Public liability insurance that lets you get on with the job

From sole traders to growing businesses, we compare 10+ insurers to find public and products liability cover that suits your work. Same-day quotes available.

1800 97 98 99

Trusted by 30,000+ clients Australia-wide

We aim to answer all calls within 3 seconds

Backed by our Price Promise

Public & products liability, tools, business contents and professional indemnity

Shielded Insurance industry awards and recognitions

Compare public liability quotes

Free, no obligation. Same-day quotes available.

Cover options you want:

4.9 from 12,000+ reviews · #1 Top Brokerage 2025

One call. Multiple quotes.

Whether a client, venue, council or head contractor is asking for your certificate of currency, or you just want peace of mind, we compare public liability across 10+ insurers so you can see price and cover side by side.

Café host welcoming a customer – public liability insurance by Shielded Insurance

How do you get started?

Three steps, and we do the legwork.

1

Start a quote.

Fill the quote form above, or call us on 1800 97 98 99.

2

We compare the market.

We go to 10+ insurers and come back with liability options that fit your business. Same-day quotes available.

3

You're covered.

Pick the option that suits and we handle the paperwork.

Why choose Shielded

Named #1 Top Brokerage 2025, trusted by 30,000+ clients, and with you long after the policy is sold.

Liability specialists

We arrange public liability every day for tradies, retailers, hospitality, event operators, consultants and businesses of every size.

Award-winning & highly reviewed

Named #1 Top Brokerage 2025 and rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot and 4.7/5 on Google from over 12,000 reviews.

We handle renewals

We manage your renewals and update your cover as your turnover, work and contract requirements change.

In your corner at claim time

Notify a claim 24/7. If someone is injured or their property is damaged, our team deals with the insurer for you.

“The claims experience was made so easy.” – Scott B., Google review

What business owners say about us

Real reviews from businesses we've arranged liability cover for across Australia.

Cover Options

Build the cover your business needs. Mix and match on one quote.

Public Liability

Cover if your business activities cause injury to someone else or damage to their property.

Quote public liability

Products Liability

Cover for injury or property damage caused by products you make, import, sell or supply.

Quote products liability

Tools

Protects your portable tools and equipment against theft and accidental damage, depending on the policy.

Quote tools cover

Business Contents

Covers the contents, stock and equipment at your premises against events like fire, theft and storm.

Quote contents cover

Professional Indemnity

Covers claims arising from professional advice or services you provide.

Quote professional indemnity

Public liability insurance at a glance

Reviewed by Joshua Scutts, Shielded Insurance Brokers · Updated October 2026 · General information only

Who needs it
Any business that deals with the public, works on client sites or sells products – often required by contracts, venues, councils and head contractors.
What it covers
Legal liability and defence costs if your business activities or products cause injury to others or damage to their property.
What affects price
Your occupation, turnover, the work you do and where, use of subcontractors, claims history, the limit you choose and your excess.
How we help
We compare 10+ insurers, issue your certificate of currency fast and stay in your corner at claim time.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know public liability insurance and what Australian businesses need from it.

What is public liability insurance?

Public liability insurance covers your legal liability if your business activities cause injury to another person or damage to their property. It typically pays compensation and legal defence costs, up to the limit of your policy. It's one of the most common covers for Australian businesses.

What's the difference between public and products liability?

Public liability relates to injury or damage caused by your business activities, while products liability relates to injury or damage caused by products you make, import, sell or supply. The two are often combined in one policy, and products liability is particularly important if you manufacture, import or put your own brand on goods.

Is public liability insurance compulsory?

It isn't compulsory for every business by law, but it's often required in practice. Many clients, venues, councils, landlords and head contractors won't let you work without a certificate of currency, and some industry licences or associations may require it. Check any contract or licence conditions so you know what limit you need.

How much public liability cover do I need?

The right limit depends on the risks of your work and what your contracts, venues or licensing bodies require. Many contracts specify a minimum limit, so check those first. We can explain the options and help you choose a limit that fits.

What isn't covered by public liability insurance?

Exclusions vary, but public liability typically doesn't cover injury to your own employees (that's workers compensation), damage to your own property or tools, claims arising from professional advice (that's professional indemnity), or liability from driving registered vehicles. Some high-risk activities may also be excluded or need to be declared.

What affects the cost of public liability insurance?

Premiums depend on your occupation and the work you do, your turnover, where you work, whether you use subcontractors, your claims history, the limit of cover you choose and your excess. Higher-risk trades will typically pay more than low-risk office-based businesses.

How quickly can I get covered?

Same-day quotes are available, and once you accept a quote we can often arrange cover and send your certificate of currency quickly, depending on the insurer and your occupation. Call us on 1800 97 98 99 if you need cover in a hurry.

Who do I contact to make a claim?

If someone is injured or their property is damaged, or you receive a claim or letter of demand, contact us at Shielded Insurance on 1800 97 98 99 as soon as possible. Claims can be notified 24/7. Avoid admitting liability before speaking with us or the insurer.

Call us Start Quote