacements.
Project-Specific Endorsements
When working on commercial, government, or infrastructure-related plumbing projects, you may be required to adjust your insurance policy to meet specific contract conditions. These project-specific endorsements ensure your cover aligns with the obligations set by head contractors, councils, or asset owners.
They are commonly requested to:
- Include the principal contractor or client as an interested party
- Extend Public Liability or Professional Indemnity to cover a defined scope of works
- Address contractual requirements around indemnity, cross-liability, or minimum cover limits
- Provide tailored Certificates of Currency that reflect precise wording and endorsement terms
If your plumbing business is engaged in larger or regulated projects, we can structure these endorsements to meet contractual needs without affecting your core insurance program or day-to-day operations.
Corporate Travel Insurance
Corporate Travel insurance provides financial protection for directors, employees, and contractors undertaking work-related travel within Australia or overseas.
It helps manage the risks associated with business travel, offering cover for:
- Overseas medical expenses and emergency evacuations
- Trip cancellations, delays, or travel disruptions
- Loss or theft of business property and tools
- Rental vehicle excess and accidental damage
- Personal accident cover while travelling
For plumbing businesses with staff travelling for site inspections, contract meetings, training, or industry events, this coverage supports operational continuity and helps meet duty of care obligations across domestic and international travel.
Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance helps protect your business against the financial and legal impacts of a cyber incident, such as a data breach, ransomware attack, or business email compromise.
Even trade-based businesses like plumbing operations are increasingly targeted, especially if you’re managing staff records, supplier payments, or quoting through online platforms.
Cover can include:
- Costs related to ransomware, phishing, or malware attacks
- Legal and notification expenses following a data breach
- Restoration of systems and recovery of lost or stolen data
- Business interruption due to a cyber event
- Fraudulent payments or invoice scams
- Third-party liability if client or contractor data is exposed
If your plumbing business uses cloud software, email for invoicing or quoting, or stores sensitive information, Cyber insurance helps ensure one breach doesn’t lead to business shutdown or reputational damage.
Public & Products Liability Insurance
Whether your teams are working in residential buildings, commercial facilities, or active construction sites, Public Liability insurance is essential for any established plumbing business.
This cover protects your operations in the event your work causes property damage or personal injury, such as a burst pipe flooding the level below, or a scratched surface in a completed tenancy. In most cases, it is also a prerequisite before you can begin work on-site.
Commercial contracts with builders, councils, and asset managers typically require between $5 million-$20 million and more in cover. Larger or higher-risk projects may also specify mandatory clauses or endorsements in your Certificate of Currency.
These often include:
- Naming the head contractor or principal as an interested party
- Confirming your policy meets specific indemnity or hold harmless obligations
- Demonstrating that your plumbing Liability insurance aligns with project-specific requirements
At All Trades Cover, we structure your plumber’s Public Liability insurance around how your company’s operations are run:
- Coverage for general plumbing activities, including rough-ins, fit-offs, and maintenance
- Approved for residential, commercial, and industrial environments
- Cover for subcontractor activity and work on multi-level or high-rise sites
- Principal’s Indemnity and Cross Liability clauses were included where required
- Certificates of Currency tailored for commercial contracts, councils, and builders, including custom wording where necessary
This is Public Liability insurance designed to keep your business contract-compliant, site-ready, and supported if something goes wrong.
[H4] Additional Requirements for Victorian Plumbers
Licensed plumbers in Victoria are legally required to hold Plumbers Warranty insurance to issue compliance certificates. This cover is mandated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), under its Ministerial Orders, and applies to most domestic plumbing work.
Separate from your Public Liability policy, Plumbers Warranty insurance protects after the work is completed, covering both workmanship-related issues and post-completion liability exposures.
Key areas of cover include:
- Defective Work insurance: Provides cover for the rectification of plumbing work later found to be defective due to workmanship or material failure.
- Completed Work Liability: Covers third-party injury or property damage that occurs after completion but is directly related to the plumbing work performed.
All Trades Cover ensures your policy meets current VBA requirements and is supported by an approved insurer. We assist with both one-off and ongoing cover, provide compliant Certificates of Currency, and manage renewals and updates in line with licensing and audit obligations.
If you are unsure whether your licence or current scope of work requires this insurance, we can review your setup and ensure your obligations are met in full.
Business Package Insurance
Managing a plumbing business means overseeing tools, teams, and timelines, often across multiple sites. A Business Package insurance policy brings key covers together under one streamlined program, reducing administrative overhead while ensuring comprehensive protection.
Your Business Package insurance can be structured to include:
- General Property cover for tools, diagnostic equipment, and hired plant
- Public and Products Liability with increased limits to meet contract requirements
- Property cover for fire, storm, or impact damage affecting your depot, storage facility, or workshop
- Theft and vandalism cover for tools secured on site, in vehicles, or in transit
- Business Interruption Insurance to assist with lost revenue following an insured event
- Transit cover for materials, equipment, and fittings moved between sites
As your operations scale, you need a policy structure that can grow with your business. Instead of managing the complexity of multiple standalone covers, let All Trades Cover help.
We will build a tailored plumbing business insurance package that:
- Grows with your company
- Meets your specific operational needs
- Satisfies all compliance requirements
Professional Indemnity Insurance
If your plumbing business provides reports, technical advice, or sign-off documentation, Professional Indemnity insurance plays a critical role in your risk strategy.
This cover helps protect your business against claims of financial loss resulting from advice, documentation, or certification, even if the workmanship itself was not in question.
You may require this cover if your scope of work includes:
- Preparing plumbing compliance reports or issuing certificates
- Signing off on installations or inspections for councils, builders, or head contractors
- Advising on site drainage, water pressure, system design, or infrastructure compliance
This form of cover is often mandated for plumbing contractors working on government tenders, infrastructure projects, or commercial developments where documentation carries legal or financial weight.
Contract Works Insurance
When your business is responsible for delivering fixed-scope plumbing works, whether installations, fit-offs, or complete system upgrades, Contract Works insurance provides vital protection while the project is still underway.
This cover protects your materials, tools, and in-progress work against unforeseen events before handover, helping to reduce exposure on jobs where you’re contractually liable for timely and defect-free delivery.
