Each week, get the essential news for tradies across Australia—insurance developments, regulatory changes, safety updates, court decisions, tool theft trends, and small business insights. Expect a clear, trustworthy wrap with practical takeaways to help you manage risk, stay compliant, and protect your livelihood. Straight to the point, in plain English, for sparkies, chippies, plumbers, builders and more—so you’re informed before you hit the jobsite.
This Week:
Paige covers four stories for Australian tradies: ASIC warns car insurers over premium transparency and instalment loadings; commercial insurance competition is easing, with broader cover on offer; Queensland funds security upgrades for small businesses to deter theft; and insurer results highlight ongoing natural hazard and claims inflation pressures. Takeaways: review vehicle renewals, compare options, consider annual payments, revisit liability/contract works/tool cover, watch for local security grants, and check sums insured and excesses before storm season.
EPISODE 2647 | Insurance For Trades News Wrap for Tradies | Thu, 13th Aug 2026
14 Aug 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Welcome to Insurance For Trades News Wrap for Tradies, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday 13 August 2026.
First up, the corporate watchdog ASIC — thats the Australian Securities and Investments Commission — has put car insurers on notice after finding premiums jumped faster than inflation and many renewal notices dont clearly explain why. For tradies running utes and vans, thats your cue to scan your renewal, ask your insurer to break down the drivers of the price, and compare options. Also check whether paying annually is cheaper than instalments, because some policies load the price for fortnightly or monthly payments.
Meanwhile, a fresh market review says commercial insurance competition is hotting up. Underwriting rules have been eased in places, with broader cover and some property exclusions lifted. If youve trimmed back public liability, contract works or tool cover in recent years, it may be worth a review to see if you can improve terms or limits without stretching cash flow. A broker can tailor cover to your trade and help you compare quickly.
In Queensland, nearly 174 small businesses have shared almost $2 million to beef up security with CCTV, lighting and alarms. If you missed this round, watch for the next one and check whats on offer from your council. Insurers like practical risk controls, and better security can reduce downtime from theft and support tool and contents cover doing what it should when you need it.
And big insurer results landed this week, with one major saying natural hazard costs are still biting and it needs to get ahead of claims inflation. Thats a reminder to check sums insured on vehicles, gear and sheds so todays replacement costs are covered, and to review excesses before storm season. Keep photos of your kit, serial numbers and receipts in the cloud, so claims run smoother if something goes wrong.
Thats the wrap. For fast, tailored quotes on insurance for tradespeople — and help comparing cover — head to insurance-for-trades.com.au. Im Paige, catch you next week and stay safe on site.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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