Demolition and Asbestos Removal Insurance.
Cover for High-Hazard Work.
Most insurers won't touch it. We know the markets that will.
99%
Placement Rate
24h
Typical Turnaround
50+
Hazardous Risks
Recognition
Access to Australia's leading insurers and underwriting agencies, including:
Demolition contractors and asbestos removalists work in industries that most insurers avoid. The combination of heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and third-party exposure makes this one of the harder classes of business to insure in Australia.
If you've tried getting public liability cover through a comparison site or direct insurer, you've probably hit a wall. Standard policies often exclude asbestos entirely, and many insurers simply decline demolition work outright, particularly if there's any commercial or industrial component.
We work with a small number of underwriters who actually write this class. That means we can usually find cover when others can't, and we can often get you competitive pricing by going to multiple markets rather than taking the first quote you're offered.
RISK ARCHITECTURE
What we typically cover
Public and products liability is the main one. This covers third-party property damage (like accidentally damaging a neighbouring building during a knock-down) and third-party injury (like a bystander injured by falling debris). For asbestos work, you'll need a policy that specifically includes asbestos liability, which is excluded from most standard liability policies.
Tools and equipment cover protects your machinery, excavators, and specialist gear against theft, damage, or breakdown.
Commercial motor for trucks and vehicles used to transport materials or equipment to and from sites.
Workers compensation is mandatory in Australia and covers your employees for work-related injuries or illness, including long-term health issues from asbestos exposure.
Contract works insurance may be needed if you're taking on larger projects where the contract requires it.
For businesses that also provide consultancy services, like asbestos inspections, testing, or air monitoring, professional indemnity insurance covers you if advice or reporting turns out to be wrong.
For businesses in these industries, having the right combination of covers is essential to satisfy contract requirements and protect against significant liability risks.
Why this industry struggles to get cover
Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and claims related to exposure can emerge years or even decades after the work is done. That long-tail liability makes insurers nervous.
Demolition involves inherent risks to neighbouring properties, underground services, and people on or near the site. One miscalculation can cause significant damage.
Many policies have an "absolute asbestos exclusion" buried in the fine print. Even if you hold a general liability policy, it may not respond if the claim involves asbestos in any way.
The result is that demolition and asbestos removal businesses often find themselves declined by mainstream insurers, quoted at eye-watering premiums, or holding a policy that won't actually cover them when they need it.
PLACEMENT ARCHIVE
How we've helped
Recent placements for hazardous industry contractors who were previously over-quoted or struggled to find coverage.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
What we look at when quoting
To get you an accurate quote, we'll typically ask about these key business metrics and risk factors.
The type of demolition work you do (residential, commercial, industrial, or a mix)
Whether you handle asbestos, and if so, what class (bonded, friable, or both)
Your annual turnover and payments to subcontractors
The size and scope of typical projects
Your licensing and qualifications
Claims history
Equipment owned or hired
The type of demolition work you do (residential, commercial, industrial, or a mix)
Whether you handle asbestos, and if so, what class (bonded, friable, or both)
Your annual turnover and payments to subcontractors
The size and scope of typical projects
Your licensing and qualifications
Claims history
Equipment owned or hired
KNOWLEDGE BASE
Frequently asked questions
Get a quote
If you're in demolition or asbestos removal and struggling to find cover, give us a call. We know the markets that write this class and can usually find options when others can't.
Call us on 02 9000 1155 or request a quote online.