Mate, let me be straight with you. You’re a sparky in Sydney, and last year you had a small kitchen fire claim after a faulty installation. Or maybe you’re a chippy in Melbourne with a couple of public liability claims from dropped tools on a job site. Now you’re wondering: can you even get insurance anymore? I’ve been in the game for over 20 years, and I’ve seen blokes panic over this, thinking they’re uninsurable. The truth? It’s not the end of the world. You can still get cover, but it’s going to cost you more, and you’ll need to be upfront about it.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting insurance with a claims history in 2026. We’ll cover why insurers care, what your options are, how much you’ll pay, and what you can do to keep premiums down. Plus, I’ll answer the questions I hear most from tradies like you. No jargon, no fluff—just the facts from a bloke who’s been there.

Why Insurers Care About Your Claims History

First off, let’s get one thing clear: insurers aren’t out to get you. They’re in the business of managing risk. When you’ve had a claim—whether it’s public liability, tools theft, or professional indemnity—you’re statistically more likely to have another one. That’s just how the numbers work. In 2026, Australian insurers use data from the Insurance Reference Service (IRS) and other databases to track claims across the industry. So, if you’ve had a claim with one insurer, the next one will know about it.

Here’s what happens when you apply for insurance with a claims history:

  • Higher premiums: Expect to pay 20-50% more than a tradie with a clean record. For example, public liability insurance that might cost $1,200 a year for a clean-risk plumber could jump to $1,800-$2,400 a year after a couple of claims.
  • Exclusions: Some insurers might exclude the type of claim you’ve had. Say you had a tools theft claim—they might not cover tools for the first 12 months.
  • Declined cover: In rare cases, if you’ve had multiple big claims (like a $500,000 liability payout), you could be knocked back. But that’s not common for most tradies.

The key point? Don’t lie. If you try to hide a claim, the insurer will find out through the IRS, and they can void your policy or refuse to pay out on a future claim. That’s a mate-level mistake that’ll cost you big time.

Your Options for Getting Insurance With Claims

So, you’ve got a claims history. What now? You’ve got a few paths to choose from. Let me break them down like I would for an apprentice.

Stick With Your Current Insurer

If you’ve been with the same insurer for a few years, they might be your best bet. Many insurers have loyalty programs or will renew your policy even after a claim, though they’ll likely bump up your premium. The advantage? You don’t have to go through a whole new application process, and they already know your business. In 2026, most insurers in Australia will offer renewal quotes that reflect your claims history, but they’re often better than what a new insurer would offer a high-risk tradie.

Shop Around With Specialist Insurers

Not all insurers are the same. Some specialise in high-risk trades or tradies with claims histories. These are often smaller, niche insurers that understand the building game. For example, if you’re a roofer in Queensland with a couple of claims, a specialist insurer might still cover you, but you’ll pay a premium. In 2026, expect quotes from these specialists to range from $1,500-$4,000 a year for public liability, depending on your trade and claims history.

Use Comparison Platforms

Platforms like BizCover let you compare quotes from multiple insurers in one go. They’re handy because you can see which insurers are willing to take you on without having to apply to each one individually. Just be honest about your claims history when you fill in the details—the platform will match you with insurers that accept higher-risk tradies. It’s not a magic bullet, but it saves time.

Consider a Broker

If you’ve got a complex claims history—say, multiple claims over a few years—a broker can be worth the money. They know the market and can negotiate on your behalf. Brokers typically charge a fee (around $100-$300) or get a commission from the insurer. For tradies in NSW or Victoria with significant claims, this can open doors you wouldn’t find on your own.

How Much Will Insurance Cost With a Claims History?

Let’s talk dollars and cents. In 2026, insurance costs for tradies with a claims history vary widely based on your trade, state, claims frequency, and severity. Here’s a rough guide for public liability insurance (the most common cover for tradies):

  • Clean record (no claims in 3-5 years): $800-$1,500 per year for most trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers).
  • One minor claim (e.g., $5,000 tools theft): $1,200-$2,000 per year.
  • Two or more claims (e.g., public liability payouts under $50,000): $1,800-$3,500 per year.
  • Major claims (e.g., over $100,000 liability): $3,000-$6,000 per year, or you might need a specialist insurer.

State differences matter too. In NSW and Victoria, premiums tend to be higher due to more litigation and higher claim costs. In Queensland and WA, they’re often lower, but it depends on your trade. For example, a builder in Sydney with a claims history might pay $2,500-$4,000 a year for public liability, while a similar sparky in Adelaide might pay $1,500-$2,500.

Other types of cover also take a hit:

  • Tools insurance: If you’ve claimed for stolen tools, expect premiums to rise 30-50%. A policy that was $500 a year might become $700-$800.
  • Professional indemnity: For tradies like architects or engineers, a claims history can double your premium. Expect $1,000-$3,000 a year for most.
  • Workers’ compensation: This is state-regulated, so claims history affects your premium directly through your experience rating. In Victoria, for example, a poor claims history can add 20-40% to your premium.

How to Minimise Your Premium After Claims

Alright, so you’ve got a claims history. You’re not stuck paying top dollar forever. Here’s what I’ve learned from years in the game to keep costs down.

