Face painting insurance Australia: How to get insured without joining an association
Face painting may look like a fun gig from the outside, but put a brush near a wiggly five-year-old’s eye, work a muddy outdoor market on a hot Saturday, or show up to a corporate event without proof of cover, and the risks grow fast.
If you’re an Australian face painter working children’s parties, school fetes, markets, or festivals; public liability insurance is one of the most practical things you can have in your kit bag. Unlike many face painters working internationally, you don’t need to join an association or pay annual membership dues to get insured in Australia.
Why do face painters need public liability insurance?
Face painting is hands on, close contact work in unpredictable environments. Here are just a few risk scenarios face painters are exposed to.
Accidental eye injury: A child moves suddenly while you’re applying paint near the eye. A brush tip makes contact. Even a minor incident can escalate quickly, and if a parent decides to pursue a claim, you’re personally liable as a sole trader.
Allergic skin reactions: Even professional-grade, cosmetic-approved face paints can trigger reactions in children with sensitive skin or undisclosed allergies. If a parent claims their child had an adverse reaction to your product or application, that complaint will land on you.
Slips, trips, and falls at your setup: You’re working at an outdoor market with a power cable running to a fan or UV light and someone trips. Or a child knocks over your water cup and another person slips on the mess. Public liability insurance covers third-party personal injury and property damage claims that arise from your business activities.
Losing a booking because you can’t prove cover: Market organisers and event venues are increasingly asking for a certificate of currency before confirming your spot. No insurance, no booking.
None of these scenarios are farfetched. They’re the everyday realities of running a face painting business, even part time.
How a performers policy with AUZi Insurance works for face painters
AUZi Insurance covers face painters under the performers public liability policy. This is an occupation specific policy built around what performers and entertainers actually do, not a generic small business template.
What you need to know about your policy with AUZi Insurance
Cover period options: The policy offers short period options including 30-day, 3-month, and 12-month terms. If you only work weekends in summer, or you take on a run of school holiday bookings and then step back, a shorter term can suit your schedule better than a full annual policy.
Solo performers: The policy covers solo performers.Â
Certificate of currency: When a market organiser or event venue asks for proof of cover before confirming your booking, you can download your certificate of currency directly from your MyAUZi account at any time. No hold music, and no waiting for a broker to email it through
Do face painters legally need insurance in Australia?
There’s no national law in Australia that requires face painters to hold public liability insurance. However, many markets, festivals, and event venues require proof of cover as a condition of your booking. Schools and council events often have the same requirement. And if you’re a sole trader and someone makes a claim against you, your personal assets are exposed without insurance in place.
For most face painters, the practical answer is yes, you need Liability insurance, even if the law doesn’t say so.
What if you only do a few gigs a year?
This is one of the most common questions from face painters who treat it as a side hustle or seasonal income. The short period options on the performers policy exist precisely for this situation. You’re not forced into a 12-month commitment if your work is occasional or seasonal.
Get a quote, select the term that matches your work pattern, and you’re covered for that period. If your schedule changes, your MyAUZi account lets you manage your policy without having to call anyone.
Getting covered as a face painter
Head to the AUZi Performers public liability page, select your occupation, answer the questions honestly about what you do and where you work, and get a quote. If you’re happy with it, select the Buy Now button and follow the prompts. You can be insured within minutes and download your certificate of currency immediately.
AUZi’s licensed brokers are available by phone and email if you have questions about your policy before you commit. Otherwise, you don’t need to speak to anyone to get covered.
No law requires it, but many markets, schools, councils, and event venues won’t confirm your booking without proof of cover. As a sole trader, you’re also personally liable for any claims made against your business, which makes insurance a practical necessity even without a legal mandate.
Public liability insurance can cover third party personal injury claims, which may include allergic reactions to products you apply. The exact scope depends on your policy wording and the details you provide at quote time. If you use specific paint brands or regularly work with clients who have known sensitivities, mention that context when you get your quote.
AUZi Insurance’s performers policy offers short period options including 30 days, rather than a single day cover. Once you’re covered, you can download your certificate of currency directly from your MyAUZi account whenever a market organiser or venue requests it. The shortest available term for your situation will be clear at quote time.
No. AUZi’s performers policy is a standalone cover, with no association membership required. You pay for insurance, not membership dues.
Yes, the policy automatically includes your face and body painting at events, private bookings, and kids’ birthday parties.
Face painting is a real business, even when it feels like a fun weekend gig. A single claim, a cancelled booking, or an event organiser’s insurance requirement can change that quickly. Get covered before your next event at auzi.com/portal/performers-public-liability.