Hiring a concreter is a significant investment, and knowing what insurance cover they should carry protects both you and them if something goes wrong. At a minimum, a reputable NZ concreter should hold public liability insurance and, where they employ staff, employer's liability insurance. Here's a plain-English breakdown of what each policy covers and what questions to ask before work begins.
Why Insurance Matters for Concreting Work
Concreting involves heavy equipment, wet concrete, excavation, and sometimes work close to existing structures, services, or neighbouring properties. Accidents and property damage can happen even on well-run sites. Without adequate insurance, you as the homeowner could end up footing the bill for damage to your property, a neighbour's fence, or an injury on site.
New Zealand does not have a single mandatory insurance requirement for concreters (unlike licensing requirements for electricians or plumbers), so it pays to ask upfront rather than assume.
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance is the most important policy a concreter should carry. It covers third-party property damage and personal injury claims that arise from the concreter's work. For example:
- A concrete truck damages your driveway or garden during delivery.
- Wet concrete spills and damages a neighbour's property.
- A visitor to your property trips over equipment left on site.
As a guide, most reputable trade contractors in NZ carry at least $1 million in public liability cover, and many carry $2 million or more. Always ask to see the certificate of currency (the document confirming the policy is active) before work starts.
Employer's Liability Insurance
If the concreter has employees or subcontractors working on your job, they should also carry employer's liability insurance. While WorkSafe NZ and the ACC scheme cover many workplace injuries, employer's liability insurance fills gaps — for example, covering claims that fall outside ACC entitlements.
Note that ACC (the Accident Compensation Corporation) provides no-fault cover for personal injuries in NZ, which means workers injured on site generally cannot sue for personal injury damages. However, employer's liability cover still matters for edge cases and legal costs.
Contract Works Insurance
Contract works insurance (sometimes called construction all-risk insurance) covers the physical work itself — the concrete slab, driveway, or structure being built — against accidental damage during construction. For example, if a storm washes out freshly poured concrete before it cures, this policy can cover the cost of redoing the work.
For larger or more complex concreting projects, it is worth asking whether the concreter carries this cover, or whether your own home and contents policy extends to works under construction. Check with your insurer to be sure.
Tools and Equipment Insurance
A concreter's tools, mixers, vibrators, and finishing equipment represent a significant investment. Tools and equipment insurance protects the contractor if their gear is stolen or damaged. While this doesn't directly protect you, a concreter without it may be unable to complete your job if something goes wrong with their equipment.
What to Ask Before Hiring a Concreter
Use this checklist when getting quotes:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Do you hold public liability insurance? | Covers damage to your property or third parties |
| What is your cover limit? | Ensure it's adequate for the scale of your project |
| Can I see your certificate of currency? | Confirms the policy is active, not lapsed |
| Do you carry employer's liability? | Important if they have staff or subbies on site |
| Is contract works cover included? | Protects the work itself during construction |
| Are your subcontractors also insured? | Gaps in subcontractor cover can expose you |
A reputable concreter will have no hesitation providing this information. If a contractor is evasive or cannot produce documentation, treat that as a red flag.
Building Consents and Your Obligations
Some concreting work — such as a new garage slab, retaining walls over certain heights, or structural foundations — may require a building consent under the NZ Building Code. MBIE Building Performance provides guidance on what requires consent and what falls under Schedule 1 exemptions. Always confirm with your local council before work begins, as requirements vary by project and location.
If consented work is carried out incorrectly and causes damage, having a properly insured concreter is even more critical.
Protecting Yourself as a Homeowner
- Get it in writing: A written contract should reference the contractor's insurance details.
- Check your own policy: Some home and contents policies include limited cover for contractor-caused damage — check with your insurer.
- Use a reputable contractor: BRANZ offers guidance on good building practice, and choosing a contractor with solid references reduces risk from the outset.
- Find a local concreter: You can search for qualified, reputable concreters in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
When to Call a Professional
Concreting is not restricted work in the same way as electrical or plumbing (which must be done by licensed tradespeople under the Electrical Workers Registration Board and Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board respectively). However, structural concrete work tied to foundations or load-bearing elements should always be carried out by an experienced professional, and may require a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) for certain restricted building work. Check with your council and the LBP register if you are unsure.
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