A professional painter in Queensland should carry public liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover, and may need contract works insurance on bigger jobs. Ask to see certificates of currency before work starts. Here’s what each type of cover does and why it matters to you as the client.
Public liability insurance
Public liability covers damage to your property or injury to other people caused by the painter’s work. Think of a paint spill on a carpet, overspray on a neighbour’s car or a visitor injured on site. Without it, you could be left dealing with the cost yourself. Check the cover amount and make sure it meets any requirement in your lease or building rules.
Workers’ compensation
Employers in Queensland are required to have workers’ compensation cover for their staff. If a painter is injured on your property and the contractor isn’t covered, it can create problems for you as well. Ask for evidence that the policy is current.
Contract works insurance
On larger or higher-value jobs, contract works cover protects the work in progress against events like fire, storm or theft before the project is finished. It’s more common on commercial and strata jobs.
Licensing goes with insurance
Insurance is one part of a contractor’s credentials. The QBCC licence is another. Check both before you sign. Our guide to the paperwork a commercial painter should show you lists the full set, including safe work method statements.
Ask for certificates, not promises
A certificate of currency shows the insurer, the policy period and the cover amount. Ask for it as part of your quote process, and check the dates. Our lists of how to choose a commercial painter and questions to ask before hiring painting contractors put it in context.
Work at heights and rope access
If the job involves heights, ask whether the insurer covers that kind of work. Rope access teams, for example, should be able to explain how their cover applies. See our page on rope access.
Cover matters more than it sounds
It’s easy to skip until something goes wrong. We’re QBCC licensed (15183972) and fully insured, and we’re happy to provide certificates. Request a quote or read about our commercial painting services.
McAuliffe Painting. Eagle Farm, Brisbane QLD 4009. QBCC Lic 15183972.
