Most professional floor sanders operating in New Zealand do carry public liability insurance, but it is not a legal requirement for floor sanding businesses. This means coverage levels — and whether a tradesperson is insured at all — can vary significantly from one operator to the next. Knowing what to ask before work starts can save you from a costly headache if something goes wrong.
What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance protects you (the homeowner) and the tradesperson if property is accidentally damaged or someone is injured during the course of the work. For floor sanding, this could include things like:
- Dust or sanding debris damaging furniture, electronics, or soft furnishings
- A sanding machine gouging or burning a floor beyond repair
- A trip or fall injury on site
- Accidental damage to walls, skirting boards, or adjacent areas
Without insurance, if any of these incidents occur, you may find yourself in a dispute with no straightforward way to recover costs.
Is Insurance Legally Required for Floor Sanders in NZ?
Unlike licensed electrical workers (regulated by the Electrical Workers Registration Board) or plumbers and gasfitters (regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board), floor sanding is not a licensed or regulated trade in New Zealand. There is no statutory body requiring floor sanders to hold insurance as a condition of operating.
This is different from trades that carry out restricted building work, where practitioners must be Licensed Building Practitioners. Floor sanding generally does not fall under restricted building work under the NZ Building Code, so there is no mandatory insurance requirement attached to it.
The upshot: always ask for proof of insurance before signing any agreement.
What Level of Cover Is Typical?
Reputable floor sanding businesses in New Zealand commonly carry public liability cover ranging from $1 million to $2 million or more, though this varies. Some larger or more established operators may carry higher limits. As a guide only, the level of cover should be proportionate to the size and value of the job — a large heritage timber floor in a high-value home warrants more scrutiny than a small bedroom.
Some operators may also carry:
- Tools and equipment insurance — covering their machinery if it is stolen or damaged
- Statutory liability insurance — covering fines under legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Employer's liability insurance — if they have staff on site
How to Check a Floor Sander's Insurance
Don't be shy about asking — any professional tradesperson should be comfortable providing this information. Here's a simple checklist:
| What to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Do you hold public liability insurance? | Confirms basic cover exists |
| What is the level of cover? | Ensures it's adequate for your job |
| Can you provide a certificate of currency? | Verifies the policy is current |
| Does cover include damage to client property? | Some policies exclude this |
| Are subcontractors covered under your policy? | Important if they bring in extra workers |
A certificate of currency is a document issued by the insurer confirming the policy is active. Any legitimate business should be able to provide this on request.
What About Your Own Home Insurance?
It's worth checking your own home and contents insurance policy as well. Some policies provide limited cover for accidental damage caused by tradespeople working on your property, but this varies widely between insurers. Contact your insurer before work begins to understand your position.
Health, Safety and Dust Hazards
Floor sanding generates significant fine dust, which can be a health hazard — particularly when sanding older floors that may contain lead-based finishes (common in homes built before the 1980s). Professional floor sanders should follow safe work practices under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You can find guidance on managing workplace hazards at WorkSafe NZ.
For finishing products used after sanding — such as polyurethane, oils, and stains — reputable NZ suppliers like Resene, Dulux, and Wattyl publish safety data sheets for their products. A professional should be using appropriate PPE and ventilation.
When to Call a Professional
Floor sanding is a skill-intensive job. Hiring an uninsured or inexperienced operator risks permanent damage to your floors — timber floors in particular can be ruined by an incorrectly set sanding machine in minutes. Always:
- Hire a professional with verifiable experience and references
- Confirm insurance before work starts, and get it in writing
- Get a written quote that outlines the scope of work, products to be used, and any exclusions
- Ask whether they are a member of a trade association, as some associations encourage or require members to hold insurance
You can find qualified, local floor sanding professionals on tradedirectory.co.nz.
