Premiums depend on many risk factors including project cost, project type, rebuild values and duration. The premium reflects the risk and potential claims exposure of the project.

• Renovation 500: £500 (existing structures up to £450k rebuild cost and works up to £250k – 6 months max)

• Renovation 950: £950 (existing structures up to £450k rebuild cost and works up to £250k – 12 months max)

• Renovation Master: Starting at £1,000

All premiums include Insurance Premium Tax (IPT).

General contents insurance can be offered during works, subject to certain conditions and inner limits. Coverage excludes contents away from the premises, fine art, or jewellery.

Existing home insurers might provide more comprehensive contents cover during works, especially if the home is vacated during the contract period.

Yes – our policies cover sudden, unforeseen, accidental damage, and this is one of our most common claims.

No, our policy does not guarantee the work of the contractor, the quality of the work, or that the contractor will complete the work.

Defects are a contractual matter between you and the contractor. Works insurance does not guarantee the quality of the work, so defective property is not covered. Insurance covers sudden, unforeseen accidental damage so would cover damage to insured property which is defect free and is damaged by the defective property.

The standard insurance coverage may be extended under our Renovation Ultra policy to provide extended coverage for design defects. Please speak to your broker to find out more.

Relying solely on a contractor’s insurance means you lack control over the claims process. Claims can be complex, and any coverage gaps could leave you unprotected. By securing your own insurance, you maintain control and peace of mind. A JCT contract clarifies insurance responsibilities during the contract period; consult your architect to administer a JCT for you.

Contractors don’t always understand what insurance provision they have and how you will be paid if there is a problem during the works. Contractor’s often use the term ‘Fully Insured’ without understanding what you expect that to mean. If your contractor has simple Public and Employer’s Liability insurance, it won’t cover your home and it won’t cover the works being undertaken in the contract. Even if the contractor has works insurance, it still won’t cover your home. It is worth remembering that just because a contractor has insurance it doesn’t mean that their insurers will pay. Proving negligence against your contractor is very difficult and expensive.

No. If Renovation Underwriting provides a policy specifically for your works contract, it will be the primary insurance.

This depends on their individual requirements but typically, contractors should hold:

• Public Liability: For claims from non-employees.

• Employer’s Liability: If they have employees.

• Professional Indemnity: If they provide design services.

The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) produce contracts for construction projects. The contracts set out the responsibilities of all contracting parties, so it is understood what work is to be done, who is doing it, how long it is going to take and how much it is going to cost.

Crucially, the contracts also provide a framework for resolving any problems to minimise and prevent any delays, conflict or escalation to litigation.