Why insurance matters when hiring a gasfitter
Gas work carries real risk. A mistake can lead to a gas leak, fire, carbon monoxide exposure, property damage, or injury. Even a small job, such as servicing a gas appliance or connecting a cooktop, can have serious consequences if it is done badly or if something unexpected happens.
In New Zealand, a gasfitter must be licensed to do gasfitting work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). But being licensed is not the same as being insured. A licence shows the person is authorised and competent to do the work. Insurance is what helps cover the financial fallout if something goes wrong.
For homeowners, insurance is not just a “nice to have”. It can make the difference between a manageable repair and an expensive claim against your own home and contents insurance, or even your savings.
The main types of insurance a gasfitter should carry
Different tradespeople carry different levels of cover, but these are the main insurances worth asking about when you hire a gasfitter in NZ.
| Insurance type | What it covers | Why it matters to you | |---|---|---| | Public liability insurance | Injury to other people, or damage to someone else’s property caused by the gasfitter’s work | Helps pay if the job damages your kitchen, walls, flooring, or injures someone on site | | Professional indemnity insurance | Financial loss caused by advice, design, specification, or errors in professional judgement | Useful if the gasfitter specifies the wrong appliance, connection, or setup and it causes loss | | Contract works insurance | Damage to the work itself while it is being done | More common on larger jobs, but can help if part of the installation is damaged before completion | | Tools and equipment insurance | Theft or damage to the gasfitter’s tools | Doesn’t directly protect you, but helps keep the job moving if equipment is lost or stolen | | Vehicle insurance | Damage involving the gasfitter’s work vehicle | Not usually your direct concern, but relevant if their vehicle causes damage on your property |
Public liability insurance is the big one
If you only ask about one policy, ask about public liability. This is the most relevant insurance for most homeowners because it helps cover damage to your property or injury to someone else caused by the gasfitter’s work.
Examples where it could matter include:
- a gas leak that damages cabinetry or walls - a fire caused during appliance installation - a dropped cylinder or appliance that cracks flooring or benchtops - injury to a visitor or household member caused by unsafe work
Public liability cover is especially important in NZ homes where gas work may be taking place in tight kitchens, older villas, rentals, or homes with renovations already underway.
Professional indemnity can matter on advice-heavy jobs
Professional indemnity insurance is less talked about, but it can be useful where the gasfitter is giving advice, planning a system, or recommending a gas appliance or configuration.
It may be relevant if:
- the gasfitter recommends a setup that later proves unsuitable - drawings, specifications, or calculations are wrong - there is a design or advice error that creates extra costs
Not every gasfitter will carry professional indemnity, but for more complex work it is worth asking whether they do.
How insurance protects the homeowner
A good gasfitter’s insurance can reduce your risk in several ways:
- It may cover the cost of repairs if the gasfitter accidentally damages your home. - It may help cover injury claims if a visitor or family member is hurt because of the work. - It can reduce the chance that a dispute turns into a costly personal claim. - It can support a smoother claims process with your own insurer if the damage is caused by a contractor.
That last point matters. Many home and contents insurance policies expect you to take reasonable care when hiring contractors. If you used an uninsured or unlicensed person, your insurer may ask tough questions or reduce a claim if it believes you failed to check properly.
Insurance does not replace the need for a licensed gasfitter, proper gas safety checks, compliance with rules, and any required approvals. It is an extra layer of protection.
What insurance does not replace
A gasfitter being insured does not mean they can skip best practice or compliance. You still need to make sure the work is legally and technically sound.
In New Zealand, keep in mind:
- Gasfitting is restricted work and must be done by, or under the supervision of, the right licensed person. - Some work may require a building consent from your local council, especially if it affects structural, ventilation, flue, or building elements. - Electrical connections, such as if the job involves powered controls, ignition systems, or hard-wiring, may also require a licensed electrician. - Certificates, notices, and compliance paperwork may be required depending on the job.
If a tradesperson is not licensed for the work they are doing, their insurance may not respond as expected. In other words, poor compliance can put the insurance at risk as well.
