Before any heat pump installer sets foot in your home, it pays to confirm they carry public liability insurance. This cover protects you if the tradesperson accidentally damages your property or causes injury during the installation — without it, you could be left footing the bill yourself. The good news is that verifying cover is straightforward if you know what to ask.
Why Public Liability Insurance Matters
Public liability insurance covers a tradesperson's legal liability for accidental damage to property or injury to third parties (including you and your family) that occurs while they're working. For example, if an installer accidentally damages your ceiling, walls, or electrical wiring during a heat pump fit-out, their public liability policy should cover the repair costs.
Without this cover, you may have to pursue the tradesperson personally for compensation — a slow and uncertain process. Most reputable installers carry at least $1 million to $2 million in public liability cover, though some carry more. Always ask before signing anything.
How to Ask for Proof of Insurance
The simplest approach is to ask directly. A professional tradesperson will not be offended — it's a normal part of doing business. Here's what to request:
- A copy of their current Certificate of Currency — this is a one-page document issued by their insurer confirming the policy is active, the level of cover, and the expiry date.
- Check that the policy expiry date is beyond your planned installation date.
- Confirm the insured business name matches the company or sole trader you're hiring.
- Check the type of work covered — some policies exclude certain activities, so make sure heat pump installation is included.
If a tradesperson refuses to provide a Certificate of Currency or becomes evasive, treat that as a red flag.
Checking Licensing as Well as Insurance
In New Zealand, heat pump installation involves restricted electrical work — connecting the indoor and outdoor units to your home's electrical supply must be carried out by a registered electrician or a tradesperson holding the appropriate electrical licence. This is a legal requirement under the Electricity Act 1992.
You can verify an electrician's registration through the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Simply search their name or registration number on the EWRB website. A licensed installer is also more likely to carry appropriate insurance, since many insurers require proof of licensing before issuing a policy.
Some heat pump companies also employ or subcontract refrigeration technicians who handle the refrigerant lines. Check that anyone handling refrigerants holds the relevant certification under the Refrigerant Handling Licence requirements.
Trade Associations and Industry Bodies
Membership of a recognised trade or industry association is another useful indicator. Many reputable heat pump installers belong to organisations that require members to hold minimum levels of insurance as a condition of membership. While membership alone doesn't guarantee quality, it does add a layer of accountability.
You can also check whether the business is a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) if any structural or weathertightness work is involved in the installation (for example, penetrations through an exterior wall). The LBP register is publicly searchable.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Use this checklist when getting quotes:
| Question | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Do you carry public liability insurance? | Yes, with at least $1M cover |
| Can you provide a Certificate of Currency? | Provided promptly and willingly |
| Are you a registered electrician or do you use one? | Verifiable on EWRB register |
| Is your refrigerant technician certified? | Relevant licence held |
| Do you provide a producer statement or compliance certificate? | Yes, for electrical work |
What If Something Goes Wrong?
If damage occurs during installation and the tradesperson's insurer disputes the claim, you may need to contact the insurer directly or seek advice from Consumer NZ. Keep copies of all quotes, contracts, and the Certificate of Currency you were provided.
For broader guidance on your rights when hiring tradespeople, MBIE Building Performance has useful resources on building work, contracts, and consumer protections.
When to Call a Professional
All electrical connection work for a heat pump is restricted work under New Zealand law and must be carried out by a registered electrician — this is non-negotiable. Homeowners cannot legally perform this work themselves. If you're unsure whether your installer is properly licensed and insured, pause the job and verify before allowing work to continue. You can find qualified, vetted heat pump installers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
ISO 9001
