When do I need Contract Works insurance?
If you’re doing alterations or renovations to your house you might be wondering if you’re covered by your normal house insurance policy.
Depending on the works involved you may need a Contract Works policy, also known as ‘construction insurance’ or ‘ builders all risks’ cover.
Who arranges the cover?
If you’re doing an alteration, renovation or work to your existing house, it’s generally your responsibility to arrange construction cover.
For a new build, full contract works cover is required, and is usually arranged by your builder.
Works that don’t require Contract Works cover
Cosmetic Renovations
If you are doing cosmetic renovations to your house (with no structural alterations) you don’t need a contract works policy. Generally your house insurance policy (including the initio house insurance policies) will cover damage that occurs during the works.
What is considered ‘Cosmetic Renovations’
Cosmetic renovations are work that doesn’t involve structural alterations or changes to the house. Cosmetic renovations that are covered by a standard house insurance policy include:
- Painting
- Installing new carpet
- Replacing a toilet
- Removing a non-load bearing walls
If you spill paint on your carpet while renovating, there’s cover to fix the stain. This is not considered structural construction related damage, so your standard house cover will respond.
Works that require Contract Works cover
Structural Alterations
If your work involves any structural alterations to your house, you will need a separate contract works policy to have cover for construction related losses to the existing house, and for the new work itself.
Your existing house insurance policy will stay in place to cover non-construction losses (e.g. an earthquake), and your new contract works policy will provide cover for damage to the:
a) New work (e.g. the new garage being built, or the new roof), and
b) Existing house for construction related risks (e.g. storm damage while roof repair is half complete)
A standard house insurance policy will not cover these risks.
What is considered ‘Structural Alterations’
Some examples of structural changes include:
- Re-roofing
- Building a new extension to the house
- Removing a load-bearing wall
- Re-cladding
It’s works that involve changes to the supporting parts of the house (e.g. bearing walls, beams or floor construction), or the weather tightness of the house (e.g. cladding and roofing). These require construction cover and a house insurance policy can’t be relied on to assist.
If you need contract works insurance, we’ve partnered with Builtin to offer you a suitable solution. Like initio, BuiltIn are underwritten by IAG so this means that you will have the same ultimate underwriter for the house and contract works risk, which is important.
Still unsure if your works are structural? Contact us and we will let you know, or contact your insurance company.
What if I do structural work but don’t get Contract Works cover?
Essentially you’re taking the risk of damage to the new works, and any construction related losses to your existing house not having cover.
This will only be covered by a contract works policy, and are excluded from your house insurance cover (see below).
Causes of loss not covered
You are not covered for loss to the home connected in any way with:
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- Structural additions or structural alterations, unless:
(a) We have been notified of the additions or alterations before hand and we have agreed in writing to cover this.
- Structural additions or structural alterations, unless:
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- Builder puts nail through water pipe, causing internal flooding.
- Blowtorch catches fire on wiring and house extension is fire damaged throughout.
- Builders were replacing roof, and strong storm winds ripped roofing off when it was half complete.
- Roof trusses collapse when builders removed load bearing wall
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Note that these all relate to the construction work, and cause damage to the contract site being the existing structure of the house.
Consider your Risks
It’s up to you to decide if you need contract works cover. While there’s always an element of risk with structural works, you might be happy not to have cover if you think the risk and severity of damage is low.
You should consider the price of contract works cover and the peace of mind provided. Premiums start at around $500 premium for a small project. The longer the works take, the more expensive the policy will be.
My builder has liability cover, why do I need contract works?
Most builders will have some form of their own liability insurance. Don’t be fooled – this is not a form of contract works insurance.
What does a builder’s Public Liability cover?
It covers them for accidental damage to other people’s property they are held liable for. For example, the builder walks in the house with paint on his shoes and damages carpet.
Note that a builder cannot be held liable for something they didn’t cause (unless they are grossly negligent). If an earthquake or storm damages your work, your builder will not be to blame.
Most public liability policies also exclude property being worked on. In most cases your house is the product (so it’s unlikely there’s cover if the builder causes damage).
The upshot is you shouldn’t rely on your builders public liability policy as an alternative to contract works insurance.
Disclaimer: This support article is a guide only. It is not intended as specific advice for your situation. It is general guidance only. Consult your insurer/provider if you have specific queries relevant to your specific situation.