Hiring a welder without checking their insurance can leave you personally liable if something goes wrong on your property. Fortunately, verifying a welder's public liability insurance is straightforward once you know what to ask for and what to look for. Here's a practical guide for New Zealand homeowners.
Why Public Liability Insurance Matters
Welding involves intense heat, sparks, and open flame — all of which carry a real risk of property damage or personal injury. Public liability insurance protects you (the homeowner) if the tradesperson accidentally damages your property or injures someone during the job. Without it, you could end up footing the bill for repairs, medical costs, or legal fees.
It's worth noting that in New Zealand, public liability insurance is not legally mandated for most tradespeople (unlike some licensed trades). This means it's entirely up to you to confirm coverage before work begins.
What Level of Cover Is Adequate?
As a general guide, most reputable NZ trade contractors carry a minimum of $1 million to $2 million in public liability cover, and many carry $5 million or more for larger commercial jobs. For residential welding work — such as gate repairs, structural steel, or trailer fabrication — $1 million is commonly considered a reasonable minimum, but the right level depends on the scope and value of your project. If you're unsure, ask your own home insurer what they'd recommend.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify Insurance
1. Ask for a Certificate of Currency
The most reliable way to verify insurance is to request a Certificate of Currency (sometimes called a Certificate of Insurance) directly from the welder. This is a one-page document issued by their insurer that confirms:
- The policyholder's name and business name
- The type of cover (public liability)
- The level of cover (e.g. $2 million)
- The policy start and expiry dates
A legitimate tradesperson should be able to provide this without hesitation. If they can't or won't, treat that as a red flag.
2. Check the Document Carefully
Once you have the certificate, check:
- The name matches the business or person you're hiring
- The policy hasn't expired — policies renew annually, so an old certificate means nothing
- The cover type specifically includes public liability (not just tools or vehicle insurance)
- The insurer is a recognised NZ provider — well-known providers include NZI, Vero, Crombie Lockwood, Aon, and similar established insurers
3. Contact the Insurer Directly (Optional but Thorough)
If you want extra peace of mind, you can contact the insurer listed on the certificate and ask them to confirm the policy is current and active. Insurers can verify this without disclosing confidential details.
4. Check Trade Memberships
Some welders belong to industry bodies or trade associations that require members to hold insurance as a condition of membership. While welding doesn't have a single mandatory licensing body in NZ the way electrical or plumbing work does, membership in organisations like the New Zealand Manufacturers and Exporters Association or similar groups can be a positive indicator of professionalism. Always confirm insurance independently regardless.
5. Ask About Specific Exclusions
Some policies exclude certain types of work — for example, welding near fuel lines, on boats, or on heritage structures. Ask the welder whether their policy covers the specific job you need done. If in doubt, ask them to check with their broker.
What About Welding and the NZ Building Code?
If your welding project is part of a building or structural alteration — for example, adding a steel beam to a house or fabricating structural connections — it may require a building consent under the NZ Building Code. Some minor work may be exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, but you should always confirm with your local council before proceeding. Structural welding on consented work may also need to meet specific standards, and the welder may need to demonstrate relevant qualifications or experience.
WorkSafe NZ also sets health and safety obligations for welding work, including requirements around fume extraction, fire prevention, and personal protective equipment. A professional welder should be across these requirements.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Reluctance or refusal to provide a Certificate of Currency
- A certificate that has expired or is about to expire
- A very low level of cover (e.g. under $500,000) for significant work
- No business name, GST number, or verifiable contact details
- Cash-only quotes with no written contract
When to Call a Professional
Welding is a skilled trade, and certain welding work — particularly anything structural or involving pressure vessels — should only be carried out by a qualified and experienced welder. While welding itself isn't a restricted trade in the same way as electrical or gas work (which must be done by licensed practitioners registered with the EWRB or PGDB), the consequences of poor-quality structural welds can be serious.
Always hire a welder with verifiable insurance, relevant experience, and ideally a written quote and contract. You can find qualified local welders on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: Never allow welding work to begin near flammable materials, gas lines, or in poorly ventilated spaces without appropriate precautions in place.
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