You may need Contract Works insurance if you’re managing:
- Fixed-price or staged commercial plumbing contracts
- Installations that span multiple trades or construction phases
- Projects where you’re responsible for site materials before completion
Typical inclusions:
- Cover for plumbing work and materials during construction
- Theft, storm damage, fire, and vandalism while the job is in progress
- Annual or project-specific policies, depending on your workload and delivery model
Contract Works is commonly required as part of a broader plumbing contractor insurance program, especially on high-value projects such as multi-unit developments, commercial fit-outs, hot water system installations, and industrial or civil works like sewer upgrades, fire mains, stormwater, or water supply infrastructure.
If you’re unsure whether it applies to your scope, we’ll review your contract exposure and recommend the right structure for your business.
General Property Insurance
General Property Insurance, also known as Tools and Equipment Cover, protects the physical assets your plumbing business relies on to keep jobs moving. This includes power tools, diagnostic gear, and equipment stored in vehicles, trailers, or on-site.
This cover is essential for plumbing businesses with mobile crews, high-value tools, and ongoing exposure to theft, damage, or loss across multiple locations.
What’s typically covered:
- Power tools, hand tools, and diagnostic or testing equipment
- Pipe locators, drain cameras, pressure testers, and other specialised gear
- Items stored in utes, trailers, site sheds, or other work-related locations
- Optional extensions for open-air theft, remote site coverage, or higher-value items
- Optional cover for hired or leased equipment
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If your business employs staff, Workers Compensation insurance is a statutory requirement in every state and territory where work is performed. For plumbing businesses working across high-risk scopes like excavation, trenching, and confined space entry, compliance isn’t optional; it’s critical.
Managing these obligations becomes more complex when you’re coordinating apprentices, engaging subcontractors, or working under fixed-price contracts with principal contractors.
All Trades Cover manages Workers Compensation policies for WA-based plumbing businesses, and we can assist with NT placements if required. For other states, we’ll provide guidance on where to source cover and how to meet your obligations.
Here’s how we support you:
- Set up your Workers Compensation policy in Western Australia, and assist with placements or advice across other states
- Ensure correct worker classification for employees, apprentices, labour-hire, and subcontractors
- Add Principal’s Indemnity if your project or contract conditions require it
- Manage wage estimates, working director cover, and annual declarations
- Provide claims support, including incident reporting advice and lodgement assistance
- Handle all related paperwork, including forms, supporting documentation, and correspondence
- Liaise with insurers around return-to-work programs, rehabilitation plans, and light-duty arrangements
- Track treatment progress, medical reports, and liability decisions to avoid administrative gaps
If your premiums have increased due to past claims, we can also:
- Review your claims history and identify patterns or underlying causes
- Advocate for better rates based on staffing changes or updated safety practices
- Develop a plan to reduce your premium rate over time
Even if your claims history is clean, we work on your behalf to:
- Negotiate with the insurer to secure competitive premiums
- Ensure the policy setup reflects your current operations and workforce structure
Whether you operate with a single apprentice or a growing team across multiple projects, we’ll keep your business compliant and properly protected, with support that’s responsive, reliable, and built around how plumbing businesses actually run.
Contractor Plant & Machinery Insurance
Contractor Plant and Machinery insurance protects the specialised equipment your business relies on to complete excavation, drainage, and large-scale plumbing works.
Whether the machinery is owned, leased, or hired for a specific project, this cover provides financial protection against theft, accidental damage, breakdown, and transit-related losses.
For plumbing contractors using excavators, trenchers, vacuum units, skid steers, and directional drilling equipment, having the right cover in place helps reduce downtime and ensures your gear can be repaired or replaced without disrupting project delivery.
Your insurance policy coverage can include:
- Registered or unregistered machinery and plant that you own
- Hired or leased equipment for short-term or ongoing use
- Wet or dry hire arrangements, with or without an operator
- Accidental damage, fire, theft, and malicious damage
- Mechanical breakdown and recovery costs
- Road risk and Public Liability if machinery is moved between sites
- Finance gap cover if the plant is under a lease or commercial loan
- Flexible fleet updates when equipment is added or removed
If your business depends on plant and machinery to deliver contracted works, we’ll help you structure the right level of protection, ensuring minimal disruption and fast recovery if something goes wrong on site or in transit.
Commercial Motor Insurance
If your business relies on vehicles to move between job sites, whether towing trailers, transporting tools, or supporting crews, Commercial Motor insurance provides essential protection for your fleet and mobile assets.
This cover can be structured to match how your vehicles operate in the field, ensuring you’re protected on the road, on site, and throughout your day-to-day workflow.
Commercial motor insurance policies can include:
- Coverage for use on public roads, construction sites, and access tracks
- Protection for trailers, mounted jetters, toolboxes, and other fixed attachments
- Windscreen replacement, often with no excess
- Access to hire vehicles during repair periods
- Policy terms that meet finance, lease, or fleet management requirements
- Flexible options for adding or removing vehicles as your business grows
We tailor your Commercial Motor cover to reflect your actual usage, not just what’s listed on the registration. That means stronger protection, smoother claims, and confidence that your vehicles are covered where it counts.
Management Liability / Directors & Officers Insurance
As your plumbing business grows, so does your exposure to risks that extend beyond tools and job sites. Management Liability insurance helps protect both the company and its decision-makers from claims related to mismanagement, governance breaches, and employment-related disputes.
These risks often arise not from physical work but from how the business is run, including staff oversight, subcontractor engagement, and compliance with regulatory obligations.
Common inclusions for Management Liability insurance are:
- Directors and Officers Liability for claims against business owners or senior managers
- Employment Practices Liability for issues such as unfair dismissal, harassment, or discrimination
- Statutory Liability, including coverage for WHS breaches, regulatory penalties, or compliance investigations
- Crime cover for internal fraud, employee dishonesty, or third-party theft
- Tax audit and regulatory investigation costs, including professional fees
This type of cover is particularly relevant for plumbing businesses with employees, subcontractor networks, or commercial contracts, where leadership decisions and internal processes are increasingly subject to scrutiny.
Motor Fleet Insurance
If your plumbing business operates multiple vehicles, whether for transporting equipment, towing trailers, or mobilising crews, Motor Fleet insurance offers a streamlined solution under a single, manageable policy.
