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Public Liability Insurance Victoria

Compare online quotes for public liability insurance in Victoria here with Savvy today. 

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, updated on August 1st, 2023       

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We’ve partnered with BizCover to bring you a range of business insurance policies to help you compare them side by side.

Public liability insurance is vital for all businesses in Victoria which face the risks posed by dealing with members of the public. From Melbourne to Geelong, public liability insurance can protect businesses from claims that a third party was injured, or their property damaged as a result of your business activity, under a wide range of covered events.  

Savvy can help you compare quotes for public liability insurance in Victoria by providing you with a range of online offers from some of Australia’s leading insurers. Just answer a few simple questions about your business and the insurance you need and you’ll have a range of competitive offers to compare instantly. Get started with a no-obligation quote through Savvy today. 

Public liability insurance in Victoria – what is it and how does it work?

Public liability insurance is a type of business insurance that may offer cover in case a member of the public is injured or suffers property damage, and claims that your business is responsible. No matter whether your business is in Bendigo or Ballarat, it can cover you against personal injury or damage claims due to a wide range of causes included in your policy.  

Some personal injury compensation claims can run into millions of dollars, which is why public liability insurance comes in three levels of cover: $5 million, $10 million and $20 million. The level of coverage your business may require will depend on the type of business you run and the risks you face, so it’s important to assess your needs as an operator to determine where coverage is most important. 

All coverage is subject to your insurer’s eligibility criteria and terms and conditions, so make sure you familiarise yourself with the inclusions and exclusions which relate to the insurance policy you’re considering. 

You can get a range of online quotes for many types of business insurance, including public liability insurance, here with Savvy. You’ll be able to compare high-quality offers from some of Australia’s top business insurance companies when you complete your free online quote with us.

What does public liability insurance cover my Victorian business for?

The following incidents may be covered by public liability insurance: 

  1. Third-party injuries 
  2. Third-party property damage 
  3. The cost of defending yourself against any claims 

Any insurance you buy is subject to eligibility criteria and terms and conditions. When comparing policies, it’s important to read the product disclosure statement (PDS) which is provided so you know exactly what you’re buying. Compare policies side-by-side before deciding which policy may be the best one for your business.  

What is not covered by public liability insurance? 

There’s a range of items which usually fall outside the scope of public liability insurance. These may include: 

  1. Incidents which happen before or after your period of cover 
  2. Injuries to yourself  
  3. Injuries to your employees (which should be covered by workers compensation insurance
  4. Court-ordered damages relating to professional negligence 
  5. The cost of repairing faulty workmanship you’ve supplied 
  6. Product recalls 

Which types of businesses in Victoria need public liability insurance?

It doesn’t matter whether your business is in a rural location like the Grampians or in a busy suburb like Brunswick, any company that has contact with members of the public should consider taking out public liability insurance. This includes: 

  • Cafes, restaurants and food businesses 
  • Hairdressers, alternative therapists and massage businesses 
  • Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals 
  • Fitness and personal trainers, martial arts teachers 
  • Tradies, builders and handymen 
  • Real estate agents, accounts and legal professionals 
  • Mortgage brokers and finance professionals 
  • Consultants, contractors and sole traders 
  • Wedding planners, photographers and event managers 

All types of businesses face certain risks if they have any dealings with members of the public. Personal injury or damages claims can be very expensive, which is why you should consider if public liability insurance is right for your business.  

How do I compare public liability insurance for my business in Victoria?

There are several aspects of insurance you should compare when you’re deciding between two or more policies. Consider the following when comparing:  

  • What coverage is on offer – look at the cover on offer and read the PDS carefully so you understand exactly what your business is and isn’t covered for by the policy 
  • What exclusions there are – check the exclusions which may leave your business vulnerable in an area you consider important. If there are such exclusions, you may consider buying additional insurance to make sure all your needs are covered.  
  • Maximum benefit amount – consider the level of insurance which is appropriate for your particular circumstances. You’ll need to decide how much insurance you need (ranging from $5 million up to $20 million) depending on what risks your business faces.  
  • Cost – compare the relative costs of public liability insurance policies, but make sure you’re comparing like with like. The cheapest insurance quote may not be the best one for your business if it includes less coverage or lower claim limits. However, it's still important to make sure you aren’t paying more than necessary for your coverage. 
  • Optional extras – look at any optional extras on offer and consider if these are appropriate for your business needs. Compare the extras on offer between different policies before deciding which one offers the best value for your business. 

What factors will affect the cost of my public liability insurance in Victoria?

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Frequently asked questions about public liability insurance in Victoria

Can I take out public liability insurance for specific one-off events in Victoria?

Some insurers do offer public liability insurance for specific one-off events in Victoria, such as a concert or community market. As such, it’s important to compare your options, as it may be essential to see if you’re able to find an insurer which can offer the cover you’re looking for.  

Is public liability insurance compulsory in Victoria?

No – public liability isn’t compulsory in Victoria under Australian law, but it may be required by your landlord or a government agency tasked with issuing licences or permits. You should consider public liability insurance in any circumstance where you have responsibility for the safety of members of the public or their property. 

What’s the difference between public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance?

Professional indemnity insurance can cover your business against claims that you offered bad advice or poor service. In contrast, public liability insurance can offer protection against claims that someone was injured or their property was damaged, within certain eligibility requirements.  

Do I have to have public liability insurance if I’m a sole trader in Victoria?

No – it isn’t mandatory to take out a public liability policy as a sole trader, but if you run any sort of business offering a retail experience, a trade or a service to members of the public, you should consider taking out public liability insurance. Additionally, you may be required by your employer or union to have cover, depending on the work you’re undertaking. 

What is a Certificate of Currency and do I need one?

Your Certificate of Currency is legal proof that the insurance has been bought, and gives details of the period of coverage, including the exact date and time when the cover applies. You may need to show your Certificate of Currency to prove to a council or landlord that you do have the required cover they ask for.  

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