When hiring a gasfitter in New Zealand, checking their insurance is just as important as checking their licence. While there is no single law that mandates a specific insurance policy for gasfitters, reputable tradespeople carry cover that protects both themselves and you as the homeowner if something goes wrong.
Why Insurance Matters for Gas Work
Gas work is restricted work under the Gas Act 1992 and must be carried out by a person licensed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Because gas installations involve real risks — including fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide hazards — the financial consequences of an incident can be severe. Without adequate insurance, you could be left out of pocket for property damage, personal injury, or remedial work.
The Key Types of Insurance a Gasfitter Should Hold
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is the most important cover to ask about. It protects against claims for property damage or personal injury caused to third parties (including you, your family, or your home) as a result of the gasfitter's work. For example, if a faulty gas connection causes a fire that damages your kitchen, public liability insurance is what pays for repairs and any associated losses.
Most professional gasfitters carry a minimum of $1 million in public liability cover, though $2 million or more is common for tradespeople working on residential and commercial jobs. Always ask for the certificate of currency — a document from the insurer confirming the policy is active — before work begins.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity (PI) insurance covers claims arising from errors, omissions, or negligent advice in the gasfitter's professional services. This is particularly relevant if a gasfitter designs or specifies a gas system and the design turns out to be flawed. While PI insurance is more commonly associated with consultants and engineers, gasfitters who take on design responsibilities should ideally hold this cover too.
Tools and Equipment Insurance
This covers the gasfitter's own tools and equipment against theft or damage. While this doesn't directly protect you, a tradesperson without it may be unable to complete your job promptly if their gear is stolen or damaged on site.
Vehicle Insurance
Most gasfitters use a work vehicle to transport equipment and gas fittings. Commercial vehicle insurance covers the van or ute used for work purposes — standard personal car insurance typically won't cover a vehicle used commercially.
Statutory Liability Insurance
Statutory liability insurance covers fines and legal costs arising from unintentional breaches of New Zealand legislation — for example, an accidental breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. This is increasingly common among professional tradespeople.
What the PGDB Requires
The PGDB licences gasfitters and sets competency standards, but as of current regulations it does not mandate that licence holders hold a specific insurance policy as a condition of their licence. This means the onus is on you as the homeowner to ask. Reputable gasfitters will have no hesitation providing proof of cover.
How to Check a Gasfitter's Insurance
Here's a simple checklist when engaging a gasfitter:
- Verify their licence — search the PGDB register at pgdb.co.nz to confirm they are currently licensed.
- Ask for a certificate of currency for their public liability policy.
- Check the coverage amount — $1 million minimum is a reasonable baseline for residential work.
- Confirm the policy covers the type of work being done (e.g., LPG vs natural gas, domestic vs commercial).
- Ask if they are a member of a trade association — membership of bodies like Master Plumbers often requires members to hold adequate insurance.
A Quick Comparison of Key Cover Types
| Insurance Type | Who It Protects | Typical Minimum Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Public Liability | You, your property, third parties | $1–2 million |
| Professional Indemnity | You (from design/advice errors) | Varies |
| Tools & Equipment | The tradesperson | Varies |
| Statutory Liability | The tradesperson (legal costs) | Varies |
What Homeowners Can and Cannot Do
It's worth remembering that all gasfitting work is restricted work in New Zealand — homeowners cannot legally carry out gas installations, alterations, or repairs themselves. This includes connecting appliances, running new gas lines, or adjusting regulators. Only a PGDB-licensed gasfitter may perform this work, and they must issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) on completion. For more on what requires a building consent versus what is exempt, check with your local council or visit MBIE Building Performance.
Safety note: Never attempt to work on gas fittings yourself. If you smell gas, leave the building immediately, avoid operating switches, and call your gas supplier or 111.
When to Call a Professional
Always engage a PGDB-licensed gasfitter for any gas-related work in your home. When requesting quotes, treat insurance as a non-negotiable — any professional tradesperson should be able to provide proof of current public liability cover without hesitation. You can find qualified, insured local gasfitters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Certifying Plumber