This cover is suited to businesses that require consistent, reliable insurance across multiple vehicles and prefer a centralised approach to managing fleet risk and compliance.
Your Motor Fleet coverage can be structured to incorporate:
- Comprehensive or third-party property damage cover
- Vehicles that are owned, leased, or under finance
- Windscreen replacement and optional cover for downtime
- Hired-in vehicle liability, if required for project work or temporary needs
- Automatic inclusion or removal of vehicles within agreed policy limits
- Optional cover for tools and equipment while in transit
If your operations are expanding and your vehicle list is growing, we’ll structure a fleet solution that’s easy to administer, reflects how your business operates, and keeps your assets and team protected on the move.
Tax Audit Insurance
Tax Audit insurance covers the professional fees incurred if your plumbing business is audited, reviewed, or investigated by the ATO or other government bodies.
It helps reduce the financial impact of responding to:
- ATO audits and compliance reviews
- Superannuation and payroll tax audits
- BAS, FBT, and income tax reviews
- Workers’ Compensation or WorkCover audits
- State-based revenue authority investigations
For plumbing businesses with employees, subcontractors, or complex payroll and reporting requirements, this cover ensures you have the right financial and professional support in place if you’re selected for audit.
Marine Transit Insurance
Marine Transit insurance covers your plumbing tools, equipment, and materials while they’re being transported, whether by road, rail, air, or sea.
This cover is designed for goods in dedicated transit and helps fill the gap where General Property Insurance may not apply. It’s particularly useful when using freight or courier services, or transporting high-value items between suppliers, storage, and job sites.
Your cover can include:
- Theft or loss in transit, including from freight depots or vehicles
- Damage during loading, unloading, or while in motion
- Losses caused by fire, collision, or vehicle rollover
- Coverage for local, interstate, or international freight
- Optional cover for goods left in unattended vehicles or containers
For plumbing businesses that regularly transport equipment or materials beyond the day-to-day, Marine Transit insurance offers a practical way to manage transit-related risks and avoid costly delays or replacements.
Project-Specific Endorsements
When working on commercial, government, or infrastructure-related plumbing projects, you may be required to adjust your insurance policy to meet specific contract conditions. These project-specific endorsements ensure your cover aligns with the obligations set by head contractors, councils, or asset owners.
They are commonly requested to:
- Include the principal contractor or client as an interested party
- Extend Public Liability or Professional Indemnity to cover a defined scope of works
- Address contractual requirements around indemnity, cross-liability, or minimum cover limits
- Provide tailored Certificates of Currency that reflect precise wording and endorsement terms
If your plumbing business is engaged in larger or regulated projects, we can structure these endorsements to meet contractual needs without affecting your core insurance program or day-to-day operations.
Corporate Travel Insurance
Corporate Travel insurance provides financial protection for directors, employees, and contractors undertaking work-related travel within Australia or overseas.
It helps manage the risks associated with business travel, offering cover for:
- Overseas medical expenses and emergency evacuations
- Trip cancellations, delays, or travel disruptions
- Loss or theft of business property and tools
- Rental vehicle excess and accidental damage
- Personal accident cover while travelling
For plumbing businesses with staff travelling for site inspections, contract meetings, training, or industry events, this coverage supports operational continuity and helps meet duty of care obligations across domestic and international travel.
Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance helps protect your business against the financial and legal impacts of a cyber incident, such as a data breach, ransomware attack, or business email compromise.
Even trade-based businesses like plumbing operations are increasingly targeted, especially if you’re managing staff records, supplier payments, or quoting through online platforms.
Cover can include:
- Costs related to ransomware, phishing, or malware attacks
- Legal and notification expenses following a data breach
- Restoration of systems and recovery of lost or stolen data
- Business interruption due to a cyber event
- Fraudulent payments or invoice scams
- Third-party liability if client or contractor data is exposed
If your plumbing business uses cloud software, email for invoicing or quoting, or stores sensitive information, Cyber insurance helps ensure one breach doesn’t lead to business shutdown or reputational damage.
Where Insurance Gaps Catch Plumbers Off Guard
Scenario:
You’re about to kick off a solid plumbing job for a builder. They’ve asked for your plumbing licence and Certificate of Currency to get you set up on site.
The problem is, you’re either renewing your VBA licence or applying for the first time, and when you send your documents through, the VBA knocks it back.
Why? The Certificate of Currency doesn’t show that your insurance includes the mandatory Domestic Building (Plumbers) Warranty cover or the Ministerial Order wording that’s needed in Victoria.
Maybe the warranty wasn’t included in the policy, or maybe the wording just got left off. Either way, you’re now stuck chasing updates, going back and forth with your insurer, and explaining hold-ups to the builder.
What we do at All Trades Cover:
- Checks your licence status and the insurance wording you actually need
- Make sure your policy includes the Victorian plumber’s warranty cover
- Issues Certificates with the exact wording the VBA requires
- Works directly with the insurer to sort issues fast
- Supports your registration or renewal without the usual runaround
What you avoid when you work with us:
- Delays getting licensed or registered
- Certificate rejections that hold up your job
- Scrambling to explain paperwork problems to the builder
- Lost time waiting on your broker or insurer to fix things
If you’re a plumber in Victoria, we’ll make sure your insurance lines up with what the VBA expects, the first go.
Get a QuoteScenario:
You’ve wrapped up a plumbing job on level 10 of a high-rise. Everything’s installed, tested, signed off, and handed over. All good.
A few weeks later, you get a call. A leak’s come through, and multiple floors underneath have been damaged. The property manager wants answers and a big payout for repairs and lost rent.
You lodge a claim, only to find out your policy doesn’t cover any of it. Turns out, your insurance was limited to work up to four storeys, and no one flagged it when you bought it online. You didn’t declare the height, and now you’re staring down a major bill with no cover to back you up.
What we do at All Trades Cover:
- Checks for height and access limits in the fine print before your policy is locked in
- Confirms if internal plumbing at height is included in your cover
- Matches you with insurers who are actually comfortable with multi-storey plumbing
- Makes sure your policy reflects what you really do on site
- Helps avoid drama by getting the scope sorted upfront
What you avoid when you work with us:
- Claims getting knocked back because of missed height limits
- Gaps in cover that only show up after something goes wrong
- Getting stuck with big repair costs on jobs you thought were insured
- Wasting time dealing with policies that were never a proper fit
Multi-level plumbing needs the right insurer and the right setup. We make sure your cover lines up with the kind of work you take on, every time.
