Where can the best construction insurance brokers in Canberra be found? Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Whether you’re a builder, contractor or developer, choosing the right construction insurance broker plays a critical role in protecting your business, your workers, and your projects across Canberra.
A talented insurance broker specialising in construction helps arrange and manage cover tailored to each area of clients’ industry. They work closely with local builders and contractors to navigate policies such as public liability, contract works, professional indemnity and workers’ compensation, while taking into account ACT regulations and the realities of operating in a high-stakes, ever-evolving market.
In this article, we’ll outline what to look for when choosing a construction insurance broker and share where to find the very best Canberra has to offer.
What makes a great construction insurance broker?
Choosing the right construction insurance broker can help reduce risk, avoid gaps in cover and give you confidence that your business is properly protected.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a construction insurance broker.
- Industry-specific knowledge. A great construction insurance broker understands the unique risks faced by builders in an ever-changing and highly regulated industry. This includes familiarity with construction insurance policies, project-based risks and compliance requirements. Industry knowledge allows a broker to recommend appropriate cover that aligns with the type and scale of work you undertake in Canberra, rather than relying on generic insurance solutions.
- 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 construction insurance responds in real-world scenarios before issues arise.
- Tailored policies for your business. No two construction businesses operate the same way. The best brokers take the time to understand your trade, contract values, workforce and project scope before arranging cover. Tailored construction insurance can better protect your business as it grows or changes, rather than locking you into a one-size-fits-all policy.
- Claims advocacy. When something goes wrong on site, having an insurance broker who supports you through the claims process is essential. A reliable broker assists with lodging claims, communicating with insurers and advocating on your behalf, helping reduce delays and minimise disruption to your project or business operations.
- Local and ongoing support. Construction insurance brokers based in Canberra bring insight into local regulations, project conditions and industry expectations. Ongoing support, including regular policy reviews and updates, helps ensure your construction insurance remains suitable as laws, projects or business needs evolve over time.
The best construction 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 construction insurance options 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, gaining recognition on a national scale.
In the 2021 Insurance Business Awards, allinsure were the proud recipients of four category awards and three excellence awards; including Australian Brokerage of the Year and Broker of the Year awards. Director, Peter Chamberlain, was also featured in Insurance Business Magazines 2021 Hot List.
As a corporate authorised representative of Insurance Advisernet; one of Australia’s largest networks of independent insurance advisers; allinsure maintain their local ownership and presence, whilst leveraging buying power and product access.
One of allinsure’s largest areas of industry specialisation is construction. Boasting years of client experience with an array of projects large and small; they have considerable expertise in the management of construction risk.
The team have orchestrated favourable relationships with the 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, and warranties, along with claims management. For comprehensive construction and trades insurance allinsure are an excellent choice.
Brad Hunt had this to say about allinsure on Facebook, “Great people, great service. Loved these guys, walked me through everything and made the whole process very easy. So professional, if you need insurance, these are the guys to go to.”
Find out more about allinsure.
Chirps
Conveniently located in Phillip, Chirps connects Canberra's construction industry with comprehensive insurance solutions that protect projects, tools, vehicles, and income against unexpected setbacks.
Chirps is backed by decades of localised experience and a solid reputation for friendly, personalised service.
Working with a wide network of national and international insurers allows the team to tailor robust policies that suit the construction sector's unique risks and ever-changing climate.
"From start to finish, everything was seamless - professional, clear, and genuinely friendly," Janos says online.
CMS Insurance Services
CMS Insurance Services offers personalised construction insurance solutions designed to give builders, 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."
MGA Insurance Group
MGA Insurance Group has a solid reputation for clear-cut, reliable construction insurance solutions across Australia, backed by a brokerage history spanning four decades. Here in Canberra, the team looks after builders, sole traders, and contractors 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 construction 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 builders and construction 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 construction projects.
"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."
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 construction 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
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.
Are insurance brokers regulated in Canberra?
Yes. A reputable construction insurance broker will be licensed, compliant with industry standards, and stay up to date with local laws affecting insurance for different trade sectors.
Do insurance brokers work with small contractors and sole traders?
Yes, many construction 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.
Can a construction insurance broker help if my business 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.
Should I use a broker or buy insurance directly?
For construction 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.
