Do you do CTP/Green Slips?

Yes - we are authorised agents of QBE and Allianz in relation to CTP/Green Slips in NSW.

As a start-up business, what cover do I need?

This depends on the type of business you are in. New insurance policies are being developed constantly as the world and the risks you face change. DKG Insurance Brokers undertake regular training and remain abreast of all developments within the industry, so they are well placed to regularly review your risk areas and advise accordingly.

How do I obtain a quote and how long does this take?

The duration of an insurance policy can vary depending on several factors, including the type of insurance, the insurer's processes and the specific terms and conditions of the policy. Typically, insurance policies can be issued and activated within a few days to a few weeks. However, more complex policies or those requiring additional underwriting may take longer to process.

Why should I use a broker instead of going direct with an insurance company?

As insurance brokers, our priority is to represent your interests at all times and to provide you with professional guidance in everything pertaining to your insurance in a market that is forever changing in premiums, product availability and policy conditions. Our team of Qualified Practising Insurance Brokers is trained to understand the differences between various policies and is often able to negotiate premiums that aren't available to you. In fact, some insurance policies are only available through intermediaries such as brokers. Our role as brokers is to source the most appropriate policies for your circumstances and to advise on the various areas of risk for you or your company.

What is a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)?

A Product Disclosure Statement or PDS should be provided to retail clients prior to them making a decision to purchase an insurance policy. The PDS is issued by the insurer and highlights significant information about the policy of which you should be aware. This includes information about the insurer, significant benefits and features, things that are not covered, significant risks and other important information. You should carefully read the PDS prior to making a decision about purchasing an insurance policy.

What is a Financial Services Guide (FSG)?

A Financial Services Guide (FSG) must be given to a potential client by a licensee (or an Authorised Representative) as soon as practicable. It sets out information in relation to how we do business such as documenting the standard basis on which we act for the client; providing all statutory notices; other information required by law (e.g. how we get paid); and explaining how we will handle a client’s business.

Business Insurance Gaps: What Small Businesses Miss

Name: DKG Insurance Brokers
Address: Level 3, Suite 10/345 Pacific Hwy, site_locality, NSW, 2060, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9929 7299
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 5.0/5

Posted on: 19 November 2025

Asset Protection

Business Insurance

Cyber Insurance

Insurance Risk Management

Property Insurance

By Kylie Cook and Jane Whitehead

Why a proper insurance structure matters more than you think

Small business insurance shouldn’t be complicated, but it often is. Not because the products are difficult to understand, but because the way businesses operate today doesn’t always match the way their insurance is structured.

For businesses operating from home, using personal vehicles for work or relying on specialised tools and equipment, getting the structure right matters. The difference between adequate protection and a declined claim often comes down to whether your policy reflects how your business works.

Working from home creates different risks

Running a business from home doesn’t mean your home and contents policy covers your business activities. The moment customers visit your premises for work purposes, you need public liability insurance. Standard home policies don’t extend to commercial visitors and business equipment like laptops, printers, tools and stock used for work are typically excluded from home contents cover.

“Business interruption cover is essential,” says Kylie Cook, SME Account Manager. “It’s not just about replacing a computer. It’s about protecting your income while you’re unable to operate.”

Using your car for work changes everything

Many small business owners use their personal vehicle for work without realising their insurance doesn’t cover commercial use. Delivering products, visiting customers or transporting equipment all constitute business use and personal motor policies are underwritten for private use. When you introduce commercial activity, you need commercial motor insurance.

“We regularly see claims declined because the vehicle was being used for business purposes,” Jane Whitehead, Commercial Broker, explains. “Getting the classification right from the start prevents problems later.”

Misclassified claims create additional issues. When claims are filed incorrectly, under third party rather than workers compensation for example, it affects your risk profile and future premiums.

