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Seeds Business Foundations

Insurances

Queensland Indigenous Business Network
Queensland Indigenous Business Network

Business insurance is like a safety net for you and your employees when unexpected problems happen. While it can't prevent accidents or surprises, it can help reduce the financial and legal issues that come with them.

Many new business owners hesitate to get insurance because they think it’s too expensive or confusing. However, having insurance is often necessary to work with clients or meet legal requirements. Running a business without the right insurance can put you at serious personal and financial risk.

This information covers why business insurance is important, the types of coverage available, and how to make smart choices when it comes to insurance. Some types of insurance are optional but wise to have, while others might be legally required depending on your business activities.

Having the right insurance can protect your income, help avoid money troubles, and ensure you follow the law. It also builds trust in the community, showing customers and partners that they can rely on you. Plus, many government contracts require at least $10 million in public liability insurance.

When to Organise Insurance

Insurance should be considered before you start trading, especially if you:

  • Work with the public
  • Operate on sites you don’t own
  • Deliver services or advice
  • Sell products
  • Apply for permits, contracts, or funding

Many clients, councils, venues, and government buyers will ask for proof of insurance before allowing work to begin.

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How to Choose the Right Insurance

A good starting point is to:

  • Clearly describe what your business does
  • Identify where and how you operate
  • Understand who could be affected if something goes wrong

Insurance providers will ask questions about your activities to recommend suitable cover. It is important to answer accurately so your policy actually applies if you need to make a claim.

Official guidance on business insurance is available through business.gov.au, which explains common insurance types and when they apply.

Types of Business Insurance 

There are various types of compulsory business insurance, and you can learn more about them through business.gov.au, where the Australian Government lists the different Types of Business Insurance. Other insurance options for your business may be necessary, so be sure to check what insurance you actually need. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance 

Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for employers with staff, covering workplace injuries and illnesses. For instance, it applies when an employee injures themselves while performing their workplace duties. 

In Queensland, WorkCover Queensland oversees this insurance, and all employers are required to register with them.

 Visit  WorkCover Queensland | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.    

Product and Public Liability Insurance 

Public liability insurance is a common type of insurance that protects your business if someone is injured or their property is damaged on your premises or during your operations. Product Liability Insurance is essential for companies that make, sell, or supply goods. It protects against claims if a product causes injury or damage, such as food that makes a customer sick or faulty electrical items. This coverage is significant for food producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.   

 

Compulsory Third–Party personal injury insurance (CTP)

Compulsory third–party personal injury insurance is a mandatory component of motor vehicle registration. CTP provides compensation for medical treatment, lost income, and ongoing care for personal injuries to other road users, passengers, and pedestrians if you cause a vehicle accident.    

 

Other insurances you should consider – Not compulsory, but recommended:

Professional Indemnity Insurance 

Professional indemnity insurance helps protect you if your advice or services result in a financial loss for a client. It is not compulsory, but most tenders and contracts may require you to have it.  

You can find out more about Professional Indemnity insurance at Professional Indemnity Insurance | Queensland Business and Construction Commission.  

  

Cyber Insurance 

Cyber insurance is increasingly essential for businesses that operate online and manage customer data. It protects against losses from cyberattacks, data theft, and system hacks. For example, if hackers steal credit card information or ransomware locks your files, cyber insurance can help you recover. Any business relying on online sales or digital systems should consider this protection.  

For more information on cybersecurity in your business, visit Keeping Your Business Cyber Secure | Business Queensland.

 

Motor Vehicle Insurance 

If you use vehicles in your business, you should consider obtaining motor vehicle insurance. Motor vehicle insurance protects your property and other third-party property if it is damaged in an accident. 

You can compare insurers at Motor Accident Insurance Commission | Queensland Government.

 

 

Getting Insurance

When looking for cover, you can approach insurers such as: 

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NRMA

Offers a range of business insurance policies with flexible cover options for sole traders, small businesses and more 
qbe-logo

QBE

Offers a range of insurance products for all types of businesses 

Keeping track of your insurances

Insurance policies come with specific start and end dates, coverage limits, and certain rules about what is and isn’t covered. If you lose track of these details, you might face issues like not having coverage when you need it, having your claims denied, or running into legal problems.

To keep everything organised as your business grows or changes, it’s helpful to use a register. This tool helps you keep tabs on your insurance policies and makes sure they are up to date.

You can download and use The Business Insurance Register to record all the insurance policies your business has and to keep track of renewal dates, coverage details, and any important conditions.

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