What is the difference between Public Liability and Products Liability insurance cover?

All GIO Business Insurance products have a combined Public and Products Liability cover. Both Public and Products Liability provide coverage for third party injury or property damage that you might cause. The difference is that Public Liability relates to injury or property damage whilst you’re on the job, and Products Liability relates to injury or damage caused by any products you distribute, supply or manufacture. LEARN MORE ABOUT PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

How much Public & Products Liability cover do I need?

Each business is different, and as such has different needs when it comes to insurance. However, in making the decision you may want to take into account the following factors: The contracts you work on . Some contracts will stipulate the minimum amount of cover required. If your business is within a shopping centre, you may find that the contract stipulates a minimum of $20m cover is required The conditions of your licence (if applicable). As an example, electrical contractors are required to hold a minimum of $5 million public liability cover in order to obtain their licence in some states. GIO can offer limits of $5m, $10m, and $20m cover, which can be purchased online or via our Australian-based Call Centre on 1800 036 837. LEARN MORE ABOUT PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

Is my Business Insurance expense tax deductible?

You will need to seek independent tax advice relating to your individual situation, however according to the ATO , ‘you can generally claim a deduction for most operating expenses in the same income year you incur them. Insurance premiums, including accident or disability, fire, burglary, professional indemnity, public risk, motor vehicle, loss of profits insurance, or workers’ compensation’ are included in the definition of operating expenses. LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE

How do I make a claim?

You can visit the GIO claims page for more information. If you prefer, you can also call us at 13 14 46, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak to one of our dedicated claims staff. Please note that no quotes are required before you call us. We will advise you on the claim process and what you need to do next during the call. You can also email us at lodgeclaim@gio.com.au with your policy number and a short description of the claim.

What is the difference between employees and subcontractors?

An employee works for and is part of your business. An employee is generally: paid a wage has set hours of work entitled to paid holiday leave and sick leave entitled to superannuation guarantee charge (SGC), and covered by Workers Compensation Insurance. A contractor/subcontractor operates their own business (they will generally have their own ABN) and is not entitled to any of the above benefits from the business that has entered into an agreement to contract their services. Contractors are required to purchase their own insurance prior to work being carried out, to cover themselves from liability risks or personal injury. Businesses that hire contractors should ensure that they have their own insurance policies covering them if they are injured on site, as well as if they cause property damage or bodily injury to a third party while working in connection with your business. LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE

Small Business Insurance

Flexible insurance for a range of small businesses, such as tradies, retail, hospitality, and more. Explore our range of cover options that may suit your business’s needs.

5.0

out of 5

Read all 0 Reviews

Get a quote

Request a Certificate of Currency

Why GIO?

Express claims¹

Fast settlements for claims lodged online and by email up to $15k.

Public & Product Liability

Options of up to $20m to help protect your business.

Local phone support

Call 13 10 10 or live chat for product and service support based in Australia.

¹ Subject to sufficient information being provided. Only available for Commercial Property, Liability and Engineering claims lodged online, excludes Motor and Home claims

Occupations

We offer cover for hundreds of occupations

Can’t find your occupation below? Check if we provide cover for your business type by getting a quote online or giving us a call on 13 10 10.

Trades

Professionals

Retail

Café and Restaurants

Not-for-profit

What’s included

Public & Products Liability (injury) – for example, someone who isn’t an employee trips over tools you’ve left on the ground at a job site and is injured.
Public & Products Liability (damage)– for example, a cabinet you’ve installed falls over and damages a customer’s floor.
Portable & Valuable Items* – for example, your cordless power drill slips from a ladder and is damaged. Note, unspecified items are covered up to $2,500.
Tax probe^** – for example, your business is audited for GST, and you need to pay an accountant to help respond.
Commercial Motor^***(Comprehensive or Legal liability or Legal liability fire and theft cover) – for example, your work ute is damaged by hail while you’re driving to a customer’s home for a repair job.

What’s not included

Dissatisfied customer – for example, a customer says the shelving you installed isn’t level and asks you to fix the issue or refund the job.
Unlocked vehicle – for example, you leave your vehicle unlocked and someone steals tools from inside.
Wear and tear – for example, after regular use over time, your belt sander starts to lose power and doesn’t work as well as it used to.
Workers Compensation – for example, a worker strains their shoulder while lifting a heavy toolbox at work. This could be covered under GIO Workers Compensation Insurance.

Get an online quote

Learn more

^*Available only if you select Portable & Valuable Items cover and it is shown on your policy schedule.

^**Available only if you select Tax Probe and it is shown on your policy schedule.

^***Available only if you select Mobile Business Protect cover and select Comprehensive cover, Legal Liability or Legal liability, fire and theft cover and it is shown on your policy schedule.

This information is a summary only. For more information on what we do and don’t cover, including terms, limits, conditions and exclusions, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording.

