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Subcontractor insurance

Subcontractors need to look out for themselves. Let us look out for you by arranging the right cover for your business.

What cover should a subcontractor consider?

Subcontractors essentially operate as their own business. So you need insurance to match. The most important types of insurance for subcontractors are public liability and material damage. Together, these can cover you against claims of property damage, asset loss or personal injury to a third party – whether you’re at fault or not.

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Public and products liability

Helps cover costly legal fees if your construction activities injure a third party – or damage their property.

  • Cover if a third party is injured or their property is damaged during construction

    As a result of builder’s negligence.

  • Up to $20 million public liability limit

    The limit of liability is the maximum amount that can be provided under the insurance policy. 

  • Single project or annual turnover cover option. Transfer basis annual policy option also available.

    The policy structure best suited to your business needs may vary on the size, value and risk profile of your construction projects.

  • Products liability cover for certain risks after works have been completed

    After they have ceased to be in Insureds possession or control.

  • Coverage Australia-wide

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Materials damage

Helps cover physical loss or damage to buildings, materials, equipment and more – as well as assets in transit or storage.

  • Cover for physical loss or damage to buildings, materials, temporary works and equipment that are a part of construction-related activity

    Including cover for property whilst in storage and in -transit.

  • Up to $20 million material damage liability limit 

    The limit of liability is the maximum amount that can be provided under the insurance policy.

  • Optional cover for plant and equipment damage, loss or theft up to an agreed sum insured

    $100,000 any one loss – maximum $500,000 sum insured. Automatic inclusion for construction plant and equipment up to $100,000, provided such property is notified within 60 days.

  • Existing structures up to $500,000 any one ES without referral

    $1 million maximum all existing structures. Any limits over this are referrals.

  • Coverage Australia-wide

Additional cover we can arrange

Product and services

Professional indemnity cover

Protect your business against claims of misleading advice, breach of duty and negligence with professional indemnity cover.

Learn more

Personal

Personal accident cover

With personal accident cover you can be sure your medical expenses are covered in the event of an on-the-job injury.

   

Product and services

Business vehicle cover

Need to travel from one job to another to keep your business running? Marsh can arrange business vehicle cover tailored to your needs.

Learn more

Why Marsh?

Why should you choose Marsh to arrange your insurance solutions?

Trusted by 130 associations

We are proud to be the endorsed insurance broker for more than 130 Australian industry groups and member associations, developing insurance solutions that help meet the risk and insurance needs of businesses across a variety of industries.

Local expertise

Our Australia-wide network of brokers have spent years at the coalface supporting business owners manage their unique risks in a fast-changing market. They keep ahead of the latest market insights both local and global and break down the jargon into your language.

Claims support

Handling an insurance claim can quickly become overwhelming, not least when your time is stretched to the limit keeping your business going in the backdrop. We help take the load off and manage, negotiate and settle claims with insurers on your behalf.

Single project cover

We can arrange cover for individual projects – on a case-by-case or ad hoc basis – when you need it most. Large-scale projects and those in natural catastrophe zones may suit this form of cover well.

Industry knowledge

Our specialised broking team understands the unique risk exposures faced by subcontractors. For cover that manages your specific needs, have your insurance arranged by Marsh’s experts.

Risk management plans

Our dedicated construction brokers are experts in your industry. We can offer you risk management and insurance advice that’s tailored to your needs – and put a risk management plan in place.

Why use a broker?

Choosing business insurance means navigating through products, coverages and policy terminology – with a sales pitch as your only guide. An experienced broker will spot your unique set of risks, match you to the right choice, and advocate for you on price.

Frequently asked questions

For public liability, there is no difference in cover requirements from state to state. Other cover requirements can vary. 

For advice specific to your site and cover needs, contact a specialised Marsh broker today.

Public liability insurance typically doesn’t change regardless of your business structure.

For specific advice on other cover options, it pays to speak to the experts. Contact a Marsh representative for guidance today.

The amount of public liability insurance subcontractors need largely depends on the companies they are contracting to – and the job you’re doing.

For some, the minimum amount – which is $5 million in Australia – is acceptable.

Other companies, especially if work takes place in public, will have a requirement of $10 million to $20 million in public liability insurance.

Our team of specialists can help you work this out and provide quotes.

The answer, almost always, is no. There are a few exceptions, but the main contractor’s public liability insurance will generally not cover a subcontractor in the event of a claim.

If you are subcontracting to a company and they claim you will be covered under their insurance, it’s best to get written confirmation.

Yes. We can arrange monthly instalments* with a premium funder, provided you meet certain criteria.

To arrange monthly payments, talk to one of our dedicated Marsh insurance brokers.

Single project cover is a policy procured on a case-by-case or ad hoc basis. Some businesses need this under a contractual obligation.

Generally speaking, it’s most beneficial for projects that are at high risk of natural catastrophes. Large-scale construction projects, more complex in nature, also benefit greatly from this form of cover.

Related insurance solutions

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Contract works insurance

A construction project can’t be rushed – but it can be derailed unexpectedly. Let our expert brokers arrange your contract works cover.

Engineering insurance

For engineers, careful risk management is key. Let us arrange insurance tailored to you – so you can stay focused on innovation.

Tradies insurance

Our experienced trades team can arrange comprehensive cover at competitive rates – and get you a certificate of currency on the same day.

Insurance premium funding

Insurance can be a lifeline. But lump sum premiums can be a hindrance. Pay in monthly instalments with premium funding arranged by Marsh.

Business vehicle cover

Need to travel from one job to another to keep your business running? Marsh can arrange business vehicle cover tailored to your needs.

Business interruption

A storm, cyber attack or machinery breakdown can grind your business to a halt. Arrange business interruption cover to keep things moving.

*Interest and additional fees are applicable. Terms and conditions apply.

LCPA 23/144

Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238369) (“Marsh”) arranges the general insurance (i.e. not the Discretionary Trust Arrangement) and is not the insurer. This page contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh on request. Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wordings or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or re-insurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. The Discretionary Trust Arrangement is issued by the Trustee, JLT Group Services Pty Ltd (ABN 26 004 485 214, AFSL 417964) (“JGS”). Any advice or dealing in relation to the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is provided by JLT Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 69 009 098 864, AFSL 226 827) (“JLT”). JGS and JLT are businesses of Marsh McLennan. The cover provided by the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is subject to the Trustee’s discretion and/or the relevant policy terms, conditions and exclusions.