Cyber threats target small businesses

Cybercrime is no longer confined to large corporations. Small businesses are frequently targeted because they often have fewer protections in place. Invoice fraud has become particularly common, with scammers intercepting legitimate invoices and changing bank details to redirect payments.

“Small businesses can lose significant amounts through cyber fraud,” says Jane. “Many don’t realise cyber insurance is available or that they need it.”

Cyber cover can be included in a business pack or arranged separately depending on your risk exposure. Whether you handle customer data, process payments or rely on digital systems to operate, cyber protection has become fundamental.

Cybercrime affects organisations of all sizes. If you use email or any device connected to the internet, you’re exposed. Smaller businesses are often targeted because they have fewer security resources. More than 80% of cyber-attacks start with human error and 76% begin with phishing. Cyber insurance is now relatively inexpensive; for a few hundred dollars, most SMEs can access cover that includes monitoring and early detection tools and training modules at no additional costs

Business packs need proper customisation

Business insurance packages typically offer around ten coverage sections including theft, property damage, public liability and office contents. We work with you to select the sections relevant to your operations, creating a tailored solution.

The effectiveness of a business pack depends on accurate risk assessment. “The policy needs to reflect how your business operates today,” Kylie explains. “Not how it operated when you started or how you think it might operate in future.”

Separating business and personal assets is essential. Business equipment should sit under business cover, not home contents. This approach protects your personal claims history and often provides more appropriate cover at a better price.

Tools need specific protection

For tradespeople, tools represent both capital investment and income generating capacity. Despite this, tool theft remains one of the most underinsured risks in small business. Tools stolen from worksites or vehicles are excluded from standard home contents policies, which is where general property insurance provides specific coverage for tools and equipment, often with Australia wide protection.

“General property cover is designed for exactly this exposure,” Kylie notes. “It often costs less than adding tools to a business pack and provides broader protection.”

Keeping tools under appropriate business cover rather than home insurance prevents complications when claims occur and maintains proper separation between personal and commercial assets.

Some risks require separate policies

Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance sits outside standard business packs. It protects your business if a client suffers or alleges financial loss due to negligent advice, design mistakes or professional services you’ve provided. Many PI claims are based on allegations rather than proven faults but defending them is costly. A PI policy covers legal defence expenses and gives you access to experienced panel solicitors through your insurer.

“The distinction isn’t always clear,” says Kylie. “Tradespeople performing manual work typically rely on public liability. When they provide advice, recommendations or design input, PI becomes necessary.”

Management Liability addresses different exposures entirely. It protects business owners and directors from claims related to employment practices, governance and compliance. As businesses grow, these risks become more significant. These policies complement a business pack rather than replacing it, addressing exposures that standard packages don’t cover.

Regular reviews maintain alignment

Effective insurance advice starts with understanding how a business operates. What premises do you use? How are vehicles used? What equipment is essential? What data do you hold? Detailed conversations about operations reveal risks that generic questionnaires miss and ensure your cover evolves as your business changes.

“Insurance isn’t something you set up once and forget,” Jane emphasises. “Businesses change constantly. Your cover needs to keep pace.”

Regular policy reviews help identify gaps, remove redundant cover and ensure you’re paying for protection that matches your actual risk exposure.

Coming soon

Over the coming months, we’ll explore each of these topics through dedicated articles on working from home cover, commercial vehicle insurance, cyber protection, tools of trade insurance and PI requirements.

Follow DKG Insurance Brokers on LinkedIn to access these insights as they’re published, along with updates on regulatory changes and practical risk management guidance.

Stay informed

Next steps

At DKG Insurance Brokers, we don’t avoid hard-to-place assets. We navigate them. With expertise, persistence and trusted relationships, we turn risk complexity into coverage confidence.

Contact Kylie, Jane and the DKG team to arrange a comprehensive policy review on 1800 252 926 or email us at insurance@dkg.com.au. We’ll assess whether your current cover aligns with how your business operates and identify any structural gaps or opportunities for improvement.

Book an appointment