QBE’s Trade Pack Change Puts Renewals in Focus for Tradies

For plumbers, electricians, carpenters, landscapers and other trade business owners, the key issue is not simply the product name on the schedule. What matters is whether the replacement cover continues to match the way the business actually operates. A trade business can involve public liability exposure, tools and portable equipment, workshop contents, contract works, business interruption, tax audit risk and, in some cases, higher-value machinery or stock. A broader product structure may provide more flexibility, but only if the selected options are appropriate.

The change also lands in a market where insurers are increasingly trying to simplify commercial insurance offerings and make them easier for brokers to place. That can be positive for small businesses if it improves consistency, reduces confusion and gives policyholders clearer choices. However, simplified product menus can still leave gaps if a tradie assumes that old cover automatically carries across in the same way.

Before accepting a renewal, business owners should compare the expiring policy against the proposed replacement. Focus on the insured occupation, listed activities, subcontractor use, height or heat-work restrictions, tool limits, theft conditions, excesses, exclusions and any changes to business interruption cover. If your turnover, staff numbers, vehicles, premises or equipment values have changed since the last renewal, those details should be updated before cover is bound.

This is also a good moment to establish whether your sums insured are still realistic. Tool replacement costs, materials, labour and vehicle fit-outs have all moved in recent years, and underinsurance can become painful at claim time. Tradies who store gear at home, in vans, on site or across multiple locations should pay particular attention to where and when tools are covered.

For self-employed tradespeople, the takeaway is straightforward: product changes are not automatically bad news, but they do require active review. If you are unsure how a new business package compares with your current trade pack, professional assistance can help identify practical gaps before they become expensive problems. It may also be worth taking time to compare options across public liability, tools, workshop contents and broader trade business insurance before renewal.