Get a QuoteScenario:
You’re halfway through a big plumbing job at a new school. Pipes are in, valves and fit-offs installed, but the walls haven’t been sheeted yet.
Then over the weekend, vandals break in. They rip out copper, smash fittings, and flood the slab. Total mess.
You figure the builder’s Contract Works policy will take care of it. It’s their site, their project.
But when the claim goes in, the builder points to the contract. You’d agreed to take responsibility for your work and materials. Their policy doesn’t cover your scope. And since it’s your own incomplete work that’s been damaged, your Public Liability policy doesn’t apply either.
Now you’re up for tens of thousands in rework with no cover backing you up.
What we do at All Trades Cover:
- Go through the contract upfront so you know what you’re on the hook for
- Set you up with your own Contract Works cover if the job requires it
- Make sure things like theft, vandalism, and storm damage are actually included
- Set the right policy limits based on your gear, your labour, and your exposure
- Keep the paperwork in line with what the builder or project manager expects
What you avoid when you work with us:
- Paying out-of-pocket for damage you didn’t cause
- Confusion about who holds what risk while the job’s underway
- Claims being knocked back because the wrong policy was in place
- Stressful disputes that hold up the project and cost you time and money
Just because the builder has insurance doesn’t mean you’re covered. If the contract puts the risk on you, your cover has to match, and that’s what we make sure of.
Get a QuoteScenario:
You’ve just finished a full Design and Construct package for a healthcare facility. You chose the gear, designed the system layout, and provided all the sign-off docs for the hot water and circulation setup.
The install was smooth. Everything passed inspection
But a few weeks later, the client comes back saying the system’s not working properly. Water’s taking too long to reach outlets, and it’s not holding temperature. Their consultant says it wasn’t fit for purpose.
Now the client wants you to pay for fixes, delays, and possible penalties for non-compliance.
You call your broker, but they tell you your Public Liability policy won’t help. There’s no property damage or injury, so it’s not covered. This is a design issue, and without a Professional Indemnity policy in place, you’re on your own.
What we do at All Trades Cover:
- Flag when your job includes design, specification, or sign-off responsibilities
- Set up Professional Indemnity cover alongside your Public Liability
- Make sure you’re protected for advice, non-performance, and compliance issues
- Review tenders and contracts to check for PI requirements before you sign
- Ensure your declared business activities match what you’re actually doing
- Sort out the right wording and docs for tenders or site approvals
What you avoid when you work with us:
- Finding out too late that design and advice aren’t covered
- Getting stuck with a major financial hit from underperforming systems
- Failing contract checks because your policy is missing key protections
- Gaps between what your business actually does and what your insurer thinks you do
If you’re designing systems, giving advice, or putting your name to compliance docs, Public Liability won’t cut it on its own. We’ll get you covered properly, upfront.
Get a QuoteWhen Insurance Friction Delays Delivery
Scenario:
You are about to start a major plumbing job for a builder. As part of the onboarding process, you are asked to submit your Certificate of Currency and plumbing licence.
At the same time, you are either registering with the VBA for the first time or renewing your licence. You send your documents through, but the VBA rejects your Certificate of Currency.
The issue? The certificate does not confirm that your policy complies with the Ministerial Order or includes Victoria’s mandatory Domestic Building (Plumbers) Warranty Insurance.
Whether the policy was issued without the required warranty cover, or the wording was simply left off the certificate, you are now facing delays, back and forth with insurers, and the risk of appearing unprofessional to the builder.
What we do at All Trades Cover
- Confirm your licensing status and state-specific requirements from the beginning
- Ensure your insurance includes the correct Victorian warranty cover
- Issue Certificates of Currency with the exact wording the VBA needs
- Coordinate directly with the underwriter to resolve any compliance issues
- Support your licence application or renewal process with zero guesswork
What you avoid by working with us
- Licensing or registration delays caused by incorrect paperwork
- Certificate rejections from the VBA
- Disruptions to your job start date
- Miscommunication with the builder or project manager
If you’re a plumber in Victoria, we make sure your insurance meets the VBA’s requirements, the first time. No delays, no rework, and no stress.
Get a QuoteScenario:
You’ve completed plumbing works on the 10th floor of a residential high-rise. The project was delivered on time, and the system passed inspection.
Weeks later, a water leak is reported. Multiple units below have sustained significant damage, and the property manager is seeking compensation for rectification costs and tenant disruption.
You submit a claim under your existing policy, one you arranged quickly online. The insurer declines it. The reason? Your cover is limited to work up to four storeys, including internal plumbing. The higher-level work was never declared, and now you’re facing the full financial impact.
What seemed like a simple oversight has turned into a six-figure exposure.
What we do at All Trades Cover
- Review storey and access limitations across all potential policies before placement
- Confirm whether internal works at height are covered based on your project scope
- Partner with insurers that have a clear appetite for multi-storey residential plumbing
- Ensure proper risk disclosure so your cover responds when it matters
- Structure your Public Liability policy to align with the work you actually deliver
What you avoid by working with us
- Coverage gaps that emerge only after a claim is made
- Denied claims due to incorrect or incomplete scope disclosure
- Height restrictions hidden in the fine print of direct-market policies
- Unexpected financial liability from work you believed was insured
Insurers have different thresholds for multi-level plumbing work. We ensure your policy is placed with full transparency and that it su
Get a QuoteScenario:
You’re halfway through a major plumbing job on a new school build. The rough-in is complete. Pipes are laid, valves and fit-offs are installed, but the walls are still open.
Over the weekend, vandals break in. They rip out copper, damage fixtures, and leave the site flooded.
You assume the builder’s Contract Works policy will respond. It is their project and their site, after all.
But when the claim is submitted, the builder refers to the contract. Under the terms, you accepted responsibility for your portion of work and materials. Their policy will not respond. And because the damage affects your own incomplete work, Public Liability won’t cover it either.
You are now facing tens of thousands of dollars in repairs with no active coverage.