What’s included

Public & Products Liability Cover^* – for example, this can cover for your legal liability for personal injury, damage to third party property, and/or advertising liability if it occurred in connection with your business.
Advertising liability – for example, you need to pay legal expenses for copyright infringement regarding misuse or a another companies slogan or logo.
Tax probe^** – for example, your business is audited by the ATO, and you need to pay an accountant to help respond to questions about your tax affairs.
Theft^{^} – for example, office equipment or business property is stolen from your workplace.

What’s not included

Intentional or dishonest acts – for example, if you knowingly give false advice or deliberately mislead a client.
Workers Compensation – for example, a worker strains their shoulder while moving a chair into a meeting room. This could be covered under GIO Workers Compensation Insurance.
Fines or penalties – for example, a court‑ordered fine or regulatory penalty you’re required to pay.
Cyber incidents or data loss – for example, a data breach or system failure that exposes client information.

Get an online quote

Learn more

^*Up to $20 million

^**Available only if you select Tax Probe and it is shown on your policy schedule.

^{^}Available only if you have cover for a commercial property

This information is a summary only. For more info on what we do and don’t cover, including terms, limits, conditions and exclusions, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording.

What’s included

Damage to your shop, fittings or stock – for example, fire, storm or flood damages your retail premises or stock^
Theft from inside your shop^* – for example, stock or equipment is stolen following a break‑in.
Broken shopfront glass^* – for example, your display window is smashed and needs replacing.
Loss of business money^* – for example, cash is stolen from your premises, a safe, or while being taken to the bank.
Business interruption^* – for example, your store has to close temporarily after fire or storm damage and you lose revenue.

What’s not included

Theft from open air areas – for example, stock stolen from outside your shop or from an unsecured outdoor area.
Employee theft of money – for example, cash is stolen by a staff member.
Clerical or accounting errors – for example, cash shortages caused by till mistakes or bookkeeping errors.
Fines or penalties – for example, regulatory fines imposed on your retail business.
Workers Compensation – for example, an employee hurst their back putting stock on a shelf. This could be covered under GIO Workers Compensation Insurance.

Get an online quote

Learn more

^*Available only if you have cover for a commercial property.

^{^}We do not insure you for flood, bushfire or grass fire in the first 72 hours of commencing a new policy or adding/modifying property damage cover. Damage from cyclone within 72 hours of commencing a new policy is also not covered. Read the relevant PDS for more details.

This information is a summary only. For more info on what we do and don’t cover, including terms, limits, conditions and exclusions, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording.

What’s included

Damage to your premises or stock – for example, fire, storm or flood damages your shop, café or restaurant, including fittings or stock^#
Theft from inside your premises^{^} – for example, stock, equipment or tools are stolen following a break‑in.
Portable & Valuable Items^* – for example, the laptop you use to place orders for the business is accidentally damaged while you use it at a suppliers warehouse. Note, unspecified items are covered up to $2,500.
Loss of business money^{^} – for example, cash is stolen from your premises, a safe, or while being taken to the bank.
Business interruption or customer injury^{^} – for example, you have to temporarily close after damage, or a customer is injured on your premises.

What’s not included

Power or utility failures without damage – for example, your business loses power but there’s no insured physical damage to your premises.
Food spoilage not caused by an insured event – for example, stock spoils due to temperature control issues or equipment being switched off.
Theft without forced entry beyond policy limits – for example, stock stolen when there are no signs of forced entry or correct cover hasn’t been selected.
Closures due to widespread disease or health orders – for example, being required to close due to a general disease outbreak, except where limited cover applies under specific insured events.
Workers Compensation – for example, a waiter slips on a banana peel at the restaurant and is injured. This could be covered under GIO Workers Compensation Insurance.

Get an online quote

Learn more

^*Available only if you select Portable & Valuable Items cover and it is shown on your policy schedule.

^{^}Available only if you have cover for a commercial property.

^#We do not insure you for flood, bushfire or grass fire in the first 72 hours of commencing a new policy or adding/modifying property damage cover. Damage from cyclone within 72 hours of commencing a new policy is also not covered. Read the relevant PDS for more details.

This information is a summary only. For more info on what we do and don’t cover, including terms, limits, conditions and exclusions, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording.

What’s included

Public Liability – for example, a visitor slips, trips or is injured while attending an activity, class or community program you run, and your organisation is held legally responsible.
Products Liability – for example, someone is injured or their property is damaged by food, goods or items your organisation supplies or distributes.
Liability arising from volunteers – for example, a volunteer accidentally injures a member of the public while carrying out authorised volunteer duties, and a claim is made against your organisation.
Liability arising from members – for example, a member causes injury to another person while participating in activities conducted by your organisation.

What’s not included

Injury to employees – for example, a paid staff member is injured while working – this can be covered under Workers Compensation insurance.
Professional advice or services – for example, claims arising from incorrect advice, counselling, instruction or professional services – this typically requires Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Fines, penalties or punitive damages – for example, regulatory fines or penalties imposed by a government or authority.
Product recalls – for example, the cost of recalling or replacing faulty products supplied by your organisation.

Call us at 13 10 10

Learn more

This information is a summary only. For more info on what we do and don’t cover, including terms, limits, conditions and exclusions, read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording.

