For a Queensland electrical contractor licence, WorkSafe Queensland’s guidance requires a policy with a limit of indemnity of at least $5,000,000 and consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000 (figures checked 1 October 2026). The policy must be issued in the legal name of the business applying for the licence. When applying or renewing, the applicant must declare that they have confirmed with the insurer that the policy meets the mandatory requirements.
What are the two mandatory insurance amounts?
The policy must satisfy both requirements. They are separate minimums, not alternative ways to meet the licensing rules.
| Requirement | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| Public and products liability indemnity limit | At least $5,000,000 |
| Consumer protection insurance | At least $50,000 |
The first amount is the policy’s limit of indemnity for public and products liability. The second is the required amount of consumer protection insurance within the policy.
Matching the two figures alone does not establish compliance. The policy must also use the correct legal name and meet the required coverage terms.
What else must the insurance policy cover?
In addition to the monetary requirements, the policy must cover:
- Liability arising from testing and certification of work carried out in accordance with the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026.
- Injury or damage arising from faulty design work performed by the contractor, including work for which no specific fee was charged.
- Injury or damage arising from incorrect advice, including advice for which no specific fee was charged.
- Goods in the licence holder’s care, custody or control.
These requirements are separate from the $5,000,000 indemnity limit and the $50,000 consumer protection insurance requirement. A policy that shows the correct amounts could still need checking against all these coverage requirements.
Why must the policy use the applying business’s legal name?
The policy must be issued in the legal name of the business applying for the electrical contractor licence. This links the insurance policy to the legal entity seeking the licence rather than relying only on a trading or assumed name.
Before applying or renewing:
- Compare the policy’s insured or policyholder name with the applying business’s full legal name.
- Check that the name corresponds to the correct sole trader, partnership or company.
- If the names do not match, ask the insurer to correct the policy before making the required declaration.
- If the wording is unclear, consult the insurer or broker and check the regulator’s current requirements.
A policy issued only under a different name does not meet the stated legal-name requirement.
Why must the contractor confirm compliance with the insurer?
WorkSafe Queensland requires the applicant to confirm with their insurer that the insurance policy meets the mandatory requirements. When applying or renewing the contractor licence, the applicant must then declare that this confirmation has occurred.
The confirmation covers the policy as a whole, not just its two minimum amounts. The insurer can help check whether the legal name, indemnity limit, consumer protection insurance and listed coverage requirements align with section 165 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2026.
The application process requires policy details and the declaration. A copy of the insurance policy does not have to be provided with the application.
That does not end the obligation to hold suitable insurance. The Electrical Safety Office conducts periodic audits to ensure contractors have appropriate insurance. If audited, the contractor must provide either a copy of the policy or written confirmation from the insurer.
What should be checked before making the declaration?
Use this sequence when applying or renewing:
- Confirm the applying business’s exact legal name.
- Check that the policy includes public and products liability with an indemnity limit of at least $5,000,000.
- Check that consumer protection insurance is at least $50,000.
- Read the policy PDS against the required coverage for testing and certification, faulty design work, incorrect advice and goods in the contractor’s care, custody or control.
- Ask the insurer to confirm compliance with section 165 if any wording is uncertain.
- Provide the required policy details and make the declaration only after confirming compliance.
Electrical contractor licences are issued for one year, and the licence holder is responsible for maintaining eligibility requirements throughout that period.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the regulator page and your policy’s PDS before applying or renewing.
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FAQ
Does $50,000 of consumer protection insurance replace the $5,000,000 indemnity limit?
No. Both are mandatory: the policy needs an indemnity limit of at least $5,000,000 and consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000.
Do I have to provide a copy of the insurance policy with my application?
No. You must provide the required policy details and make the compliance declaration, but a copy of the policy is not required with the application. An audit may require the policy or written confirmation from the insurer.
What if the policy is in a different business name?
The policy must be issued in the legal name of the applying business. If the names differ, ask the insurer to verify or correct the policy before making the declaration.
What if I am unsure whether the policy covers the required work?
Ask the insurer or broker to check the wording against the mandatory requirements. Also review the policy PDS and the current WorkSafe Queensland guidance.
Must insurance eligibility be maintained throughout the licence period?
Yes. Electrical contractor licences are issued for one year, and licence holders must maintain the eligibility requirements throughout that time.
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