What we do at All Trades Cover
- Review contract terms before work begins, so you understand where your responsibilities lie
- Set up your own Contract Works policy when needed, based on project requirements
- Ensure your cover includes protection for vandalism, theft, malicious damage, and weather events
- Structure your policy limits to reflect the value of your scope, materials, and exposure during the job
- Work with insurers to make sure documentation aligns with contract expectations
What you avoid by working with us
- Being held financially responsible for damage you didn’t cause
- Delays and disputes over who holds the risk during construction
- Claims being denied due to incorrect assumptions about the builder’s insurance
- Significant out-of-pocket costs to repair or replace works already underway
Just because the builder holds a Contract Works policy does not mean you are automatically covered. If the contract puts the risk on you, your policy needs to reflect that.
Get a QuoteScenario:
You’ve completed a full Design and Construct plumbing package for a healthcare facility. This includes supplying the components, designing the system layout, and providing compliance documentation for the hot water and circulation system.
The installation goes smoothly and is signed off without issue.
A few weeks later, the client raises concerns. The system is underperforming. Water is slow to reach outlets and fails to maintain a consistent temperature. Their consultant claims the system wasn’t fit for purpose, and now the client is pursuing losses, rectification costs, and non-compliance penalties.
You contact your broker and find out that your Public Liability policy does not respond. Because there is no physical damage or injury, the claim falls outside the policy’s scope. This is considered a financial loss related to design or advice. Without Professional Indemnity in place, you are exposed to a claim that cannot be insured retroactively.
What we do at All Trades Cover
- Identify when your scope includes design, specification, or sign-off responsibilities
- Set up Professional Indemnity alongside your Public Liability to ensure all exposures are covered
- Tailor policies to respond to design flaws, incorrect specifications, and compliance issues
- Review contracts and tender documents for Professional Indemnity requirements before you start
- Make sure declared business activities reflect your actual work, not just your licence
- Provide fast, accurate documentation to meet compliance and prequalification needs
What you avoid by working with us
- Declined claims due to advice or design errors being excluded under Public Liability
- Financial losses for underperformance that does not involve physical damage
- Non-compliance with Professional Indemnity requirements in tenders and contracts
- Gaps between what you do on site and what your insurer believes you do
- Unexpected liability for issues tied to design responsibilities
If you’re responsible for system design, specification, or compliance sign-off, Public Liability alone is not enough. We make sure the right protections are in place from the start.
Get a Quote
The Triggers That Tradies Call Us About Most
We hear this kind of thing from plumbers all the time:
- ‘The builder says I need extra wording on my Cert, what does that even mean?’
- ‘I’ve got a fit-out in a hospital, do I need different insurance for that site?’
- ‘Council sent over a contract packed with insurance terms I don’t understand.’
- ‘My Cert got rejected because it’s missing some clauses. Now I’m stuck off-site.’
- ‘Subbies are helping out, am I still covered if they cause damage?’
- ‘They’re asking for $20 million liability. Can I add that, or do I need a whole new policy?’
- ‘The VBA has rejected my Certificate, and I can’t renew my plumber’s license.’
We’re here to make that stuff simple. No bots, no call centre runaround; just real people on the phones who know how plumbing work actually runs.
Send us a quote request or give us a call, and one of our Aussie-based team members will get back to you within 15 minutes.
Common Insurance Challenges Faced by Plumbing Contractors
Here are the types of issues we regularly support for established plumbing businesses and operations teams:
- ‘The builder’s requested specific wording on our Certificate of Currency. We’re not sure what needs to be included.’
- ‘We’re working on a hospital fit-out. Do we need different insurance terms for a healthcare site?’
- ‘A council contract just came through with a long list of insurance conditions. We need help understanding what they mean.’
- ‘Our Certificate of Currency was rejected because of a missing clause. Now we can’t start work.’
- ‘We’ve brought in subcontractors for part of the job. Are we still covered if they cause damage?’
- ‘The client is requesting $20 million in Public Liability. Can we update our limit without rewriting the whole policy?’
If this reflects the type of work your plumbing business is delivering, it’s worth reviewing your insurance program. You’ll speak with a broker who understands operational risk, contract compliance, and the pressures of delivering high-value commercial and infrastructure projects. We help ensure your cover supports the way your business actually runs.
Trusted by Aussie Tradies for Over 30 Years
Proudly ranked in the Insurance Business Top Brokerages every year from 2013 – 2024.
What All Trades Cover Can Deliver You:
Insurance That Doesn’t Fall Short When It Counts
Got a job spec with terms like ‘Principal Indemnity,’ ‘Waiver of Subrogation,’ or other unfamiliar clauses? We’ll go over the contract and your policy carefully to make sure everything lines up. No surprises, no guesswork, just the right cover for the job.
We Handle the Fine Print, So You Don’t Have to
You’re not expected to be an insurance expert. That’s our job. We’ll review both your policy and the contract, explain what’s relevant, and tell you exactly what needs to be fixed, plain and simple.
Need Docs in a Hurry? We’re Onto It
Tight deadline? We sort urgent Certificates and contract wording quickly. No waiting around, no back-and-forth. Just fast, accurate docs that get you cleared to start work.
Need to Align Your Plumbing Insurance with Contract or Tender Requirements?
When you’re bidding for commercial, government, or infrastructure plumbing projects, insurance isn’t just a checkbox; it’s often a detailed section of the tender. From indemnity wording and subcontractor liability to site-specific clauses and minimum cover limits, the insurance schedule needs to align precisely with what’s being asked.
Here’s how we support you:
Review and translate contract requirements
Review tender documents and translate insurance requirements into clear, actionable advice
Identify gaps or compliance risks
Identify compliance gaps in your current policy that could affect eligibility
Work with underwriters
Liaise with underwriters to structure cover that aligns with project scope and contract terms
Provide access to broker-only policies
Provide access to broker-only policies designed for trade businesses working at a commercial scale
Certificates of Currency
Issue compliant Certificates of Currency quickly, using contract-specific wording and limits
FAQs for Plumbers
We work with plumbing businesses of all sizes, from sole traders with a ute and a jetter to small teams taking on residential, commercial, and council jobs.
