FAQs
Home>FAQs
Insurance Broker
What is an insurance expert?
An insurance expert is a licensed professional who helps you find insurance from multiple insurers. They work for you, not the insurance company, and help match cover to your personal or business needs.
What exactly does an Insurance Expert do?
An insurance expert reviews your risks, compares insurers, sets up cover, and supports you if you need to claim. They act as your adviser throughout the policy lifecycle.
Should I use an insurance specialist?
Yes, using an insurance specialist can save time and reduce mistakes. Insurers explain complex cover, compare options, and help ensure you’re properly protected without unnecessary extras.
Why use an insurance expert?
People use insurance experts for best guidance, wider choice, and claim support. Insurers help avoid underinsurance, reduce risk, and simplify decision-making.
What is an independent insurer?
An independent insurer is not tied to one insurer. They compare policies across the market and provide unbiased advice based on your needs.
What is the difference between an insurance expert and an agent?
An insurance expert works for you and compares insurers. An insurance agent represents one insurer and can only offer that company’s products.
How much does an insurance agent cost?
In most cases, insurance agents are paid by the insurer through commission. Many clients don’t pay extra to use an expert.
Is insurance cheaper with a insurance expert?
Insurance can be affordable with a expert because they compare multiple options and avoid unsuitable cover. Value comes from better protection, not just lower price.
How do I find a good insurance expert?
A good insurance expert is licensed, experienced, transparent, and responsive. Dawson Insurance is a licensed and insured experts that explain cover clearly, compares options, and focuses on your needs rather than pushing products.
Business Liability Insurance
What is business liability insurance?
Business liability insurance covers legal and compensation costs if your business causes injury to someone or damages their property. It is one of the most important covers for businesses that deal with customers or the public.
How does business insurance work?
You choose cover based on your business risks. If something goes wrong, you make a claim and the insurer helps cover repair, replacement, legal, or income loss costs, depending on your policy
Do I need business insurance?
Most businesses need insurance to protect against claims, damage, or financial loss. While not always legally required, many contracts, leases, and clients expect businesses to be insured.
Do I need business insurance if I have an LLC?
Yes. An LLC limits personal liability but does not protect the business itself. Business insurance still covers claims, property damage, and operational risks that an LLC structure does not.
What does business insurance include?
Business insurance can include public liability, property or contents cover, tools and equipment, business interruption, professional indemnity, and commercial vehicle insurance, depending on your policy.
What is umbrella insurance for business?
Umbrella insurance provides extra liability cover above your standard policies. It helps protect businesses from large claims that exceed normal policy limits.
How to get business insurance?
You can get business insurance by identifying your risks, choosing the right covers, and arranging a policy by contacting Dawson Insurance and we compares options for you.
How to get bonded and insured for a small business?
You become bonded and insured by purchasing business insurance and a surety bond if required. This is common for contractors, trades, and businesses working under contracts.
How much does business liability insurance cost?
Costs vary by industry, risk level, and coverage limits. Many small businesses pay from a few hundred dollars per year, but higher-risk industries usually pay more. You can get a personalized quote based on your business by callin us at 0418 100 351
How much does small business insurance cost in Australia?
In Australia, small business insurance costs vary widely. Most businesses pay from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars annually, depending on risk and cover selection. Many small businesses pay monthly premiums ranging from tens to a few hundred dollars, depending on coverage level and business risk.
Is business insurance tax deductible?
Yes. Business insurance premiums are generally tax deductible in Australia when the policy relates directly to business activities.
Commercial Motor Insurance
Do I need commercial auto insurance?
Yes, if you use a vehicle for business tasks. Personal car insurance usually excludes work use, which can lead to denied claims after an accident.
Why do I need commercial auto insurance?
Commercial auto insurance protects your business from costly repairs, liability claims, and downtime after accidents involving work vehicles.
What does commercial auto insurance cover?
It typically covers vehicle damage, third-party injury, property damage, theft, and sometimes legal costs related to business vehicle use.
Is commercial auto insurance more expensive?
It can be more expensive than personal insurance because business driving carries higher risk. Cost depends on vehicle type, usage, and driving history.
How much is commercial auto insurance?
Commercial auto insurance costs vary widely. Pricing depends on vehicle type, usage, driver history, location, and coverage level.
How does commercial auto insurance work?
You insure vehicles used for work. If an accident happens, the policy helps cover repairs, liability costs, or replacement depending on coverage.
How to get commercial insurance?
You get commercial insurance by assessing vehicle use and arranging cover through an insurer or contact Us business driving risks.
What is commercial lines insurance?
Commercial lines insurance refers to business-related insurance, including commercial auto, liability, property, and professional cover.
