Public Liability Insurance Brisbane: What’s Included & What’s Not
- Tim Jones
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you run a business in Brisbane, chances are you’ve heard of public liability insurance.
But one of the biggest misconceptions is this: many business owners think they’re covered for everything. That is until a claim proves otherwise.
Understanding exactly what’s included (and what’s not) can be the difference between a policy that protects your business… and one that leaves you exposed.
What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance covers your business if a third party suffers injury or property damage as a result of your work or business activities.
This includes:
Customers
Members of the public
Suppliers or contractors
It does not however cover your for your staff, or your own property (we’ll break that down shortly).
What’s Included in Public Liability Insurance?
1. Third-Party Injury
If someone is injured because of your business activities, your policy can respond.
Example: A customer slips on a wet floor in your Brisbane shop and suffers a back injury. Medical costs and legal expenses could easily run into tens of thousands.
Your policy typically covers:
Medical expenses
Compensation payouts
Legal defence costs
2. Third-Party Property Damage
If you accidentally damage someone else’s property while working, you’re covered.
Example: A Brisbane painter causes overspray damage to a neighbour’s car.
Repair costs: $8,000+
Your policy can cover:
Repair or replacement costs
Associated legal costs
3. Legal Defence Costs
Even if a claim is unfounded, defending it can be expensive.
Most policies include:
Lawyer fees
Court costs
Investigation expenses
This is often overlooked but can be one of the most valuable parts of the policy.
4. Claims That Happen Off-Site
Cover isn’t limited to your business premises.
You’re generally covered:
At client homes
On job sites
Anywhere your business operates in Australia (depending on policy)
What’s NOT Included in Public Liability Insurance?
This is where most business owners get caught out.
1. Damage to Your Own Property
Your tools, equipment, or business assets are not covered
You’ll need:
Tool insurance
Business contents insurance
2. Injury to You or Your Employees
Public liability does not cover:
Your own injuries
Employee injuries
Instead, you need:
Workers compensation (mandatory if you have staff)
Personal accident / income protection
3. Faulty Workmanship (The Big One)
If your work is incorrect or defective, the cost to fix it is not covered.
Example: You install something incorrectly and need to redo the job. Not Covered.
However, If that faulty work causes damage or injury, the resulting damage may be covered. Best to Check with your Insurer or Broker.
4. Professional Advice or Design Errors
Giving advice, designs, or specifications incorrectly is not covered
You’ll need:
5. Contractual Liabilities Beyond Standard Risk
Some contracts may hold you liable for more than normal.
These may not be automatically covered unless disclosed.
Real Claim Scenario (Brisbane)
A Brisbane landscaper is working on a residential property and accidentally damages an underground water pipe, flooding part of the home.
Damage cost: $22,000
Policy: $10M public liability
Excess: $500
Result:
The insurer covers the bulk of the claim.
The business pays only the excess
Without cover? That’s a $22,000 hit directly to the business.
Why This Matters for Brisbane Businesses
Brisbane’s growing construction, trade, and service industries mean:
More jobs on-site
More interaction with the public
Higher exposure to claims
Even small incidents can lead to large financial consequences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming “I have insurance, so I’m covered for everything”
Not understanding exclusions
Choosing the cheapest policy without reviewing cover
Not updating your policy as your business grows
Final Thoughts
Public liability insurance is one of the most important covers for Brisbane businesses but only if you understand what it actually protects.
Knowing what’s included (and what’s not) helps you:
Avoid costly surprises
Choose the right additional covers
Protect your business properly
Need Help Understanding Your Cover?
If you’re unsure whether your current policy actually covers what you think it does—or you just want a second opinion, it’s worth getting it reviewed.
A quick breakdown can often highlight:
Gaps in cover
Opportunities to improve protection
Potential savings
If you’re a Brisbane business and want to make sure you’re properly covered, call us today and make sure you're covered correctly.
