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:
Paige covers four updates for Aussie tradies: Victoria advances decennial defects insurance for apartments; AFCA issues a new hail damage disputes guide urging stronger evidence; autumn ‘wild weather claims drop but El Niño lifts bushfire risk; and insurers boost advertising as consumers shop around. Takeaways: keep licences and certificates tight, document storm jobs thoroughly, review sums insured and seasonal prep, and compare policies carefully to balance price and protection.
EPISODE 2119 | Tradies Insurance Australia: Weekly News for Aussie Trades | Tue, 16th Jun 2026
24 Jun 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Hello and welcome to Tradies Insurance Australia: Weekly News for Aussie Trades, Im Paige Estritori, and its Tuesday, 16 June 2026.
First up, Victoria is moving closer to a 10‑year “decennial” defects insurance model for apartments. The lower house has passed a bill that would let developers use a first‑resort policy instead of a bond, with a shift to mandatory cover flagged once the market matures. For tradies and subcontractors on apartment jobs, expect tighter quality controls and clearer defect responsibilities flowing into contracts. Make sure your licences are current, your public liability and contract works limits fit site requirements, and your certificates are easy to produce.
Next up, the industry ombudsman AFCA — thats the Australian Financial Complaints Authority — has released a new guide for hail damage disputes. It spells out the evidence that speeds up roof and solar claims: dated photos, storm event data, and clear scopes of work. If youre quoting or repairing storm damage, document everything. And for your own ute, tools or workshop claims, keep receipts and photos so assessments run smoother.
Meanwhile, one major insurer says autumn “wild weather” claims were down by nearly half compared with last year, making for the quietest start in more than a decade. But forecasters are flagging an El Niño pattern and elevated bushfire risk even through winter. Use the lull to check sums insured on tools, trailers and workshop contents, tidy fuel loads around sheds, and confirm your portable tools are covered away from base.
And finally, insurers have lifted advertising by about eleven per cent as more Australians shop around under premium pressure. That means more offers in market, but the details matter. Compare like‑for‑like, watch exclusions and excesses, and consider bundling vehicles, tools and liability where it suits your business.
Thats the wrap for 16 June. For clear options on public liability, tools and equipment, commercial vehicles, income protection and more, head to trades‑insurance.com.au to request a quote from our nationwide broker network. Im Paige Estritori — stay safe on site, and Ill catch you next week.
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.
As of May 1, 2026, Australian Football League (AFL) players will no longer have insurance coverage for brain injuries under their superannuation policies. This change comes after Zurich Insurance decided to exclude total and permanent disability (TPD) benefits for claims related to traumatic head injuries, concussions, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), post-concussion syndrome, or any neurological impairments linked to brain injury. - read more
Dynamic Insurance Services has filed a competition lawsuit against Steadfast Group, QBE Insurance, and Allianz Australia Insurance, alleging that these companies engaged in coordinated conduct that effectively cut off its access to essential insurance products. The lawsuit, filed in March 2026, claims that Steadfast terminated its network agreement with Dynamic in early 2026, followed by QBE and Allianz ending their arrangements. This sequence of events led to the loss of authorized representatives and significantly impaired Dynamic's ability to operate effectively. - read more
The Australian commercial insurance market has maintained its soft stance throughout the first half of 2026, characterized by competitive pricing and expanded insurer capacity. This trend is largely attributed to improved insurer profitability post-COVID-19, stabilized reinsurance conditions, and a global capital surplus intensifying competition. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have jointly called for decisive action to address mounting sustainability pressures in the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance market. This call to action follows a CEO roundtable held on April 15, 2026, which included senior representatives from 19 life insurers and reinsurers, as well as officials from Treasury and the Council of Australian Life Insurers. - 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
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
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
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 tradies, these policies can cover incidents such as property damage or personal injury to a customer or member of the public. - read more
Knowledgebase
Rider: An optional provision added to an insurance policy that provides additional benefits or coverage.