Whether you’re roughing in, fitting off, or quoting bigger projects, these are the most common questions we get from plumbers looking to get their insurance sorted properly.
Can I add a builder or head contractor to my plumber’s insurance?
Yes, we can add builders, project managers, or developers as an interested party on your policy.
This is a common request on larger residential and commercial plumbing jobs. It gives them peace of mind that your cover is active and that they’ll be notified if anything changes.
- We’ll add the builder or principal to your Public Liability policy
- Include requested terms like Principal’s Indemnity or Cross Liability
- Provide a Certificate of Currency that matches contract requirements
- Issue updates fast if anything changes mid-project
We make sure your insurance matches what’s written in the contract, so you’re never delayed getting on site.
What’s the difference between my business name and the insured name?
Your insured name needs to match your legal entity, not just the name on your invoice.
If there’s a mismatch, you could run into issues with claims or compliance checks, especially on government or commercial jobs.
- We check your entity type (sole trader, company, trust, etc.)
- Make sure your ABN and trading name are correctly listed
- Update your policy if your structure changes over time
- Match the insured name to what’s needed on Certificates
It’s a small detail that can cause big problems. We get it right from the start.
My insurance premium just went up. Is that normal for plumbers?
Yes, and you aren’t the only one. It’s something we’re seeing across the plumbing industry, even for businesses that have a clean claim history.
Premiums can increase for a few reasons, and a lot of the time, it’s got nothing to do with anything you’ve done wrong. Here’s why:
- Water damage claims are through the roof
Leaks, burst pipes, and faulty installs are some of the most common (and costly) claims. With more jobs leading to payouts, insurers are tightening things up across the board.
- Certain plumbing work is now higher risk
Jobs involving undergrounds, gas, roof work or hospital and school sites are getting more scrutiny. That will often affect who insures you and how much they’ll charge.
- Your business might have changed
Are you taking on more work? Bigger clients? More subbies on board? Those changes all shift your risk profile, and insurers will price your policy based on that.
- Everything costs more to fix
With labour and material costs going up, even small claims now cost more to settle. That extra cost flows through your premium.
- Your insurer might be working off old info
If no one’s reviewed your policy recently, it might not reflect how your business actually runs now, and you could be paying for the wrong things.
How All Trades Cover helps:
- We review your policy each year, not just renew it blindly
- Our team go directly to the underwriters and explain how you actually operate
- We check your turnover, crew, and contracts to make sure you’re not overpaying
- We find better options from insurers who know plumbing
- If your record is clean or you’ve made safety upgrades, we push for sharper rates
Pro tip:
If your premium’s jumped, let’s take a look. You might be paying more than you need to or worse, paying more for a policy that doesn’t even match what you do.
Do plumbers need Contract Works insurance?
If you’re working under a fixed-price or staged contract, yes, Contract Works can protect you during the job.
It covers your materials, gear, and partially completed plumbing work if there’s damage, theft, or site loss before handover.
- Recommended for full fit-outs, rough-ins, and staged commercial installs
- Covers the job from start to finish, not just your liability
- Includes theft, vandalism, storm damage, and more
- Can be taken out per job or set up annually
We’ll let you know if your job needs it and get it sorted without slowing you down.
What is Professional Indemnity insurance, and do I need it?
Professional Indemnity (PI) protects you if a client claims your advice or documentation caused a financial loss.
While not every plumber needs it, it’s often required if you:
- Sign off on compliance certificates
- Provide plumbing reports or inspections
- Advice on system design, drainage, or water pressure
- Work on sensitive or regulated sites
- We’ll check if your work requires PI cover
- Tailor the policy to fit your actual risk
- Ensure the wording covers reporting, sign-offs, and technical advice
- Issue updated documents for councils or large contracts
If you’re not sure, we’ll talk through the nature of your work and make a call based on what actually applies.
What is General Liability Insurance for plumbers, and do I need it?
General Liability (aka Public Liability) is the one that’s got your back if your plumbing work causes damage or injures someone, whether you’re on-site, working in someone’s house, or at a commercial job.
It’s not optional for most plumbers. If you’re working with builders, councils, or real estate crews, they’ll want to see proof of it before you even step on site.
You’ll probably need this cover if you:
- Work in homes, shops, or on building sites
- Do rough-ins, fit-offs, maintenance, or repairs
- Have people nearby while you’re working
- Want to take on council jobs or bigger commercial work
Here’s what we’ll do at All Trades Cover:
- Help you figure out the right cover limit for your work (usually between $5M and $20M)
- Set up a policy that matches how and where you actually work
- Make sure subbies are covered if you’re bringing them on
- Send you a Certificate of Currency that ticks all the right boxes for contracts
Not sure if your current policy covers enough? We’ll talk it through, cut the jargon, and make sure you’re sorted before the next job kicks off.
What is VIC Plumbers Warranty Insurance?
Yes. If you’re a licensed plumber in Victoria and the job needs a compliance certificate, you’ll need to have Plumbers Warranty insurance in place. It’s a legal requirement that protects the customer if something goes wrong after the job is finished, like a part fails or a pipe bursts a few weeks later.
This type of cover is different to your Public Liability insurance. Liability protects you while you’re on the tools. Warranty insurance kicks in after you’re done and off-site.
You’ll usually need it for:
- New builds
- Renovations
- Any domestic plumbing job where a compliance certificate is required
At All Trades Cover, we help Victorian plumbers get this sorted quickly. We make sure it meets VBA rules, get your certificate ready for audit or licence renewal, and take care of the paperwork so you’re not left guessing.
Do I need extra insurance for hospitals, aged care, or school sites?
Yes, sometimes. Jobs on sensitive or government-owned sites often come with stricter insurance requirements.
You may be asked for:
- Higher Public Liability limits
- Specific clauses like Waiver of Subrogation
- Professional Indemnity cover
- A tailored Certificate of Currency
- We’ll check the contract or site specs before you quote
- Adjust your cover to meet the builder, site manager, or council needs
- Provide updated documents fast so there’s no delay
- Talk directly with site contacts if something needs clarification
If the job has tighter rules, we’ll make sure your cover matches, so you can stay compliant and get the green light to work.
Do I need to lodge a Dial Before You Dig (BYDA) request?
