Comparing tradie insurance providers is essential for finding the best value. Prices and coverage differ significantly between providers—shopping around could save you hundreds per year.
Quick Provider Comparison
Coverage Types: Public Liability, Tools, Vehicle, Statutory Liability, Professional Indemnity, Contents, Building
| Provider | PL | Tools | Vehicle | Statutory | PI | Contents | Building | Rating | |----------|-------|--------|---------|-----------|-----|----------|----------|--------| | Builtin | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | Limited | 4.5 | | Gallagher | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4.4 | | FMG | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | 4.3 | | AMI | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | Limited | Limited | 4.2 | | BizCover | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | 4.1 | | State | ✓ | Limited | ✓ | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | 4.0 |
Pricing Comparison (Approximate)
Sole Trader, Low-Risk Work: - BizCover: NZ$50–100/month - State: NZ$60–120/month - AMI: NZ$80–150/month - Builtin: NZ$70–130/month - FMG: NZ$80–140/month - Gallagher: NZ$100–150/month (premium service)
Small Business (2-5 staff): - BizCover: NZ$100–200/month - State: NZ$120–250/month - AMI: NZ$150–300/month - Builtin: NZ$150–280/month - FMG: NZ$150–300/month - Gallagher: NZ$200–400+/month
Coverage Strength Comparison
Strongest Public Liability Cover: Builtin, Gallagher Strongest Tools Cover: AMI, Builtin, Gallagher Best Commercial Vehicle: State, AMI Best Professional Indemnity: Builtin, Gallagher Best Contents/Property: FMG, Gallagher
Service Model Comparison
Digital-First (Fast, Automated): BizCover Branch-Based (Face-to-Face): AMI, State Broker-Based (Personalised): Gallagher Specialist (Construction Focus): Builtin Regional (Rural Focus): FMG
How to Compare Effectively
1. Get quotes from all 6 providers (or top 3-4) 2. Standardise your request: Ask for identical coverage (e.g., NZ$2m PL, NZ$10k tools, comprehensive vehicle) 3. Compare side-by-side: Price, coverage limits, excess, exclusions 4. Ask about discounts: Apply the same discount questions to each 5. Read reviews: Check Google and industry reviews for claims experience 6. Choose best value: Not necessarily cheapest, but best coverage at fair price
Conclusion
Don't assume your current insurer offers the best value. Get quotes from multiple providers annually. Use online comparison tools like BizCover to get multiple quotes quickly. Choose based on value—coverage quality, price, and service—not price alone.