Hiring a handyman without checking their insurance is a risk many NZ homeowners don't realise they're taking. If something goes wrong — a broken window, a damaged pipe, or an injury on your property — you could end up footing the bill yourself. The good news is that checking a handyman's public liability insurance is straightforward once you know what to ask.
What Is Public Liability Insurance?
Public liability insurance protects you (the homeowner) and the tradesperson if property is damaged or someone is injured as a result of the handyman's work. For example, if a handyman accidentally puts a nail through a water pipe and causes flooding, their public liability insurance should cover the repair costs — not your home insurance.
It's worth noting that public liability insurance is not legally required for handymen in New Zealand, unlike licensing requirements for restricted trades. This means not every handyman carries it, and it's entirely up to you to ask.
Why It Matters for NZ Homeowners
In New Zealand, if an uninsured tradesperson damages your property or injures themselves on your site, you may face:
- Repair costs not covered by your own home insurance (many policies exclude contractor-caused damage)
- Potential liability if the tradesperson is injured and claims ACC doesn't fully cover their losses
- Disputes that are time-consuming and stressful to resolve
For peace of mind, always confirm insurance before work begins — not after.
How to Ask for Proof of Insurance
The simplest approach is to ask directly. A reputable handyman will have no hesitation providing proof. Here's how to go about it:
1. Ask for a Certificate of Currency
Request a Certificate of Currency (sometimes called a Certificate of Insurance). This is a one-page document issued by the insurer that shows:
- The name of the insured (should match the handyman's business name)
- The type of cover (public liability)
- The coverage amount — for most residential work, $1 million minimum is common, though $2 million or more is preferable
- The expiry date of the policy
2. Check the Expiry Date
Make sure the policy is current — not expired. Policies renew annually, so a certificate from last year means nothing today.
3. Verify the Insurer
You can contact the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active. The certificate will list the insurer's name and often a policy number. A quick phone call or email to the insurer is a perfectly reasonable step for larger jobs.
4. Check the Coverage Amount Is Adequate
For general handyman work around the home, look for at least $1 million in public liability cover. For larger or more complex jobs, $2 million is a safer benchmark. Ask the handyman if their policy covers the specific type of work they'll be doing — some policies have exclusions.
5. Confirm the Work Is Covered
Some public liability policies exclude certain activities (for example, working at heights above a certain level, or specific trade work). Ask the handyman to confirm their policy covers the job at hand.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Reluctance or refusal to provide a Certificate of Currency
- A certificate with an expired date
- A policy in a different person's name with no clear connection to the business
- Very low coverage amounts (under $500,000) for significant work
- Verbal assurances only — always get it in writing
Restricted Trade Work: A Separate Issue
Public liability insurance is separate from licensing requirements. In New Zealand, certain work is legally restricted and must be carried out by a licensed professional regardless of insurance:
- Electrical work must be done by a registered electrician (check the Electrical Workers Registration Board)
- Plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying must be done by a licensed practitioner (check the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board)
- Certain building work may require a Licensed Building Practitioner and possibly a building consent — always check with your local council
A handyman should not be performing restricted trade work, even if they have public liability insurance. If you're unsure whether a job requires a licensed tradesperson, check with MBIE Building Performance or your local council.
What a Good Handyman Should Have
| What to Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Currency | Current, not expired |
| Coverage amount | $1–2 million minimum |
| Insured name | Matches business/trader name |
| Work covered | Matches the job you need done |
| Licensing (if applicable) | LBP, EWRB, or PGDB registration |
When to Call a Professional
For any job involving electrical wiring, gas appliances, plumbing, or structural building work, a general handyman is not the right person — you need a licensed tradesperson. Even for general handyman work, if a contractor can't or won't show you proof of current public liability insurance, walk away. The risk simply isn't worth it.
You can find insured, reputable local handymen and tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz, where you can compare options and ask the right questions before committing.
Sources & Further Reading
- MBIE Building Performance – Building work that needs consent
- Licensed Building Practitioners – Find or verify an LBP
- Electrical Workers Registration Board – Verify a registered electrician
- Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board – Verify a licensed practitioner
- Consumer NZ – Hiring tradespeople
- WorkSafe NZ – Health and safety on worksites
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