What is considered commercial insurance?
Any insurance designed to protect a business is considered commercial insurance, including vehicle, liability, property, and income protection policies.
Are trailers covered under commercial auto insurance?
Trailers may be covered depending on the policy. Some policies include attached trailers, while others require separate cover.
How to insure commercial trucks for personal use?
Commercial trucks can sometimes be insured for limited personal use, but policies must clearly state this. Always confirm usage terms before relying on cover.
Cyber Insurance
What does cyber insurance cover?
Cyber insurance typically covers data breaches, ransomware attacks, IT recovery, legal costs, customer notifications, and business interruption caused by cyber incidents.
Who needs cyber insurance?
Any business that uses email, stores customer data, accepts online payments, or relies on digital systems needs cyber insurance, including small businesses, freelancers, and online retailers.
Is cyber insurance worth it?
Yes. Cyber incidents are common and costly. Cyber insurance helps businesses recover faster, manage legal obligations, and reduce financial stress after an attack.
How much cyber insurance do I need?
The amount depends on your data volume, revenue, industry risk, and system reliance. Businesses handling sensitive data usually need higher limits.
What does cyber insurance not cover?
Cyber insurance usually excludes pre-existing issues, poor security practices, intentional acts, and losses not directly caused by a cyber incident.
Does cyber insurance cover ransomware?
Many cyber insurance policies cover ransomware response, recovery, and expert support, but coverage terms vary and should be checked carefully.
What is first party cyber coverage?
First party cyber coverage protects your business directly, covering data recovery, IT repairs, ransomware costs, and income loss after an attack.
What is third party cyber coverage?
Third party cyber coverage protects against claims from customers or partners affected by your data breach or cyber incident.
What is cyber risk insurance?
Cyber risk insurance is another term for cyber insurance, focusing on financial protection from digital threats and system failures.
What is data breach insurance coverage?
Data breach insurance covers costs related to leaked data, including investigations, customer notifications, credit monitoring, and legal support.
Why buy cyber liability insurance?
Businesses buy cyber liability insurance to manage legal risk, protect customer trust, and survive costly cyber incidents.
How to compare cyber insurance policies effectively?
Compare coverage limits, inclusions, exclusions, response services, and claims support. Price alone should not be the deciding factor.
How to lower cyber insurance premiums?
Premiums can be reduced by improving security, using multi-factor authentication, regular backups, staff training, and maintaining good cyber hygiene.
What is bricking in cyber insurance?
Bricking refers to devices becoming unusable after a cyber attack or failed recovery. Some cyber policies may cover recovery costs, but not hardware replacement.
How many companies have cyber insurance?
Cyber insurance adoption is growing, but many small businesses remain uninsured, increasing their exposure to cyber risks.
How insurance protects businesses from cyber threats?
Insurance provides financial support, expert response teams, and recovery assistance after cyber attacks, helping businesses resume operations faster.
What are the two types of cyber insurance?
The two main types are first party cyber insurance and third party cyber insurance, covering direct losses and liability claims respectively.
Home and Contents Insurance
What is home and contents insurance?
Home and contents insurance protects your house structure and the belongings inside it. It covers damage or loss from events like fire, storms, theft, and water leaks.
Do I need home and contents insurance?
It’s not legally required, but strongly recommended. Without it, repairs or replacements after damage or loss can be very expensive for homeowners.
Do I need home and contents insurance for an apartment?
Yes. Apartment owners usually need contents insurance and sometimes building cover. The strata policy covers common areas, not your personal belongings.
How much does home and contents insurance cost?
Costs vary based on location, home value, contents value, and risk level. Most households pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year.
Is home and contents insurance compulsory?
No, it’s not compulsory in Australia. However, lenders often require home insurance if you have a mortgage.
Do you need home and contents insurance when renting?
Renters usually need contents insurance only. It protects personal belongings against theft, fire, or damage inside the rental property.
How to compare home and contents insurance policies?
Compare cover limits, exclusions, excess amounts, optional extras, and claims support. Price alone doesn’t show value or suitability.
Can I bundle home contents and car insurance?
Yes, many insurers allow bundling home, contents, and car insurance. Bundling can simplify management and sometimes reduce premiums.
How much does home and contents insurance cost in Australia?
Australian premiums vary by location and risk. Homes in flood or storm-prone areas usually cost more to insure.
What’s the best home contents insurance?
There is no single best policy. The right choice depends on your belongings, lifestyle, and risk exposure.
Motor Trade Insurance
Do I need motor trade insurance?
Yes, if you work with customer vehicles or trade cars. Personal or standard business insurance usually excludes test drives, repairs, and vehicle movement for trade purposes.