Improve Your Risk Management

Insurers love tradies who show they’re serious about safety. If you’ve had claims, put systems in place to prevent them happening again. That might mean:

  • Regular toolbox talks on safety.
  • Using better quality tools or locking them up in a secure van.
  • Getting a safety accreditation like SafeWork NSW’s Safety Management System or a similar program in your state.
  • Keeping detailed records of your risk assessments.

In 2026, some insurers offer discounts of 10-20% for tradies with accredited safety programs. It’s worth the effort.

Increase Your Excess

If you can afford to pay more out of pocket when a claim happens, you’ll lower your premium. Raising your excess from $500 to $1,000 can cut your premium by 15-25%. Just make sure you’ve got the cash to cover it if something goes wrong.

Bundle Your Policies

Insurers often give discounts if you buy multiple policies from them. For example, combining public liability, tools insurance, and professional indemnity can save you 10-15% on each. In 2026, most major insurers in Australia offer multi-policy discounts, so ask about it.

Wait It Out

Claims history isn’t forever. Most insurers in Australia look back 3-5 years. If your claims are older than that, you’re effectively a clean risk again. So, if you can, avoid making small claims. For example, if you have a $2,000 tools theft claim, think about whether it’s worth it. Paying out of pocket might keep your premium lower in the long run.

State-Specific Considerations for Tradies With Claims

Insurance rules vary by state, and that affects how claims history impacts you. Here’s a quick rundown for 2026:

  • NSW: The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) oversees workers’ comp and CTP. For public liability, insurers are free to set premiums based on claims history. Expect higher costs in NSW due to higher legal costs.
  • Victoria: The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) handles some public sector insurance, but for tradies, it’s all private. Victoria has a strong focus on safety, so getting accredited can help.
  • Queensland: Lower premiums overall, but claims history still matters. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) requires public liability for licensed builders, and they can check your claims history.
  • WA: Similar to QLD, with lower costs. But the Building Services Board requires insurance for certain trades.
  • SA: Smaller market, so fewer insurers. You might find fewer options if you’ve got claims.
  • TAS, ACT, NT: These are smaller markets, so you might have to rely on national insurers or comparison platforms. Claims history can have a bigger impact because there’s less competition.

For workers’ comp, each state has its own scheme. In NSW, your premium is based on your claims history through the iCare system. In Victoria, it’s through WorkSafe Victoria. A bad claims history can see your workers’ comp premium double in some cases.

What to Do If You’re Declined Cover

It happens. You’ve had a few claims, and an insurer says no. Don’t panic. Here’s your next move:

  1. Ask why: The insurer has to tell you the reason. It might be the type of claim, the frequency, or your trade.
  2. Get a broker: They can find insurers that specialise in high-risk trades. In 2026, there are at least a dozen insurers in Australia that focus on tradies with claims histories.
  3. Consider a higher excess: Some insurers will take you on if you agree to a higher excess, like $2,500 or $5,000.
  4. Check state schemes: In some states, there are government-backed schemes for high-risk trades. For example, in Victoria, the Domestic Building Insurance scheme might cover builders who can’t get private cover.
  5. Look at mutuals: Some industry mutuals (like those run by trade associations) offer insurance to members with claims histories. They’re not always cheaper, but they can be a lifeline.

The Bottom Line on Claims History

Look, having a claims history isn’t ideal, but it’s not a career-ender. Most tradies I know have had at least one claim in their time. The key is to be upfront, shop around, and take steps to reduce your risk. In 2026, the insurance market in Australia is competitive, and there are options for everyone—even if you’ve had a few hiccups.

Remember, insurance is about protecting your livelihood. Don’t let a claims history stop you from getting the cover you need. Talk to a broker, use platforms like BizCover to compare, and always be honest. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back do insurers look at claims history?

Most insurers in Australia look back 3 to 5 years. If your claims are older than that, they usually won’t affect your premium. Some insurers might ask about claims in the last 7 years, but that’s less common.

Will a single small claim ruin my insurance?

No, not at all. A single small claim—like a $3,000 tools theft—might increase your premium by 20-30%, but you’ll still get cover. The key is to avoid making multiple small claims, as that’s what flags you as high-risk.

Can I switch insurers after a claim?

Yes, you can, but be prepared for higher quotes. Your claims history follows you through the Insurance Reference Service. Switching might not save you money unless you find a specialist insurer or a better deal through a comparison platform.

Does a claims history affect my workers’ comp insurance?

Absolutely. Workers’ comp premiums are based on your claims history through your state’s scheme. A poor record can increase your premium by 20-50% in most states. In NSW and Victoria, the impact is especially strong.

What if I have a claims history and I’m a sole trader?

It’s the same as for a larger business. Your personal claims history (e.g., from a previous business) can affect your cover. Just be honest when applying. Sole traders often find it easier to get cover because their risk is lower than a big company’s.

Can I get insurance if I’ve had a major liability claim?

Yes, but it’ll be expensive. For a major claim (over $100,000), you’ll likely need a specialist insurer or a broker. Expect premiums of $3,000-$6,000 a year for public liability. In some cases, you might need to pay a higher excess.

Does my trade affect how claims history is viewed?

Yes. High-risk trades like roofing, scaffolding, or demolition are viewed more harshly. A claims history in these trades can lead to higher premiums or exclusions. Lower-risk trades like electrical or plumbing have more leeway.

How can I check my claims history?

You can request your claims history from the Insurance Reference Service (IRS) through your insurer or a broker. It’s free to check, and it’s a good idea to know what’s on your record before you apply for new cover.