Yes. Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office (ESO) can require a copy of an electrical contractor insurance policy—or written confirmation from the insurer—during a periodic audit. For an application or renewal, you must declare that you have confirmed with the insurer that the policy meets the mandatory requirements; you do not ordinarily submit a policy copy. The ESO’s Electrical contractor licences guidance, dated 5 October 2021, sets a limit of indemnity of at least $5,000,000 and consumer protection insurance of at least $50,000 (figures checked 1 October 2026).
What happens during a Queensland electrical contractor insurance audit?
The ESO conducts periodic audits to ensure contractors hold appropriate insurance. If selected for an audit, you must provide either:
- A copy of the insurance policy; or
- Written confirmation from the insurer.
The published guidance does not state a fixed audit frequency. It also makes clear that a $5,000,000 indemnity limit is only one part of appropriate insurance: the legal entity and the required types of liability must also comply.
Not needing to submit a policy copy with the application does not remove the need to respond if an audit later requests evidence.
Is the policy copy sent with the application or renewal?
No. The application requires insurance-policy details and a declaration confirming that you have checked with the insurer that the policy complies with section 165 of the ES Regulation.
The person submitting the application and making the declaration must be nominated as the Authorised Person. For an individual application, that person is the applicant; for a partnership, a partner; and for a corporation, a director or executive officer.
The practical sequence is straightforward:
- Ask the insurer whether the policy complies with section 165.
- Check that the insurer has issued it to the correct legal entity.
- Compare the policy and its PDS with each mandatory requirement.
- Keep the insurer’s confirmation and policy copy accessible.
- Make the declaration only after those checks are complete.
What must the policy include besides $5,000,000?
For section 165 of the ES Regulation, use the following checklist:
| Checklist item | Mandatory requirement |
|---|---|
| Legal entity name | The policy must be issued in the legal name of the business applying for the licence. |
| Indemnity limit | The limit of indemnity must be at least $5,000,000. |
| Consumer protection insurance | Consumer protection insurance must be at least $50,000. |
| Core liability cover | The policy must include public and products liability. |
| Testing and certification | It must cover liability arising from testing and certification of work in accordance with the ES Regulation. |
| Faulty design work | It must cover injury or damage arising from faulty design work, including work for which no specific fee was charged. |
| Incorrect advice | It must cover injury or damage arising from incorrect advice, including advice for which no specific fee was charged. |
| Goods held by the contractor | It must include goods in the licence holder’s care, custody or control. |
A limit of exactly $5,000,000 meets the stated numerical minimum, but it does not establish that the whole policy complies. The entity name, consumer protection insurance and every listed liability category still need to be checked.
Read the policy’s PDS as well as its summary or schedule. If the wording does not clearly address an item, ask the insurer to confirm compliance with section 165. The ESO also directs applicants who are unsure to consult their insurer or broker.
How should I prepare for renewal or an audit?
Keep an audit-ready file containing the current policy and any written insurer confirmation. Before each application or renewal, match the policy’s legal entity name to the applying business and review the full checklist rather than looking only at the indemnity amount.
Electrical contractor licences are issued for one year, and maintaining eligibility requirements throughout that period is the licence holder’s responsibility. Keeping the insurance confirmation with the licensing records helps distinguish an ordinary renewal check from a later request for policy evidence.
If an audit asks for evidence, provide the requested policy copy or written insurer confirmation. If it is unclear which document will satisfy the request, contact the insurer before responding.
What should be checked before making the declaration?
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Before applying, renewing or responding to an audit, check the current ESO information on WorkSafe Queensland’s regulator page and read the policy’s PDS. The insurer or broker can clarify whether the wording meets section 165, but the declaration should not be based on an assumption that a $5,000,000 limit is sufficient by itself.
Sources
- Electrical contractor licences | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au — figures checked 1 October 2026.
FAQ
How often does the ESO audit electrical contractors?
The guidance describes audits as periodic but does not state a fixed interval.
Do I upload my insurance policy when applying or renewing?
No policy copy ordinarily needs to be provided with the application or renewal. You must provide policy details and declare that the insurer has confirmed compliance with the mandatory requirements.
Is a $5,000,000 indemnity policy enough on its own?
It meets the stated indemnity amount, but not necessarily the full insurance requirement. The legal entity name, $50,000 consumer protection insurance and all listed liability categories must also be covered.
What must I provide during an audit?
The guidance identifies two options: a copy of the insurance policy or written confirmation from the insurer.
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