Top 5 Affordable Public Liability Insurance Providers in Australia (2025 Guide)

Running a business in Australia comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and one of the most crucial is safeguarding against unexpected incidents. That’s where Public Liability Insurance steps in. This essential cover protects your business financially if a third party (like a customer, client, or even a passer-by) suffers an injury or property damage due to your business activities. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get robust protection.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top 5 affordable Public Liability Insurance providers in Australia, helping you find the right balance between comprehensive cover and a budget-friendly premium. We’ll focus on providers known for their competitive pricing and reliable service, making it easier for small businesses, sole traders, and contractors to get the protection they need.

Why is Public Liability Insurance So Important?

Imagine a customer slipping on a wet floor in your retail store and breaking their arm, or a piece of equipment falling and damaging a client’s property during a job. Without Public Liability Insurance, your business would be solely responsible for the hefty legal costs, medical expenses, and potential compensation payments. This could be devastating for any business, especially small ones.

While it’s not always legally mandatory, Public Liability Insurance is highly recommended for all Australian businesses that interact with the public. It provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your operations without constantly worrying about unforeseen accidents.

Key Factors Affecting Public Liability Insurance Costs

Before we reveal our top picks, it’s helpful to understand what influences the cost of your premium:

• Type of Business/Industry: High-risk industries (e.g., construction, manufacturing) generally pay more than lower-risk ones (e.g., office-based consultants).
• Business Size: Larger businesses with higher turnover or more employees often have higher premiums.
• Level of Cover: Common cover limits range from $5 million to $20 million (or even higher). A higher limit means a higher premium, but also greater protection.
• Claims History: A clean claims history can lead to lower premiums.
• Location: Stamp duty and regional risk factors can slightly influence costs.
• Excess: A higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) can result in a lower premium.

General Note on Average Costs: Based on recent data, the average monthly cost for Public Liability Insurance in Australia for small businesses is around $39-$68.50, but this can vary significantly. Some low-risk businesses might pay as little as $30/month, while high-risk operations could pay over $100/month.

Now, let’s explore some of Australia’s leading and most affordable Public Liability Insurance providers:

Running a small business in Australia is a dream for many. Whether you’re a tradie on the tools, a consultant sharing your expertise, or a market stall holder selling your creations, you’re building something of your own. But what happens when something goes wrong? A customer trips over your equipment, you accidentally damage a client’s property—suddenly, your dream could turn into a financial nightmare.

That’s where Public Liability Insurance comes in. It’s not just another business expense; it’s a financial safety net that protects you, your business, and your future.

The challenge? The market is flooded with options, and finding a policy that’s both comprehensive and affordable can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Here’s our guide to the top 5 affordable public liability insurance providers in Australia, perfect for sole traders and small businesses.

Disclaimer: We are not financial advisors. The “best” provider depends entirely on your specific business needs, location, and risk profile. This list is a starting point to help you compare and find great value.

Top 5 Affordable Public Liability Insurance Providers in Australia

Provider	Key Features	Average Cost & Notes
BizCover	Online comparison platform offering policies from multiple insurers, flexible cover levels ($5M-$20M), average cost around $39/month. Easy online quotes and claims support.	$39/month average; saves customers up to thousands by comparing policies.
iSelect	Comparison service partnered with BizCover, helps find competitive pricing tailored to your industry and risk profile. Focus on simplifying insurance shopping.	Offers personalized quotes and tips to reduce premiums.
QBE Insurance	One of Australia’s largest insurers with global reach, offering comprehensive business insurance including public liability. Known for tailored business solutions.	Competitive pricing with strong claims support.
Allianz	Large international insurer with local expertise, providing flexible policies for small to large businesses. Strong reputation in Australia.	Offers a range of cover options with good customer service.
CGU Insurance	Long-established Australian insurer focusing on business insurance, distributed via brokers. Offers specialized policies for various industries.	Trusted brand with tailored coverage options.

Our Top 5 Affordable Public Liability Insurance Providers in Australia

While “cheapest” doesn’t always mean “best,” these providers are renowned for offering competitive rates without compromising on essential coverage and customer service.

1. BizCover

BizCover is a popular choice for small businesses and sole traders due to its easy-to-use online platform and ability to compare multiple quotes from various insurers. They act as a broker, allowing you to quickly see a range of options and find a policy that fits your budget. Many users praise their straightforward process and competitive pricing for various industries.

Key Features:

• Online Comparison Platform: Get quotes from multiple Australian insurers in minutes, making it easy to compare and find the best price.
• Flexible Cover Levels: Offers public liability cover limits from $5 million to $20 million, allowing businesses to choose the appropriate level of protection.
• Tailored for Small Businesses: Specialises in solutions for smaller operations across a wide range of industries like trades, professionals, retailers, and hospitality.
• Easy Online Quotes and Claims Support: A streamlined online experience for both getting a quote and lodging a claim.

Average Cost & Notes: Public Liability Insurance costs around $39 per month on average for BizCover customers, though this varies based on business type, location, and chosen cover level. Their comparison service can lead to significant savings by identifying the most competitive policies for your specific needs.