Yes, if your plumbing work involves digging, trenching, or ground penetration, a BYDA request is a must. It’s a free service that helps you avoid hitting underground pipes, cables, or services.
This step protects you, your crew, and your insurance.
We’ll help you:
- Understand when a BYDA request is legally required
- Show how it supports your Public Liability coverage
- Avoid common claim issues related to underground damage
- Keep a record of compliance in case something goes wrong
Some insurers may not cover underground service strikes if you haven’t done a BYDA. We’ll make sure your plumbing liability insurance reflects how you actually work, and includes the right protection for groundworks and excavation.
Am I covered for faulty workmanship?
This one trips up a lot of plumbers, and the short answer is, not always.
Public Liability insurance won’t cover the cost to fix or redo faulty work. If you install something wrong, like a hot water unit, pipework, or valve, and have to go back and fix it, that’s on you.
But there’s a catch:
If that dodgy install causes damage to someone else’s property, like flooding an apartment or damaging a wall, your liability policy may still respond to the damage, just not your own work.
What’s usually not covered:
- Replacing dodgy pipework, fittings, or materials
- Labour to fix your own mistakes
- Design or install defects
What can be covered:
- Damage caused by the faulty work (e.g. water damage, fire, injury)
- Legal costs if the client takes action over the damage
Our team help by:
- Go through your policy and point out where you might not be covered
- Suggest extras like Professional Indemnity or Contract Works if you’re doing more than just install work
- Flag contract terms that could land you with more responsibility than your policy allows
- Back you up during claims or disputes, especially when it’s not clear who’s at fault
Example
You fit a hot water unit, but it’s not properly secured. It drops, cracks a pipe, and floods the place.
Your Public Liability might cover the water damage, but it won’t cover replacing the unit or redoing the job. That part’s considered faulty workmanship.
If your jobs involve system specs, signing off on compliance, or supplying gear, we’ll make sure your cover matches the risk. No surprises if something goes wrong.
FAQs for Plumbers Contractors
Unsure if your current plumbing business insurance still reflects how you operate today? These FAQs are written for contractors managing growing crews, more complex projects, and tighter contract requirements.
Can I add a builder or head contractor to my plumber’s insurance?
Yes, we can add a builder, project manager, or principal contractor as an interested party on your policy, depending on the requirements of the job.
This is a common request on commercial, infrastructure, and council plumbing projects. It gives the principal assurance that your insurance is active, compliant, and aligned with contract terms.
We can:
- Add the head contractor or principal as an interested party on your Public Liability policy
- Include endorsements such as Principal’s Indemnity and Cross Liability where required
- Provide Certificates of Currency with contract-specific wording and cover limits
- Issue mid-project updates promptly if the scope or details change
If your project has detailed insurance conditions, we’ll make sure your documentation meets the requirements and helps avoid delays to site access or contract approval.
My insurance premium has increased; is that normal for plumbing businesses?
Yes, and it is a trend we are seeing across the plumbing industry.
Even in the absence of claims, premiums can rise due to changes in underwriting criteria, broader risk patterns, and economic pressures. These adjustments are often industry-wide and not necessarily a reflection of your business performance.
Why plumbing premiums are increasing:
- Water damage is a high-frequency, high-cost risk
Insurers continue to see a rise in claims involving internal water damage, hot water system failures, and pressure-related incidents. These claims are driving up costs across the board.
- Stricter underwriting on plumbing activities
Certain job types, such as underground services, gasfitting, roof plumbing, and government or institutional work, are now subject to more detailed risk assessments. This often impacts both pricing and policy availability.
- Changes in turnover or workforce
If your business has grown, taken on new staff or subcontractors, or increased its average job value, your risk profile has likely changed. This is a common trigger for pricing adjustments.
- Inflation in materials and labour
The rising cost of repairs means that even relatively minor claims are more expensive to settle. This increase in claim value is factored into premiums.
- Policies not updated to reflect current operations
If your insurer is still working from outdated information, you may be paying more than necessary or missing out on more competitive terms.
How All Trades Cover can assist:
- Annual policy reviews ensure your cover remains relevant and competitively priced
- Direct engagement with underwriters allows us to clarify your true risk profile
- Turnover, staffing, and subcontractor arrangements are reviewed before renewal to avoid unnecessary loadings
- Competitive quotes are sourced from insurers aligned with the work you actually do
- Where a strong claims history or updated safety practices apply, we negotiate for better rates and policy terms
Pro tip: If your premium has increased, let us review the policy to ensure the pricing reflects your current business, not last year’s numbers.
Do plumbers need Contract Works insurance?
If you’re working under a fixed-price or staged contract, yes, Contract Works Insurance can help protect your materials, equipment, and in-progress plumbing work until completion.
It’s especially relevant for commercial fit-outs, rough-ins, and multi-stage installations where you’re responsible for the job up to handover.
We can:
- Arrange cover for full plumbing packages, from rough-in to fit-off
- Protect against theft, vandalism, storm damage, and accidental site loss
- Set up policies per project or under an annual structure based on your workflow
- Ensure your cover aligns with the builder or principal contractor requirements
We’ll advise if your contract calls for Contract Works Insurance and arrange the right cover without holding up your schedule.
What is Professional Indemnity insurance, and do I need it?
Not all plumbing businesses require Professional Indemnity Insurance, but it becomes essential if you’re providing advice, reporting, or sign-offs that could lead to financial loss for a client.
This cover is often required if you:
- Issue compliance certificates or sign off on installations
- Conduct plumbing inspections or provide technical reports
- Advise on system design, water pressure, or drainage layout
- Work on regulated, government, or high-spec commercial sites
We can:
- Assess whether your scope of work calls for PI cover
- Tailor a policy to reflect your actual level of advisory risk
- Ensure the policy wording includes coverage for documentation, advice, and sign-offs
- Provide updated Certificates of Currency for councils, builders, or tender submissions
If you’re unsure, we’ll review your role and responsibilities and advise based on your real exposure, not a generic checklist.
Do I need General Liability Insurance as a plumber?
Yes, General Liability Insurance (also known as Public Liability) is essential for plumbing businesses. It protects you if your work causes injury or property damage, whether on-site, in a private residence, or on a commercial project.
As a core part of liability insurance for a plumbing business, this cover is often required before you can step onto a job site, especially under builder agreements, council contracts, or large-scale commercial projects.
