Straightforward cover in minutes.
Own vacant land? You're still liable if someone gets hurt
Simple, affordable public liability insurance for landowners. Protect yourself from claims for injury or property damage on your vacant block: even if you’re not doing anything with it.
Who this is for?
This policy is designed for owners of vacant land including:
- Investors holding vacant blocks
- Developers waiting for approval
- Property owners between tenants
- Land bankers and speculators
- Farmers with vacant paddocks
- Estates with vacant property
- Anyone who owns undeveloped land
If you own land and someone could access it (legally or illegally), you need this cover.
Real scenarios
Where this cover protects you:
Scenario 1: The trespasser injury
Kids use your vacant block as a shortcut to school. One trips over rubble and breaks their leg. The parents sue you for failing to secure the site. Claim: $75,000.
What Vacant Land Liability covers: Legal defence costs, medical expenses, and compensation if you’re found liable.
Scenario 2: The fire spread
A grass fire starts on your vacant land and spreads to your neighbour’s property, destroying their fence and shed. They sue for property damage and clean-up costs—claim: $45,000.
What Vacant Land Liability covers: Property damage compensation, clean-up costs, and legal defence.
Scenario 3: The falling tree
A dead tree on your land falls during a storm, crushing a car parked on the neighbouring property. The owner claims you failed to maintain the land—claim: $35,000.
What Vacant Land Liability covers: Property damage, legal costs, and investigation fees to prove maintenance was adequate (or settlement if you’re liable).
Scenario 4: The illegal dumping consequence
Someone dumps asbestos on your land. Before you discover it, it blows onto neighbouring properties. Multiple claims follow—total claims: $120,000.
What Vacant Land Liability covers: Clean-up costs (on neighbouring properties), compensation payments, and legal defence against multiple claimants.
What's covered
Undertsanding your cover
✓ Public liability
Claims for injury or property damage arising from your ownership of the land.
✓ Trespass incidents
Injuries to people who enter your land without permission
✓ Property damage
Damage to neighbouring properties caused by conditions on your land
✓ Natural hazards
Claims from falling trees, grass fires, or landslides
✓ Legal defence costs
We pay your lawyers even if the claim is groundless
✓ Australia-wide cover
Protection anywhere in Australia
What's not covered
Knowing the limits
✗ Construction activities
If you’re building or developing, you need Contract Works Insurance.
✗ Deliberate acts
Intentional damage or illegal activity.
✗ Pollution
Pre-existing contamination (unless you disclosed it).
✗ Business activities
If you’re using the land for business (farming, storage, etc.), you need different cover.
✗ Employee injuries
Workers’ Compensation is required if you have employees working on the land
How to claim
If something happens:
1. Report the incident
There are three ways you can log the claim:
- Log it online
- Email claims@withpocket.com.au
- Call 1300 475 092
You must do this within 60 days of becoming aware of an incident or potential claim.
2. Don’t admit fault
Don’t offer to pay for damages or admit liability. Let the insurer investigate.
3. Document the scene
Take photos of:
- The incident location
- Your land condition
- Any safety measures you had in place
- Damage to neighbouring property (if relevant)
4. Provide evidence
Send us:
- Land title and ownership proof
- Council correspondence (if any)
- Maintenance records
Warning signs or fencing (if present)
5. We handle the claim
Pocket will communicate with the underwriters, work with lawyers, investigators, and experts to resolve the claim.
Get covered now
Answer 4 quick questions. Get an instant quote. Bind online.
- Quote takes: 2 minutes
- Certificate issued: Instantly upon payment
- Coverage starts: Immediately (or future date of your choice)
Frequently asked questions
Get your answers to Vacant Land Liability questions here
Do I really need insurance if the land is just sitting there?
Yes. Australian law holds landowners responsible for injuries or damage arising from their property—even if you’re not actively using it. If someone trespasses and gets hurt, you could be liable.
What if I have "No Trespassing" signs?
I'm planning to develop soon. Is this the right cover?
Does this cover me if I occasionally mow or maintain the land?
What if the land is in a bushfire zone?
Still not sure?
Get in touch and we can help you.
Planning to develop?
If you’re about to start construction, you’ll need Contract Works Insurance instead. If you’re not sure when construction begins, speak to a broker: we can advise on the right timing to switch policies.