It covers your existing structure, the value of your contract works, loss, damage and theft of unfixed building materials, public liability and optional extras such as hired or owned plant and machinery, contents and Non-Negligence. This can be tailored to your project’s specific needs, as not one renovation is the same. Most importantly it offers you peace of mind that your asset is protected in the event of any damage being caused.

Contractors All Risks Policies tend to have a ‘contract works’ section. This section of their policy allows them to insure materials, fittings and the works in progress on behalf of their client. In some cases it is possible to rely on this cover, but it will never be possible for the contractor to insure your existing structure, so the homeowner will still need to arrange buildings cover. The appetite for buildings cover whilst the property is undergoing renovation is extremely limited and the cover you may find will more often than not be limited to damage caused by Fire, Lightning, Earthquakes, and Explosion only, and at a hefty premium! Going down this route presents the following difficulties. There will be two insurers involved which means there is the risk of dispute between two insurers. The homeowner will not have full control of insurance arrangements, which means if the contractor goes bust, walks off-site or fails to pay their own premium, ongoing cover is not guaranteed. Damage caused by the contractor will not be covered under the homeowners buildings policy, which means you will be forced to pursue the contractors liability insurers which may be time-consuming and frustrating! You have to remember the ‘contractors works’ insurance is not designed for your specific project. It’s available for all projects the contractor is involved in during that policy period.

In simple terms, JCT Contracts outline the whole process of a building project. This outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved and what each of the parties obligations are. This keeps it very clear with regards to what work needs to be done, who is doing what, when they are doing it, and what the agreed costs are. The JCT Contract outlines the type of Insurance that is needed for the project, this is where we can help to ensure you have the right cover in place to protect your asset and make sure you are complying with the insurance terms in your JCT contract.

Joint names insurance is most commonly required where renovation, extensions or restorations are being carried out on a domestic property. This is normally taken out by the property owner to cover the existing structure and the contract works, with the contractor named as a joint insured on the policy. This provides ultimate protection and peace of mind throughout the building works. The main benefit of joint names insurance for the property owner is that it leaves you in control of the insurance arrangements. You have no control over the contractor’s own insurance. If they have not disclosed all material facts to their insurers, or they miss a payment resulting in their policy being canceled this would leave you vulnerable in the event of a claim needing to be made under their policy.

Non-Negligence Insurance, (also know as Party Wall Insurance) offers the property owner protection against ground movement causing damage to third-party properties which is not caused by the contractor’s negligence. When things go wrong during a renovation project usually the contractor is found to be negligent, wherever its an accident, poor workmanship, faulty equipment, or defective materials. But what if the contractor cannot be held negligent for the damage caused? This is where non-Negligence Insurance comes in and protects you as the property owner when the contractor’s liability insurance policy does not. This is typically recommended to the homeowner when you are carrying out building works near the party wall, if you are underpinning, piling or carrying out basement excavations.

Yes. We have access to insurers who cater for all contractual arrangements, from a ‘shake of hands’ informal agreement to bespoke contracts produced by the contractor, as well as generic or ‘off the shelf’ contracts. the same level of cover will be offered to ensure you have the most protection.