Before you sign any contract or let a driveway layer start work on your property, it pays to ask a few straightforward questions about their public liability insurance. This cover protects you — the homeowner — if the tradesperson accidentally damages your property, a neighbour's fence, or injures someone during the job. Without it, you could be left footing an unexpected bill.
Why Public Liability Insurance Matters for Driveway Work
Driveway laying involves heavy machinery, concrete or asphalt trucks, excavation, and sometimes work close to boundaries, underground services, and existing structures. Accidents can and do happen — a concrete truck could crack a kerb, a bobcat could clip a retaining wall, or a worker could inadvertently damage a water pipe. Public liability insurance is the policy that covers the cost of third-party property damage or personal injury caused by the contractor's work or negligence.
Without this cover in place, you as the property owner could face complications if a claim arises — particularly if the contractor cannot pay out of pocket. It's one of the most important things to verify before any tradesperson starts on your site.
Key Questions to Ask Your Driveway Layer
1. Do you hold current public liability insurance?
This sounds obvious, but always ask directly. A reputable driveway layer should answer confidently and be willing to provide proof. Don't accept a verbal assurance alone.
2. What is the level of cover?
Ask for the sum insured — that is, the maximum amount the policy will pay out per claim or per year. For residential driveway work, a minimum of $1 million cover is generally considered a baseline, but many established contractors carry $2 million or more. For larger or more complex jobs, higher cover gives you greater peace of mind.
3. Can you provide a certificate of currency?
A certificate of currency (sometimes called a certificate of insurance) is a document issued by the insurer confirming the policy is active, who is covered, the type of cover, and the expiry date. Ask for a copy before work begins. Check that:
- The policy hasn't expired
- The business name matches the contractor you're hiring
- The type of work covered includes driveway laying or civil/concrete work
4. Does the policy cover subcontractors?
Many driveway layers use subcontractors for tasks like concrete pumping, line marking, or excavation. Ask whether the main contractor's policy extends to subcontractors working on your site, or whether each subcontractor carries their own cover. Gaps here can leave you exposed.
5. Are there any exclusions relevant to my job?
Insurance policies often have exclusions. For example, some policies may not cover damage to underground services (like water mains or telecoms cables) if the contractor failed to locate them first. Ask whether the contractor plans to use Dial Before You Dig (now called Beforeudig) to identify underground services before excavation — this is standard good practice in New Zealand.
6. What happens if a claim needs to be made?
Understand the process. Who do you contact? Is there an excess (the amount the contractor must pay before the insurer steps in)? A high excess on the contractor's policy doesn't affect your rights to claim, but it's useful context.
A Handy Checklist at a Glance
| Question to Ask | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Do you have public liability insurance? | Clear yes, with willingness to provide proof |
| What is the sum insured? | At least $1 million, ideally $2 million+ |
| Can I see a certificate of currency? | Current, matching business name, correct work type |
| Are subcontractors covered? | Confirmed in writing |
| Are underground services excluded? | Contractor uses Beforeudig to locate services |
| What is the claims process? | Clear point of contact, reasonable excess |
Other Insurance to Ask About
Public liability is the most important, but you may also want to ask whether the contractor holds:
- Statutory liability insurance — covers fines or penalties under NZ law (e.g. if a health and safety breach occurs on site)
- Employer's liability insurance — covers their workers if injured on your property
For guidance on contractor obligations under health and safety law, WorkSafe NZ is a useful reference.
Does Driveway Work Require a Building Consent?
In many cases, a standard residential driveway does not require a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act — but this depends on factors like the size, location, proximity to boundaries, and whether it affects stormwater drainage. Always confirm with your local council before work starts. MBIE Building Performance has general guidance on consent exemptions.
If your driveway connects to a public road, you may also need a vehicle crossing permit from your council — another reason to check early.
When to Call a Professional
Driveway laying is not restricted licensed work in the same way that electrical or plumbing work is, but it is a skilled trade requiring proper equipment, knowledge of drainage, subbase preparation, and material specifications. A poorly laid driveway can crack, settle unevenly, or cause stormwater problems. Always hire an experienced, insured driveway layer for anything beyond the most minor patch repairs.
You can find qualified local driveway layers on tradedirectory.co.nz — and now you know exactly what insurance questions to ask before you hire.
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