All answers / PL price
How much is public liability insurance in NZ?
Public liability insurance in NZ costs $15–$60 per month indicative for a small business. Tradies typically pay $15–$40, retail shops $20–$50, hospitality $25–$60, cleaners $12–$30. Cover available from $1M (entry / sole trader) to $20M (high-risk or major contracts). Final premium depends on your industry, revenue, cover limit, claims history and excess.
Cost by cover limit
| Cover limit | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| $1M | Sole traders, home-based consultants, low-foot-traffic businesses. |
| $2M | Most common limit — tradies, cleaners, small retailers, service businesses. |
| $5M | Retail with significant foot traffic, hospitality, mid-size commercial contracts, government work. |
| $10M | Established businesses with multiple employees or larger commercial contracts. |
| $20M | Major infrastructure projects, high-risk construction, large public events. |
Where the money goes
Public liability premium pays for three things: legal defence (often the biggest line item — a contested case can run to tens of thousands in solicitor fees), compensation paid to the injured party, and insurer overheads and reinsurance. Even when a claim is dropped, the defence cost is real.
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Compare quotes through Evolve Group Limited (FSP711891). Business-insurance enquiries are referred to Blanket Advice Limited (FSP1004126).
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