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Business insurance, explained.

Plain-English guides to what cover generally does, what it costs and the rules that apply, with a named source for every figure. General information to help you know what to ask a broker.

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Guides.

Answers to the questions business owners ask most.

Public liability vs professional indemnity insurance The difference, what each doesn’t cover, examples, and who has to hold which. Do sole traders need business insurance? What the law requires, what a licence or contract can add, and what covers you if you can’t work.

By type of cover.

What each cover generally does, what it costs and when it’s required.

Liability & protection

Public Liability Insurance If someone could be injured or their property damaged Professional Indemnity Insurance If clients rely on your advice, designs or expertise D&O Insurance If you're a company director, officer or board member Cyber Insurance If you hold customer data or rely on online systems

Property & premises

Strata Insurance For owners corporations, body corporates and strata managers Commercial Property Insurance If you own business premises, stock or equipment

Vehicles & goods

Business Motor Insurance If you use cars, utes or vans for work Truck Insurance For owner drivers, transport fleets and heavy haulage Marine & Cargo Insurance If you import, export or move goods

By industry.

The covers each type of business commonly looks at, and the licence, lease and contract rules that apply.

Trades & construction

Tradies Liability, tools, utes and licence rules Electricians Contractor licence insurance by state Plumbers Plumbing and gasfitting licence rules Builders Home warranty, contract works and liability Cleaners Liability, keys and client contracts

Hospitality & retail

Cafés and restaurants Outdoor dining permits, stock and premises Pubs, hotels and bars Liquor licences, venues and buildings Retail shops Leases, stock, glass and theft

Professional, transport & property

Consultants Professional indemnity and client contracts IT contractors Contract insurance limits and cyber Couriers and transport Delivery use, goods in transit and platforms Commercial landlords Buildings, vacancy and what tenants pay