How to confirm a gasfitter really is insured
Do not assume insurance is in place just because a tradesperson says they are “fully covered”. Ask for evidence.
Ask these questions before work starts
- What insurance do you carry? - Are you covered for public liability? - What is the cover limit? - Does the policy cover gasfitting work in domestic homes? - Are there any exclusions I should know about? - Can you provide a current certificate of insurance? - Is the policy in the business name that will be invoicing me?
A reputable gasfitter should be used to these questions and should not take offence.
What proof to ask for
Ask for a current certificate of currency or insurance schedule showing:
- the insured business name - the type of cover - the policy number - the expiry date - the cover limit - the insurer’s name
You do not need their full policy wording in most cases, but the certificate should be current and match the business doing the work.
Check the details match the job
Insurance can be limited by policy type and exclusions. For example, a policy might cover general plumbing or contracting but exclude specific gas work, LPG work, commercial installations, or subcontracting arrangements.
Check that:
- the cover is current on the date the job starts - the policy is in the correct business name - the policy is suitable for the type of work you are hiring them for - subcontractors, if used, are also covered or separately insured
If the gasfitter is bringing in another tradesperson, ask who is responsible for that person’s insurance and licence.
Other credentials NZ homeowners should check
Insurance is only one part of due diligence. For gas work in New Zealand, also check:
- **PGDB licence**: confirm the gasfitter holds the right current licence for the job - **Work history**: ask about similar jobs, especially if you have LPG, natural gas, a gas hob, continuous hot water, or outdoor gas appliances - **Written quote**: make sure labour, materials, call-out fees, and any testing or certification are clearly included - **Warranty terms**: ask what workmanship guarantee they provide and what it excludes - **Compliance paperwork**: ask what documentation you will receive once the job is complete
If the job is part of a larger renovation, check whether the builder, designer, or kitchen installer has coordinated the gas work properly. A good gasfitter should still confirm clearances, ventilation, and appliance requirements before they start.
When insurance matters most for gasfitting jobs
Some jobs carry more risk than others. It is particularly sensible to be strict about insurance when the work involves:
- installing or replacing a gas stove or cooktop - moving an appliance to a new location - converting between LPG and natural gas - outdoor heating or alfresco gas systems - gas hot water systems - older homes with unknown pipework condition - jobs where walls, cabinetry, or finished surfaces may be opened up - winter work when heating demand is high and trades are busy
In colder months, rushed repairs and urgent replacements are more common, especially in regions where gas heating is a key part of the home. That is when homeowners can be most tempted to accept the first available tradie. It is still worth taking a few minutes to check insurance and licensing.
What to do if a gasfitter cannot show proof of insurance
If a gasfitter says they are insured but cannot provide a certificate or clear confirmation, treat that as a warning sign.
You can:
- ask them to send proof before any work is booked - compare quotes from other gasfitters - confirm the licence on the PGDB register - walk away if they seem evasive or dismissive
A cheaper quote is not necessarily better if there is no insurance, poor communication, or uncertainty about compliance. If something goes wrong, the low initial price can quickly become the expensive option.
What homeowners should ask for in writing
Before the job starts, keep a paper trail. A written quote or email confirmation should ideally include:
- full business name and contact details - licence details where relevant - scope of work - expected start date - price and payment terms - whether parts, testing, and certification are included - confirmation of insurance, or at least that the contractor holds public liability cover - any assumptions, exclusions, or requirements for council consent or other trades
This helps if there is a dispute later, and it also makes it easier for your own insurer or bank if you need to show what was agreed.
The bottom line for NZ homeowners
Yes — your gasfitter should be insured, and ideally they should carry public liability cover at a minimum. For more complex work, professional indemnity and other business insurances can also be useful. Insurance will not replace licensing, compliance, or good workmanship, but it gives you an important safety net if there is damage, injury, or a mistake.
The smartest approach is simple: get multiple written quotes, check the PGDB licence, ask for proof of insurance, and only hire someone who can explain their cover clearly. That small bit of checking upfront can save a lot of stress, time, and money later.