Does Your Local Electrician is Licensed and Insured?
When it comes to electrical work in your home or business, safety is non-negotiable. Whether you’re dealing with a faulty power point, installing new lighting, or undergoing a full home renovation, you need an electrician who knows what he needs to do. That’s where hiring a local licensed electrician becomes crucial.
But how can you be sure that the person you're hiring is actually licensed and insured? In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to verify their credentials, explain why it’s so important, and help you avoid potential risks and costly mistakes.
Why Licensing and Insurance Matter?
1. Legal Requirements
In Australia, it is illegal for someone to carry out electrical work without a valid license. This applies to all types of electrical jobs, whether big or small. Licensed electricians have undergone proper training, passed examinations, and met all necessary safety and industry standards.
Hiring an unlicensed electrician not only puts your property and life at risk but can also lead to legal consequences. In many states, you can be fined for engaging someone who isn't properly certified.
2. Safety First
Electrical work, when done incorrectly, can be dangerous. Faulty wiring, poor installations, or low-quality repairs may result in electric shocks, fire hazards, or serious injury. A licensed electrician follows Australian safety standards and building codes to ensure the job is done correctly and securely.
3. Insurance Protection
If your electrician is not insured and unfortunately an accident happens on-site, you could be held financially responsible for property damage or injuries. Licensed electricians typically carry public liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect both themselves and their clients.
How to Verify If an Electrician is Licensed?
Step 1: Ask for Their License Number
Any legitimate local licensed electrician will be happy to provide their license number. This is the first step in confirming their credentials. You can also find this information on their website, business card, quote, or even on their vehicle signage.
If they hesitate or give excuses, that’s an immediate red flag for not to hire him or think twice before hiring him.
Step 2: Use the State’s License Register
Each state and territory in Australia has an official register where you can verify an electrician’s license. You can enter the license number or business name to check if it’s active, expired, or restricted in any way.
When verifying, ensure:
The license is currently active
The name matches the individual or business
The electrician is certified for residential or commercial work, as applicable
Step 3: Confirm Their Experience and Track Record
While licensing is essential, experience also plays a key role. Ask how long they’ve been in business, what kind of projects they handle, and whether they have a business website, client’s reviews or testimonials.
A reliable electrician will have a website for the track record of completed projects, positive customer feedback, and photos or case studies they can share.
How to Check If an Electrician is Insured
Step 1: Request a Certificate of Currency
The certificate of currency is a document that proves an electrician holds an active insurance policy. It will include:
The type of insurance
The name of the insurer
The validity dates
The amount of coverage
This is standard practice and a reputable electrician won’t hesitate to provide this on request.
Step 2: Check for the Right Types of Coverage
Here’s what your electrician should have:
Public Liability Insurance: Covers damage caused to your property or third parties due to the electrician’s work.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: If the electrician has staff, this protects them (and you) in case of worksite injuries.
Without this coverage, any accidents that happen on your property could fall back on you legally and financially.
Step 3: Call the Insurance Provider (If Needed)
Still unsure? You can contact the insurance company listed on the certificate to verify that the policy is active and legitimate.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not everyone who offers electrical work is properly licensed or insured. Here are some warning signs to help you steer clear of trouble:
No license number or documentation available
Willing to work for cash without an invoice
Quotes that are significantly cheaper than others
No business website or online reviews
High-pressure tactics or vague communication
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to walk away and find someone else.
The Benefits of Choosing a Local Licensed Electrician
Hiring a local licensed electrician offers more than just technical know-how — it also gives you access to local support, faster response times, and accountability.
Here’s what you gain:
Better Customer Service: Local electricians rely on reputation and referrals, so they’re more likely to deliver a positive experience.
Faster Turnaround: Need someone quickly? A local expert can often get to you faster than someone outside your area.
Ongoing Support: Whether it’s warranty issues or follow-up work, local electricians are easier to contact and work with long-term.
Choose Bitz Electrical — Your Trusted Local Licensed Electrician
At Bitz Electrical, we’re proud to be your trusted choice for professional, fully licensed, and insured electrical services. Whether it’s a small home repair or a large-scale commercial job, we put safety, quality, and customer satisfaction first.
We’re fully certified through Energy Safe Victoria, and our team is covered with public liability and workers’ compensation insurance — so you can have complete peace of mind.
We specialise in:
General electrical repairs
Lighting installations
Powerpoint upgrades
Switchboard upgrades
Home renovations and new builds
Want to verify our credentials? We’ll gladly provide our license number and insurance certificate upon request. That’s how confident we are in the quality of our work. Contact Bitz Electrical today for expert service you can trust.
Final Thoughts
Before you hire anyone to work on your electrical systems, make sure they’re both licensed and insured. This simple check can save you from legal headaches, expensive damages, and safety risks.
Remember, a local licensed electrician brings not just skill, but accountability and professionalism that protects your property and your loved ones.
So, next time you need an electrician, don’t just ask how much — ask if they’re licensed, insured, and experienced. It could make all the difference.