Flexible cover to choose from

Levels of cover

Below is a starting point for the covers you may need for your business, depending on how you operate (mobile or fixed location). You can add or remove optional covers, depending on what your business needs.

GIO Public Liability Only

For businesses that only need basic cover

What this means:

You just need cover in case your business causes injury or damage to someone else.

May be suitable if:

Your business doesn’t have a vehicle or a business location, and you just want basic cover.

GIO Mobile Business Protect

For businesses operating on the road

What this means:

If you run your business on the go or travel to customers, such as a tradie or coffee van.

Includes cover for:

Public & Products Liability (up to $20 million)
Portable and valuable items
Work vehicles
Tax audit costs

GIO Business Protect

For businesses with a fixed business address

What this means:

If you own or rent a business property, keep stock or equipment on-site, and want cover if your business has to stop trading.

Includes cover for:

Note:These are starting points only. When you start a quote below, you can customise your cover to match your business.

Get an online quote

Call us

This information is a summary only. For more information on what is and isn’t covered, including limits, terms, conditions and exclusions, read the relevant PDS.

Get a GIO Small Business Insurance quote online in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Select your industry

Select your industry and choose a category that best describes your business.

What if I work in multiple industries?

Step 2

Tell us about your business

Provide us with your business’ expected annual turnover and where it’s located.

Step 3

Tell us where you do business

Choose the option that best describes how and where your business works.

Step 4

Customise your cover and review

Then, decide on the level of cover you’d like. Options include:

Basic
Classic
Platinum

Add the cover to your quote and review.

Get an online quote

Or call us on 13 10 10 to get a quote Monday – Friday 8am - 6pm (AEST time).

This information is a summary only. For more information on what is and isn’t covered, including limits, terms, conditions and exclusions, read the relevant PDS.

EXISTING CUSTOMERS

Take control of your policy

Express Claims Settlements with GIO

When something goes wrong, we know you need quick support to get back on track. That’s why we offer GIO Express Claims settlements for claims of up to $15,000 lodged online and by email1 – a fast, streamlined claims process designed to minimise downtime. From lodging your claim to receiving online status updates2 and finalising your payout, we make it as smooth as possible.

For further details, visit our Business Insurance Claims page.

¹Subject to sufficient information being provided, which is subject to change dependant on the claim circumstances. Only available for Commercial Property and Specialty claims, excludes Motor and Home claims.

²Only available for Commercial Property and Specialty claims, excludes Motor and Home claims. Only available for claims lodged Online.

Easy claims process

24/7 claims support
Call us anytime, even if you lodged online
Regular claim updates
Licensed and professional repairers

Make a Commercial Motor Claim

Other Business Claims

Certificate of Currency

Renew policy

Pay an excess

Policy documents

Know more

Learn more about GIO Business Insurance

Showing 3 of 4 articles Showing 2 of 4 articles Showing 1 of 4 articles

Christmas tips for retailers

Christmas can be a lucrative time for retailers. But prepping for it can be overwhelming. Here’s how you can minimise risk and make the most of the season.

Public Liability vs Professional Indemnity Insurance

Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity are important insurance covers for businesses. From covering accidents and injuries to providing a professional duty of care, getting the right cover just got easier. – Read More

Small Business Insurance versus Hospitality Insurance

Learn about the insurance cover that matters to your small business. From retail to hospitality and more, understand your Business Insurance options. – Read More

What to consider when running a business from home

Running a business from home? Don’t risk being under-insured. Make sure you have the right type of insurance cover for you business. – Read More

Discover more helpful articles

Faqs

Flood cover is automatically included (as part of your premium) as part of the property damage section of your business insurance cover for policies with a start date on or after 7 December 2023.

However, we do not insure for flood in the first 72 hours of commencing a new policy or adding/modifying (including increasing any insured amount) of the property damage cover. For more information on your flood coverage and other exclusions, please refer to the relevant PDS and SPDS.

Public Liability relates to third party injury or third party property damage whilst you’re on the job, and Products Liability relates to injury to third parties or damage caused by any products you distribute, supply or manufacture.

Each business is different, and as such has different needs when it comes to insurance. However, you may want to keep in mind what contracts you work on, and the conditions of your licence when making a decision.

According to the ATO, "you can generally claim a deduction for most operating expenses in the same income year you incur them".

You can visit the GIO claims page for more information.

An employee works for and is part of your business, whilst a subcontractor operates their own business while contracting their services to you.

Disclaimer

¹Subject to sufficient information being provided. Only available for Commercial Property, Liability and Engineering claims lodged online, excludes Motor and Home claims.

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available.

Small Business Insurance

Why GIO?

Express claims1

Public & Product Liability

Local phone support

We offer cover for hundreds of occupations

Levels of cover

Get a GIO Small Business Insurance quote online in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Take control of your policy

Express Claims Settlements with GIO

Easy claims process

Learn more about GIO Business Insurance

Christmas tips for retailers

Public Liability vs Professional Indemnity Insurance

Small Business Insurance versus Hospitality Insurance

What to consider when running a business from home

Express claims¹