Can anyone get motor trade insurance?
No. Motor trade insurance is only available to people actively involved in vehicle-related businesses, such as mechanics, dealers, body shops, or mobile repairers.
How does motor trade insurance work?
You choose cover based on your trade activities. If an incident happens, the policy helps cover damage, liability claims, or road risks linked to your motor trade work.
What does motor trade insurance cover?
It can cover road risk, customer vehicles, public liability, tools, premises, and business interruption, depending on the policy you choose.
What is a motor trade insurance policy?
A motor trade insurance policy is a tailored package designed for vehicle-related businesses, combining multiple covers under one policy.
How much is motor trade insurance?
Costs vary based on trade type, number of vehicles, turnover, and risk level. Part-time traders usually pay less than full-time motor traders.
How much is part-time motor trade insurance?
Part-time motor trade insurance is usually cheaper than full-time cover, as risk exposure and vehicle usage are lower.
Is motor trade insurance expensive?
It depends on your trade activity and cover level. Policies are priced based on risk, not a fixed rate.
How to get car traders insurance?
You can get car trader insurance by proving your trade activity and arranging cover through an insurer or broker who specialises in motor trade insurance.
How to apply for motor trade insurance?
Applications usually require details about your business, vehicles, experience, and trading activity before cover is approved.
How to compare motor trade insurance?
Compare cover types, exclusions, road risk levels, claims support, and price. The cheapest policy may not provide adequate protection.
How much is motor trade insurance per month?
Monthly costs vary widely. Some traders pay modest monthly premiums, while higher-risk businesses pay more based on exposure.
Plant and Equipment Insurance
Can I change the value of insurance during the policy period?
Yes, there’s a provision to adjust the sum insured during the policy period by contacting the policy issuing office.
What does equipment insurance cover?
Equipment insurance usually covers theft, accidental damage, fire, and sometimes breakdown. Coverage depends on the policy and how the equipment is used.
Who needs plant and equipment insurance?
Trades, contractors, builders, landscapers, and businesses using machinery need plant and equipment insurance to protect valuable tools and reduce downtime after loss or damage.
How much does plant and equipment insurance cost?
Costs depend on equipment value, type, usage, and risk level. Businesses with high-value or frequently moved equipment usually pay higher premiums.
Does plant and equipment insurance cover hired equipment?
Some policies can include hired or rented equipment, but this must be selected. Always check if hired plant cover is included before relying on it.
Does plant and equipment insurance cover breakdown?
Breakdown is not always included. Mechanical or electrical failure usually requires optional machinery breakdown cover.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
What is professional indemnity insurance?
Professional indemnity insurance protects professionals against claims caused by advice, errors, or omissions. It covers legal costs and compensation if a client suffers financial loss due to your professional services.
What is professional liability insurance?
Professional liability insurance is another name for professional indemnity insurance. It protects against claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver professional services as expected.
What does professional indemnity insurance cover?
It covers legal defence costs, settlements, and compensation claims arising from professional errors, negligence, or breaches of duty in the services you provide.
What does indemnity mean in insurance?
Indemnity means restoring someone to their financial position before a loss. In insurance, it refers to covering costs caused by a professional error or claim.
Who needs professional indemnity insurance?
Consultants, accountants, architects, designers, IT professionals, and advisors usually need professional indemnity insurance to protect against negligence claims.
Do consultants need professional indemnity insurance?
Yes. Consultants face advice-related risks. Professional indemnity insurance helps cover claims arising from incorrect guidance or professional mistakes.
Do architects need professional indemnity insurance?
Yes. Architects are typically required to hold professional indemnity insurance due to design risks, contract requirements, and regulatory obligations.
Do accountants and bookkeepers need professional indemnity insurance?
Yes. Accountants and bookkeepers handle financial data and advice, making professional indemnity insurance essential for protection against client claims.
Do builders need professional indemnity insurance?
Builders may need professional indemnity insurance if they provide design, advice, or consultancy services beyond physical construction work.
Do electricians need professional indemnity insurance?
Electricians may need it if they provide advice, plans, or certifications. Public liability covers physical work, while professional indemnity covers advice-related risks.
Do graphic designers and photographers need professional indemnity insurance?
Yes. Designers and photographers face risks from copyright issues, missed deliverables, or client disputes linked to professional services.
Do sole traders need professional indemnity insurance?
Yes. Sole traders are personally responsible for claims. Professional indemnity insurance helps protect personal finances from professional liability risks.
Is professional indemnity insurance the same as public liability?
No. Professional indemnity covers advice and services, while public liability covers physical injury or property damage caused by business activities.
Does professional indemnity insurance cover negligence?
