Liability insurance
Liability insurance covers damage the contractor causes to your property while working. Ask to see a current certificate, and confirm the coverage amount is reasonable for the size of your project.
Workers' compensation / WorkSafe coverage
This is the one most homeowners forget — and the one that can hurt the most. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you can be held liable. Confirm the contractor carries current workers' compensation (WorkSafe) coverage before anyone sets foot on site.
Trade licensing and certification
Where a trade requires it — gas, electrical, and similar — confirm the current licence or certification. For general renovation work, ask what qualifications the people actually doing the work hold.
How to actually verify it
Don't just take "yes, we're licensed and insured" at face value. Ask for the documents, check them against the issuing insurer or regulator, and make sure the business name on the paperwork matches the name on your contract.
Frequently asked questions
Why does workers' compensation matter to me as the homeowner?
If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you can be held liable for the costs. Confirming the contractor carries current workers' compensation (WorkSafe) coverage protects you, not just them.
How do I verify a contractor's insurance?
Ask for a current certificate of insurance and confirm it's active with the issuing insurer or regulator. Make sure the business name on the certificate matches the one on your contract.
Last updated 2026-06-25