Home Renovation Insurance
Specialist contract works cover that protects your existing property and your renovation project — because standard home insurance typically excludes building works.
Why Renovation Projects Need Specialist Cover
Home renovations introduce risks that standard household policies were never designed to handle. From structural exposure during building works to materials stored on site, the potential for loss is significant — and often uninsured.
Your Home Insurance May Not Respond
Most standard home insurance policies contain exclusions for damage arising from or during building works. Once scaffolding goes up or walls come down, your existing cover may be void or significantly restricted. A fire, storm, or flood during a renovation could leave you without a valid claim on your household policy.
Contractor Insurance Has Limits
Your builder's insurance typically covers their own work and their liability — not damage to your existing structure. If a contractor accidentally damages your property's original fabric, their policy may not cover the full reinstatement cost, and you could face a shortfall that falls squarely on you.
What Does Contract Works Insurance Cover?
A comprehensive contract works policy protects both your existing property and the new works throughout the duration of the project.
Existing Structure
Cover for damage to your current property caused by or during the renovation works. This includes fire, storm, flood, subsidence, and accidental damage to the original building fabric — risks your standard home policy is likely to exclude once work begins.
The Works
Protection for the new construction, alterations, and improvements from the moment work commences until practical completion. Cover applies to all permanent and temporary works forming part of the contract, including foundations, steelwork, and finishes.
Materials on Site
Cover for building materials, fixtures, and fittings stored on site or in transit to the property. Theft, fire, and weather damage to materials awaiting installation are all included, preventing costly delays and replacement expenses.
Temporary Structures
Protection for scaffolding, temporary supports, site huts, and other temporary works necessary for the project. Damage or collapse of these structures — and any resulting damage to the property — is covered.
Public Liability
Cover for legal liability to third parties — neighbours, visitors, or passers-by — for injury or property damage arising from the renovation works. Essential protection given the increased risks during any building project.
Professional Fees
Architects', surveyors', and engineers' fees incurred in the reinstatement of damage are included. If an insured event requires redesign or additional professional input, these costs are covered within the policy.
How to Arrange Cover
Arranging contract works insurance is straightforward. We handle the process so you can focus on your project.
1. Share Your Project Details
Provide us with the project scope, estimated contract value (including VAT and professional fees), anticipated start and completion dates, and details of your existing property. We will also review your current home insurance to identify any gaps.
2. Receive a Tailored Quotation
We approach specialist insurers experienced in residential contract works to obtain competitive terms. Your quotation will clearly set out the cover provided, any conditions, and the premium — with no hidden costs or surprises.
3. Cover in Place Before Work Begins
Once accepted, your policy is active from the agreed start date and runs until practical completion. If your project overruns, we can arrange extensions. Throughout the build, our team is available to assist with any queries or claims.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need home renovation insurance?
You should arrange contract works insurance before any significant building work begins — including extensions, loft conversions, basement excavations, structural alterations, or full refurbishments. Even smaller projects such as a new kitchen or bathroom can fall outside the scope of standard home insurance if they involve structural changes or exceed a certain value.
What happens if my contractor's insurance is insufficient?
If your contractor's policy has inadequate limits, restrictive exclusions, or lapses during the project, you could be left personally liable for damage to the existing structure, injuries to third parties, or the cost of replacing defective work. A standalone contract works policy in your name ensures you are protected regardless of your contractor's insurance position.
Are there project value limits?
Contract works policies can be arranged for projects ranging from £50,000 to several million pounds. The sum insured should reflect the full contract value including materials, labour, VAT, and professional fees. We work with specialist insurers who can accommodate large or complex residential projects.
Does my standard home insurance cover renovation works?
In most cases, no. Standard home insurance policies typically exclude or severely limit cover once building works commence. Many policies contain conditions requiring you to notify the insurer before work begins, and failure to do so could void your entire home insurance. It is essential to check your existing policy and arrange appropriate contract works cover.
Get the right cover
Speak to one of our expert brokers for a free, no-obligation quote.