Yes. Negligence is one of the main reasons professional indemnity insurance exists, covering claims related to professional mistakes or oversight.
Does professional indemnity insurance cover breach of contract?
Some policies may cover certain contract breaches linked to professional services. Coverage depends on policy wording and exclusions.
What is professional malpractice insurance?
Professional malpractice insurance is another term used for professional indemnity insurance, especially in medical or legal professions.
How much does professional indemnity insurance cost in Australia?
Costs vary by profession, turnover, and risk. Many small professionals pay a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
How to get professional liability insurance?
You can get professional liability insurance by assessing your service risks and arranging cover through an insurer or insurance broker.
Is professional liability the same as general liability?
No. Professional liability covers advice and services, while general or public liability covers physical injury or property damage.
Where can I get professional indemnity insurance?
Professional indemnity insurance is available through insurers and brokers who specialise in professional and business insurance.
Who is required to have professional indemnity insurance?
Some professions are legally or contractually required to hold professional indemnity insurance, including architects, accountants, and certain consultants.
Strata Insurance
What is strata insurance?
Strata insurance covers shared buildings like apartments, units, and townhouses. It protects common property, the building structure, and shared areas against damage, liability, and insured events.
What does strata insurance cover?
Strata insurance usually covers the building, common areas, shared facilities, and public liability. It does not cover personal contents inside individual units.
Do I need building insurance for a strata unit?
Usually no. The strata policy covers the building. Individual owners typically need contents insurance for personal belongings inside their unit.
Does strata cover building insurance?
Yes. Strata insurance includes building insurance for the structure and common property of the strata complex.
What does strata insurance cover in NSW?
In NSW, strata insurance covers the building, common property, and public liability. It is mandatory for strata schemes to hold building insurance.
What insurance do I need for a strata unit?
Most unit owners need contents insurance. Landlords may also need landlord insurance for rental-related risks.
What is residential strata insurance?
Residential strata insurance protects residential apartment buildings and shared areas, including the building structure and common property.
Do I need insurance if I live in strata?
Yes. While the building is insured under strata, residents still need contents insurance for personal belongings and optional liability cover.
Do strata fees cover building insurance?
Yes. Strata levies usually include the cost of building insurance for the shared property.
How insurers assess building replacement value for strata insurance?
Insurers use professional valuations to estimate rebuild costs, including materials, labour, demolition, and compliance with current building codes.
How much does strata insurance cost?
Costs depend on building size, age, location, and risk factors. Larger or higher-risk buildings usually pay higher premiums.
How often should strata building insurance be reviewed?
Strata insurance should be reviewed annually or after major changes to the building to ensure adequate coverage.
How to cancel a strata insurance policy?
Strata insurance can usually be cancelled by the owners corporation or strata manager, subject to notice periods and replacement cover.
How to compare optional extras in strata insurance?
Compare extras like machinery breakdown, flood cover, and office bearers’ liability to see what suits your building’s risks.
How to compare strata insurance policies for apartment buildings?
Compare coverage limits, exclusions, excess levels, and claims service, not just price.
How to get a strata insurance quote online quickly?
You can request a quote online by providing building details such as size, age, location, and claims history.
What should strata managers look for in an insurance policy?
Strata managers should check rebuild limits, liability cover, exclusions, and insurer reliability.
Do I need building insurance if I have strata insurance?
No. Strata insurance already covers the building. Individual owners usually only need contents insurance.
Is professional liability the same as general liability?
No. Professional liability covers advice and services, while general or public liability covers physical injury or property damage.
Where can I get professional indemnity insurance?
Professional indemnity insurance is available through insurers and brokers who specialise in professional and business insurance.
Who is required to have professional indemnity insurance?
Some professions are legally or contractually required to hold professional indemnity insurance, including architects, accountants, and certain consultants.
Trades Public Liability Insurance
Do I need public liability insurance as a sole trader?
Yes. Sole traders are personally responsible for claims. Public liability insurance protects you if your work causes injury to someone or damages their property.
Can a sole trader get public liability insurance?
Yes. Sole traders can easily get public liability insurance. It is one of the most common covers for independent trades and contractors.
How much is public liability insurance for a sole trader?
Costs vary by trade and risk level. Many sole traders pay from a few hundred dollars per year, but higher-risk trades usually pay more.
Do trade businesses need liability insurance?
Yes. Trade businesses often work on client sites and face higher risk of injury or property damage, making public liability insurance essential.
What is covered under public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance covers legal and compensation costs if your business causes injury to a third party or damages their property.
What is trades public liability insurance cost?
Trade public liability insurance costs depend on trade type, turnover, location, and risk exposure. Pricing varies widely across industries.