You’ll likely need this if you:
- Operate in homes, commercial buildings, or public areas
- Perform rough-ins, fit-offs, maintenance, or reactive repairs
- Have clients, tenants, or third parties present during works
- Need to access council sites, civil infrastructure, or large-scale construction projects
All Trades Cover can:
- Recommend appropriate cover limits based on your contracts and risk profile (typically $5 million to $20 million)
- Tailor your policy to reflect your working environment, job types, and subcontractor setup
- Ensure your documentation includes contract-specific requirements
- Provide fast turnaround on Certificates of Currency for tendering or site access
If you’re unsure about your current cover or need to meet specific contract terms, we’ll review your setup and guide you through the right level of protection with no unnecessary complexity.
What is VIC Plumbers Warranty Insurance?
Yes, if you’re a licensed plumber working in Victoria and your job requires a compliance certificate, you’re legally required to hold Plumbers Warranty Insurance. This cover is mandated by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and applies to most domestic plumbing work, including renovations, installations, and new residential builds.
It protects the property owner after the job is completed, covering claims related to defective workmanship or damage that occurs due to the completed plumbing work. This is different from your Public Liability insurance, which only applies while the job is in progress.
At All Trades Cover, we help Victorian plumbing contractors:
- Confirm when VBA warranty insurance applies
- Ensure policies meet Ministerial Order requirements
- Set up cover for one-off or ongoing domestic work
- Provide fast, compliant Certificates of Currency for audit or licence renewal
If you’re unsure whether your next project needs this cover, we’ll check the scope of work and get your policy sorted before you issue a compliance certificate.
Do I need different insurance for government or sensitive sites?
Yes, sometimes. Jobs on sensitive or government-owned sites often come with stricter insurance requirements.
You may be asked for:
- Higher Public Liability limits
- Specific clauses like Waiver of Subrogation
- Professional Indemnity cover
- A tailored Certificate of Currency
- We’ll check the contract or site specs before you quote
- Adjust your cover to meet the builder, site manager, or council needs
- Provide updated documents fast so there’s no delay
- Talk directly with site contacts if something needs clarification
If the job has tighter rules, we’ll make sure your cover matches, so you can stay compliant and get the green light to work.
Do I need to lodge a Dial Before You Dig (BYDA) request?
Yes. If your plumbing work involves any form of excavation, trenching, or ground penetration, lodging a Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) request is essential. It’s a free service that helps prevent damage to underground utilities, and it’s often a condition of insurance coverage.
Completing a BYDA request supports your safety obligations, protects your crew, and helps maintain compliance with your Public Liability policy.
We can:
- Advise when a BYDA request is legally required or contractually recommended
- Explain how it ties into your liability cover for underground service damage
- Help avoid common claim disputes linked to missed or incomplete BYDA checks
- Guide you in keeping accurate records for compliance or investigation purposes
Some insurers may decline claims for underground service strikes if a BYDA request was not completed. We’ll ensure your insurance reflects how you operate on site and includes the right protection for excavation and groundwork risks.
Am I covered for faulty workmanship as a plumber?
Public Liability insurance generally does not cover the cost to repair or redo faulty workmanship. However, it may still respond to damage that results from that fault.
What is typically excluded:
- Replacement of faulty pipework, fittings, or fixtures
- Labour costs to correct or reinstall work
- Defects in design, materials, or workmanship
What is typically covered:
- Property damage or personal injury caused by the fault (e.g. water damage from a burst pipe)
- Legal defence costs if a client or third party brings a claim against you
We assist by:
- Identifying where your current policy may exclude workmanship risks
- Recommending additional cover, such as Professional Indemnity, Contract Works, or Product Liability extensions, if relevant to your work
- Reviewing contracts to ensure you are not taking on liabilities outside the scope of your insurance
- Providing support during disputes or claims involving workmanship-related issues
Example:
You install a hot water system that has not been properly secured. It collapses, causing a pipe to rupture and water to flood the apartment below.
- Your Public Liability policy may respond to the resulting water damage
- It would not cover the cost to replace the unit or re-perform the work
If your business includes any design, certification, or product supply responsibilities, we will structure your insurance to reflect the full risk profile of your operations. This ensures you are not left exposed if something goes wrong after the work is complete.
Cover in Place. Crew on Site. Let’s Get to Work.
Getting started on a new plumbing job? Need insurance docs to keep things moving?
We’ll take care of the paperwork so you can get on with the work; no chasing Certs or waiting around for callbacks.
- Quick quotes and Certificates issued fast when you need them
- Friendly team who speak straight, not in insurance jargon
- Cover matched to plumbing risks, tools, subbies, and site rules
- Documents that meet the needs of builders, project managers, and council jobs
From first quote to final fit-off, we make sure your cover’s sorted and your paperwork’s ready when the job is.
Ready for an Insurance Partner That Understands the Plumbing Industry?
As your plumbing business takes on larger projects, the risks and requirements increase. You need insurance that keeps pace with complex scopes of work, tighter compliance standards, and higher expectations from clients and contractors.
We develop tailored insurance programs for plumbing businesses that:
- Operate across multiple sites or business units
- Employ staff, engage subcontractors, and manage full project delivery
- Rely on clear, efficient claims handling with minimal disruption to operations
- Want practical advice from brokers who understand how plumbing businesses actually run
Speak to a Broker Who Knows the Tools, the Risks, and the Paperwork
We make it simple. No hold music. No confusing fine print. Just proper insurance for plumbers who get in, get the job done, and move on to the next one. Fill out a quick form or give us a ring, let us know what kind of plumbing work you do, and our responsive team will handle the rest.
Talk to a Plumbing Insurance Specialist
When you’re managing crews, subcontractors, staged works, and contract conditions, standard plumbing insurance is rarely enough. You need a tailored insurance program that reflects how your business operates across job types, sites, and project scopes.
With All Trades Cover, you get:
- Fit-for-purpose cover for commercial and contract-based plumbing work
- Fast, accurate documentation for site access and compliance
- Ongoing support that extends beyond policy setup
We work with growing plumbing businesses to build structured insurance programs that meet council and contractor requirements, support operational continuity, and respond when you need them most.