New Zealandcontractor insurance & bonding requirements
Updated April 2026 · Source: LBP + ACC Accredited Employers Programme
Minimum requirements
- General liability
- $2,000,000
- Auto liability
- $1,000,000
- Workers' comp
- Required for crews
Licensed general contractors in New Zealandcarry commercial insurance so that if a crew member gets injured on-site, a homeowner's appliance is damaged during demo, or a neighboring property suffers an impact from construction, the contractor's policy (not the homeowner's) pays the claim. AskBaily does not match homeowners to contractors below these minimums.
ACC workers-comp mandatory. LBP license required for restricted building work.
Common questions
What insurance does a New Zealand general contractor need?
A New Zealand general contractor needs at minimum $2,000,000 general liability coverage plus $1,000,000 auto liability. Workers' compensation insurance is required for crews. Per LBP + ACC Accredited Employers Programme.
How much is the surety bond for New Zealand contractors?
New Zealand does not require a state-level surety bond for general contractors. ACC workers-comp mandatory. LBP license required for restricted building work.
Who is the licensing authority in New Zealand?
LBP + ACC Accredited Employers Programme is the authority for New Zealand contractor oversight. Public license lookup is available at https://www.lbp.govt.nz/.
How does AskBaily verify contractors in New Zealand?
AskBaily runs automated verification against LBP + ACC Accredited Employers Programme before a contractor is matched to a homeowner project. The pro's license number is validated live at signup.
What happens if a contractor doesn't carry the required insurance?
Underinsured contractors are removed from the AskBaily match pool immediately. A homeowner who hires an unlicensed or underinsured contractor in New Zealand can lose the right to mechanic's lien protection, may be held liable for on-site injuries, and forfeits protection under LBP + ACC Accredited Employers Programme. That's why AskBaily's policy is to match only verified pros.
AskBaily cities in New Zealand
Homeowners in these cities can chat with Baily today; matched pros must meet the requirements above.
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