Peter Chamberlain from allinsure, one of Canberra’s most recommended brokers for trades insurance. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Finding the right trades insurance broker in Canberra can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for.
Whether you work in plumbing, electrical, landscaping, or other trades, having the right insurance coverage is essential to protect your business, employees, and clients.
Many business owners and sole traders struggle with complicated policy terms, knowing what cover is mandatory, and balancing cost with adequate protection. A skilled trades insurance broker can simplify these decisions, highlight gaps in coverage, and advise on risk management.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a trades insurance broker and share where to find the very best Canberra has to offer.
What makes a great trades insurance broker?
Choosing the right trades insurance broker can make managing your business risks simpler and more secure. The right broker saves you time, ensures compliance, and helps you avoid gaps in coverage that could prove costly.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a trades insurance broker.
- In-depth knowledge specific to your industry. A great trades insurance broker understands the nuances of policies across a wide range of trade sectors. They are familiar with local regulations in Canberra, industry-specific risks, and the types of coverage required to keep your business protected. This knowledge allows them to recommend policies that are practical, compliant, and tailored to your needs.
- Personalised coverage. Top brokers take the time to understand the unique risks of your business. Rather than offering a generic policy, they assess your work environment, client obligations, and project scopes to identify potential vulnerabilities. This ensures that you only pay for coverage you need while being protected against the most relevant threats to your trade.
- Local connections. A valuable trades insurance broker works with a variety of insurers, giving you options rather than being tied to a single provider. This allows for better comparison of premiums, coverage limits, and policy features. It also increases your chances of finding specialised policies that suit niche trades or specific business requirements in Canberra.
- Clear explanation of cover and exclusions. Insurance can be complex, with policy wording, exclusions and limits that are easy to misunderstand. A strong broker explains what is and isn’t covered in clear terms, helping you avoid unexpected gaps. This clarity ensures you know how your trades insurance responds in real-world scenarios before issues arise.
- Ongoing support and review. The best trades insurance brokers don’t just set up your policy and disappear. They provide ongoing support, regularly reviewing your coverage as your business evolves. This proactive approach ensures that your trades insurance keeps pace with your changing needs, new regulations, and emerging risks, giving you long-term security for your business.
The best trades insurance brokers in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
allinsure
For comprehensive trades insurance and tailored advice that mitigates risk, look no further than locally owned and operated allinsure.
Since their establishment in 2007, allinsure have focussed on delivering superior client service and fostering strong, long-term relationships. Their client-first culture has propelled them to the forefront of the industry and gained recognition on a national scale.
As a corporate authorised representative of Insurance Advisernet (one of Australia’s largest networks of independent insurance advisers), allinsure maintains its local ownership and presence whilst leveraging strong buying power and product access.
One of allinsure’s largest areas of industry specialisation is trades. Boasting years of client experience with an array of large and small projects across multiple sectors, they have considerable expertise in the management of risk for tradies of all kinds. Their partnership approach fosters innovative and strategic risk management solutions for true peace of mind.
The team has orchestrated favourable relationships with the trade industry’s major insurers, resulting in competitively priced options that offer tailored cover for clients. Options include protecting people through to equipment, along with professional and public liability.
Their support extends to contract reviews, identifying indemnities, warranties, and claims management. For comprehensive trades insurance, allinsure is an excellent choice.
"allinsure are a fantastic firm to work with," Sally from Empowered Electrical Solutions said on Google.
"Tate and Shannon have gone above and beyond to get all of our insurances sorted and in alignment. Super thorough and reliable, could not recommend more!"
Find out more about allinsure.
MGA Insurance Group
MGA Insurance Group has a solid reputation for clear-cut, reliable insurance solutions across Australia, backed by a brokerage history spanning four decades. Here in Canberra, the team looks after tradies with tailored insurance solutions that include public liability, commercial motor, tools of trade, personal accident and illness, and more.
MGA believes claim outcomes are directly tied to the quality of insurance products offered. No matter their trade sector, clients deserve to rest easy knowing their business, vehicle and equipment are protected on the job.
"I have had a great experience working with Tim at MGA. He provides honest and valuable advice and really looks out for his clients," Kenneth reviews on Google.
Brindabella Insurance Brokers
Established in 2013, Brindabella Insurance Brokers provides top-tier insurance brokerage for tradies and trade business owners across Canberra and beyond.
Brindabella Insurance Brokers' expertise includes workers compensation, public liability, contract works, commercial motor, heavy vehicle and machinery insurance, and more.
A tailored approach allows the team to deliver personalised coverage that protects against risks specific to the trades industry.
"Their team is professional, responsive, and truly understands the needs of my business," Brett said on Google.
"The coverage options are comprehensive, and they've always been there to guide me through any questions."
CMS Insurance Services
CMS Insurance Services offers personalised trades insurance solutions designed to give sole traders, contractors and business owners true peace of mind.
CMS brokers are backed by more than 30 years of service across the ACT and surrounding regions. They work directly with every client to understand their unique needs before tailoring industry-specific coverage to protect business, staff, and materials across singular or ongoing projects.
Past customer Maggie said CMS director Damian von Demleux was "... professional, took the time to understand my needs and suggest a policy to suit, and very pleasant in all communications."
Chirps
Chirps draws on more than 40 years' experience working with Canberra tradies to provide specialised insurance coverage for trade businesses, tools, vehicles, income, and more.
These brokers have access to a network of more than 150 national and international insurers. Known for their personalised, authentic service, Chirps' number-one priority is simple: to find the right cover at the right price for every client.
"From start to finish, everything was seamless - professional, clear, and genuinely friendly," Janos says online.
While on the topic of insurance, you might also like our articles on the best insurance brokers, the best business insurance brokers, the best workers compensation insurance brokers and the best strata insurance brokers in Canberra.
For related financial and professional services, see our articles on the best law firms, the best mortgage brokers, and the best chartered accountants in the region.
Your experience with trades insurance brokers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the insurance brokers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a broker or buy insurance directly?
For trades insurance, definitely engage a broker. They will provide advice tailored to your industry and can explain policy wording, exclusions and risk exposures for you, helping you avoid gaps that may not be obvious when purchasing cover directly.
Can a trades insurance broker help if my business grows or changes?
Absolutely. The best brokers provide ongoing support and regularly review your policies. As your business expands, enters new markets, or takes on additional services, your broker can adjust your coverage to make sure it continues to meet your evolving needs.
Are insurance brokers regulated in Canberra?
Yes. A reputable trades insurance broker will be licensed, compliant with industry standards, and stay up to date with local laws affecting insurance for different trade sectors.
Can an insurance broker help with claims?
Yes. Brokers can guide you through the claims process, making it easier to understand your policy and what documentation is needed. Their involvement can speed up the process and reduce the stress of dealing with insurers directly.
Do insurance brokers work with small contractors and sole traders?
Yes, many trades insurance brokers in Canberra work with sole traders, subcontractors, and small trade businesses. They can help arrange specific coverage to suit smaller operations, ensuring your policy matches the type of work being performed without paying for unnecessary inclusions.
