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Do I Need Building Insurance When Renovating?

Two construction workers using heavy tools to break up flooring during a building renovation.

When you're planning a renovation, it's really important to make sure you’ve got the right insurance in place. Renovation projects can be full of surprises — some good, and some not so good — like accidental damage, theft, or even liability issues if someone gets hurt. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard, especially if your regular home insurance doesn’t cover the work you’re doing.


Your standard home insurance might not cover major renovations, which could leave you exposed to some hefty costs if something goes wrong. That’s where renovation-specific insurance comes in handy. It’s designed to give you peace of mind by covering all the extra risks that come with building work, so you can focus on your project without worrying about what might happen if things don’t go as planned.


Types of Building Insurance for Renovation Projects

When it comes to building insurance during renovations, having the right type of cover is a big deal. Consider the risks of theft, damage, injury, or even burglary – what challenges does your project pose? That will help determine the level of cover you need.


There are several types of insurance you might need to consider, depending on the scope of your project:


Building Renovation Insurance: This goes beyond standard home insurance, covering accidental damage during renovations, like a contractor accidentally knocking down the wrong wall or a pipe bursting and flooding the place. Your building renovation insurance policy might not automatically cover everything listed below, and you might need to add certain options as extras. It’s always a good idea to double-check with your insurer to make sure you know exactly what’s included in your coverage.


Unoccupied Property Coverage: Unoccupied homes are particularly vulnerable to theft and vandalism. If your home is going to be empty for more than 30 days while work is being done, this insurance keeps you protected against risks like theft, vandalism, or fire.


Contents Insurance: This is especially handy if you’re leaving valuable items behind during the renovation. It ensures that your belongings are protected, even if the home is unoccupied for an extended period. Just be sure to let your insurer know you’re away and for how long. 


Public Liability Insurance: Protects you if someone gets injured on your property during the renovation — whether it’s a worker or a passerby. This can include covering medical bills for the injured party, as well as your legal costs. This cover is crucial to avoid serious legal and financial trouble, particularly if your contractor doesn’t have their own liability insurance.


Theft or Damage of Building Materials: Make sure your home insurance during renovations covers the theft or damage of tools, equipment, and materials stored on-site.

Tony Cunningham wearing a hard hat and holding blueprints, looking frustrated during a home renovation.

Tony Cunningham learned the hard way that not all insurance policies are created equal. During his recent project, a visitor to the site tripped on a loose piece of timber and injured his knee. Tony assumed his builder’s liability insurance would cover the costs, but he was in for a shock. It turned out that the builder had let their insurance lapse, and Tony's own standard home insurance policy didn’t cover public liability for renovations. This left him liable for not only thousands in medical bills but also legal fees that far exceeded those costs.


Many people, like Tony, assume that their contractors will have things covered when it comes to building insurance when renovating. Don’t get caught in this trap. Although your builder should have their own insurance, having comprehensive renovation building insurance means you’re covered from all angles, so you can focus on your project without worrying about what could go wrong.


Policy Benefits – What Does Your Renovation Building Insurance Offer?

Your standard home insurance policy will generally only cover minor renovations and DIY. That’s why specialised building insurance for renovations is important. This type of policy is tailored specifically to the unique risks that come with bigger renovation projects, so you’re getting coverage that’s built for the job at hand.


We’ve already listed some of the types of cover you can opt for in the previous section. But the benefits of building insurance when renovating go even further than that. Depending on your policy, one big advantage is the inclusion of legal expenses coverage. If a dispute arises with your contractor or neighbours due to the renovation, having your legal costs covered can be a huge relief. Another useful feature is the alternative accommodation benefit. If your home becomes uninhabitable during the renovation, your insurance may cover the cost of staying somewhere else, so you’re not left scrambling for a place to stay.


If you’re planning a big project for your home, investing in renovation-specific insurance is a smart move that offers a safety net, ensuring your property — and your finances — are protected throughout your project.


Selecting the Right Insurance Provider for Renovation Insurance

Close-up of an insurance claim form, often needed during building renovations.

Choosing the right home insurance provider is key to making sure you’re really fully covered during your renovation. Start by looking at reputation — a provider with good reviews and a solid track record is always a good place to start. It’s also very important to consider the coverage options. Make sure they offer comprehensive policies that include everything from accidental damage to liability coverage (depending on your specific needs).


Customer support is another factor that can’t be overlooked. You want a provider who’s easy to reach and ready to help if you need to make a claim. Using comparison websites like Comparethemarket, Confused.com, or Go Compare is a great way to weigh up your options. They let you compare different providers side by side, helping you find the best value and the most suitable coverage for your project.


When speaking to potential providers, don’t forget to ask about their claims process, any exclusions in their policies, and how they handle changes in coverage if your project scope evolves. Making an informed decision now can save you a lot of headaches down the line.


Policy Management: Protecting Your Investment in Renovation Insurance

Managing your insurance policy during renovations is a bit like keeping your project on track — it’s crucial to stay on top of things and foresee issues before they arise. First, make sure your coverage is continuous. If your renovation takes longer than expected, double-check that your policy doesn’t lapse midway. You don’t want to be caught out if something goes wrong!


When it comes to handling claims, keeping all your documentation organised will save you plenty of headaches. That includes receipts, contracts, and any communication with contractors. This makes the claims process smoother and quicker if you need to make one. It’s also a good idea to regularly update your insurer on the progress of the renovation, especially if the scope of work changes. By staying in touch, you can ensure that your policy adjusts as needed, keeping your coverage effective from start to finish.


Building Insurance When Renovating – Get It Right and Save on Worries

A building inspector in a hard hat pointing upwards during a renovation site inspection.

By choosing a reliable insurer and keeping your policy in check, you can focus on making your renovation dreams a reality without worrying about what might go wrong. Whether you’re planning small updates or big changes, getting the right cover is an investment in your peace of mind and the success of your renovation.


Getting the right building renovation insurance is one of the best ways to protect your home improvement project, right after picking the right builder. Comprehensive coverage keeps you safe from common risks like accidental damage, theft, and public liability issues. But the insurance conversation doesn’t end there! Once your renovations are finished, it’s important to get an updated rebuild cost assessment, since the value of your home (and its rebuild cost) has risen. This helps keep your home insurance accurate and up to date, so you’re fully covered in your new and improved home. Order yours from RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com today. 


Important disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. While we strive to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date, the content may not reflect the most current legal or regulatory developments, standards, or practices. No representations or warranties are made (express or implied) about the accuracy of the information provided, and reliance on this information is strictly at your own risk.


We do not offer financial advice and nothing within this content should be construed as such. We recommend consulting with a qualified professional who can provide tailored advice based on your individual circumstances before making any decisions related to insurance.


Please note that we are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and as such, are not qualified to provide specific financial or insurance advice. Please see our footer for further information about us, including our website terms of use, privacy policy and more.

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