2. iSelect

iSelect is a well-known comparison service that, like BizCover, partners with various insurers to help you find competitive pricing for your Public Liability Insurance. While they don’t directly underwrite policies, their focus is on simplifying the insurance shopping experience, providing personalized quotes, and offering tips to potentially reduce premiums.

Key Features:

• Comparison Service: Helps you compare public liability insurance policies from a range of providers, simplifying the search for competitive pricing.
• Tailored for Your Needs: Focuses on understanding your specific industry and risk profile to match you with suitable policies.
• Personalized Quotes and Tips: Provides customised quotes and advice on how to potentially reduce your premiums by adjusting cover levels or excesses.
• Focus on Simplifying Insurance Shopping: Aims to make the process of finding and purchasing public liability insurance as easy and transparent as possible.

Average Cost & Notes: As a comparison service, iSelect’s “average cost” is reflective of the market rates they can access for their customers. They aim to help you find policies that are competitively priced, and while specific average costs aren’t published by iSelect themselves, the aim is to help you achieve savings by comparing.

3. QBE Insurance

QBE is a global insurance giant with a significant presence in Australia, offering robust Public Liability Insurance as part of their comprehensive small business insurance packages. They are known for their tailored business solutions and strong claims support, making them a reliable choice for businesses seeking comprehensive cover.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Business Insurance: Public liability insurance is often automatically included in their broader business liability cover, which can be part of a larger business insurance package.
• Flexible Cover Limits: Offers options for $5 million, $10 million, or $20 million in public liability cover, allowing businesses to choose the right level of protection.
• Tailored Business Solutions: Caters to a wide range of small business occupations, including trades, professional services, retail, and hospitality.
• 24/7 Claims Service: Provides access to expert claims teams and a supplier network, ensuring prompt assistance when you need it most.

Average Cost & Notes: QBE offers competitive pricing, especially when considering the breadth of their coverage and strong claims support. While specific average costs aren’t publicly listed, their pricing is designed to be competitive within the market for comprehensive business insurance solutions.

4. Allianz

Allianz is another large international insurer with deep local expertise in Australia. They provide flexible Public Liability Insurance policies suitable for businesses ranging from small to large enterprises. Allianz holds a strong reputation in Australia for its diverse range of cover options and reliable customer service.

Key Features:

• Flexible Policy Options: Offers a range of public liability cover options that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of various business sizes and industries.
• Strong Reputation: A well-established and trusted international insurer with significant local presence and expertise in the Australian market.
• Good Customer Service: Known for providing responsive and helpful customer support, from policy inquiries to claims processing.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Designed to cover legal liabilities for personal injury or property damage to third parties arising from your business activities.

Average Cost & Notes: Allianz is known for competitive pricing, particularly for businesses seeking flexible and comprehensive coverage from a large, reputable insurer. Their premiums will vary based on business type and risk, but they aim to provide good value for their extensive offerings.

5. CGU Insurance

CGU is a long-established Australian insurer with a strong focus on business insurance, often distributed via brokers. They offer specialized Public Liability Insurance policies for various industries, making them a trusted brand for tailored coverage options that meet specific business requirements.

Key Features:

• Long-Established Australian Insurer: A highly reputable and trusted name in the Australian insurance landscape, with a history of serving businesses.
• Specialized Industry Policies: Offers public liability insurance that can be specifically tailored to the unique risks and requirements of different industries, including construction, retail, and professional services.
• Broker Distribution: Often accessed through insurance brokers, allowing for personalized advice and the ability to negotiate the best policy terms for your business.
• Trusted Brand: Known for reliable coverage and a commitment to supporting Australian businesses.

Average Cost & Notes: CGU’s pricing is competitive within the broker market, offering good value for their tailored coverage options. While direct average costs might not be readily available due to their broker-centric distribution, they are consistently cited as an affordable option for comprehensive and industry-specific public liability insurance.

Tips for Finding the Most Affordable Public Liability Insurance

• Compare, Compare, Compare: Don’t settle for the first quote. Use online comparison tools or brokers like BizCover and iSelect to get multiple quotes.
• Assess Your Needs Accurately: Don’t over-insure. Understand the level of cover you truly need for your specific business activities and contracts.
• Consider Your Excess: A higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) can lower your premium, but ensure you can afford to pay it if a claim arises.
• Review Your Policy Annually: Business needs change. Review your policy each year to ensure it still meets your requirements and that you’re getting the best deal.
• Maintain a Good Claims History: Avoiding claims, where possible, can positively impact your future premiums.
• Ask About Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for paying annually, bundling policies (e.g., public liability with professional indemnity), or for new customers.

Conclusion

Finding affordable Public Liability Insurance in Australia is crucial for any business looking to operate safely and confidently. While the providers listed above consistently offer competitive rates and reliable service, remember that the “best” option will always depend on your unique business needs and risk profile. By comparing quotes, understanding your coverage requirements, and choosing a reputable insurer, you can protect your business effectively without putting a strain on your finances. Invest in your peace of mind today!