Tradies Insurance Australia: Weekly News for Aussie Trades
Each week, we cut through the noise with a concise wrap of news that matters to Australian tradies, from insurance and regulation updates to safety, risk management and small-business trends. Expect clear context, practical takeaways, and expert voices to help you stay informed for the week ahead. No fluff, just reliable headlines and highlights tailored to worksites and workshops across the country.
This Week:
This week: NSW tests five options to replace the insurance-based Emergency Services Levy, with submissions due 19 June. The cyclone reinsurance pool now spans about 3.2 million sites, supporting stability for northern businesses—review workshop contents and stock limits. EV repairs remain costlier, which can keep commercial vehicle premiums elevated—check excesses, hire-vehicle options and approved repairers, and insure tools separately. Regulators warn AI-driven cyber risks are rising—verify bank details, enable multi-factor authentication and back up files. Visit trades-insurance.com.au for tailored tradie cover.
EPISODE 1844 | Tradies Insurance Australia: Weekly News for Aussie Trades | Sun, 10th May 2026
10 May 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Welcome to Tradies Insurance Australia: Weekly News for Aussie Trades, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday 10 May 2026.
First up, New South Wales is consulting on five options to replace the Emergency Services Levy, or ESL, currently added to insurance, with a simpler property charge based on land value. Submissions close on Friday 19 June, and any change would come later after the government response. For now, premiums still include the levy, so budget for it at renewal and avoid underinsuring—set realistic sums for tools, vehicles and workshop contents so a claim pays what you actually need.
Next up, the cyclone reinsurance pool continues to expand, now covering about 3.2 million sites, including well over one hundred thousand small‑business premises. Recent cyclone claims show why this safety net matters. If youre in northern Australia, ask your broker whether your insurer participates and review your workshop contents and stock limits so your cover keeps pace through storm season.
Meanwhile, the move to electric vehicles, or EVs, is lifting average repair costs because batteries and sensor calibrations are pricey and specialist repairers are limited. That can keep commercial vehicle premiums higher for EV utes and vans in the short term. Reduce surprises by checking your excess, whether youve got a hire‑vehicle option after an accident, and which repairers are approved. Keep tools listed under a separate tools policy—vehicle contents limits can be tight.
And finally, the corporate regulator warned this week that advances in artificial intelligence, or AI, are accelerating cyber risks for businesses. For tradies who invoice by email, that means double‑check bank details, turn on multi‑factor authentication, and back up your job files to avoid costly downtime. Good cyber hygiene protects your cash flow and reputation; if youre unsure how your policies respond to a cyber‑triggered loss, have a chat with a broker.
Thats the wrap. For clear, tailored cover—public liability, tools and equipment, workshop contents, commercial vehicles and income protection—head to trades-insurance.com.au and get your free quote today.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has expressed strong support for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) decision to conduct a detailed review of Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance. The MTAA warns that the deal raises serious competition concerns that could have far-reaching implications for the insurance market and related sectors. - read more
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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently highlighted the need for home insurers to enhance their oversight of independent experts and improve communication with consumers, particularly concerning cash settlements. This call to action stems from ASIC's ongoing efforts to ensure that insurers provide fair and transparent services to policyholders. - read more
Australia's non-life insurance industry has showcased remarkable resilience in the face of an increasingly complex risk environment. According to a recent report by AM Best, the sector achieved a total insurance revenue of approximately AUD 77.7 billion for the fiscal year ending 30 June 2025. This performance underscores the industry's capacity to navigate volatile market conditions effectively. - read more
Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect businesses and their owners against claims that may arise from accidents or injuries that occur on their business premises or as a direct result of their business activities. For tradespeople, these policies can cover incidents such as property damage or personal injury to a customer or member of the public. - read more
Commercial vehicle insurance is a specialised type of coverage designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes. It covers a wide range of potential risks including accidents, theft, and damage, ensuring the vehicles vital to your work are adequately protected. This form of insurance is tailored specifically to mitigate the risks associated with using vehicles for trade and business, offering peace of mind to business owners. - read more
Income protection insurance is a vital safety net for those who earn their livelihood through skilled trades. It is designed to replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury, ensuring that you can meet your financial obligations while you recover. This type of insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that even if the unexpected happens, your bills can still be paid and your lifestyle maintained. - read more
Tailored insurance solutions are customised insurance plans that cater to the specific needs and circumstances of individuals and businesses. Unlike traditional, one-size-fits-all policies, tailored solutions provide flexibility and detailed coverage options that align with the unique risks and demands of various professions, including tradespeople. - read more
Knowledgebase
Depreciation: The reduction in the value of an asset over time, used in insurance to calculate the actual cash value of property.
