The hidden risk in home renovations: why you might need building works insurance? 

Undertaking a building works project can be an exciting time, but have you considered what would happen if you had a home insurance claim during the works.

Picture the scene, you’ve spent months planning your dream home extension.  The builders are halfway through the works when, overnight, a storm rolls in and destroys the unfinished roof, damaging materials and putting the works back by several weeks with you left wondering who pays for the damage? 

Does your home insurance policy provide cover for building works insurance? 

Some home insurance policies will exclude contract works altogether, or over a maximum works limit, while others may impose strict terms which must be adhered to.  This means if something goes wrong mid-project, and you have not confirmed the terms of your policy, you could be left uninsured. 

Why do most insurers exclude, or restrict, terms during building works? 

During a works project your home is exposed to increased risks such as a fire breaking out due to hot works taking place, an escape of water occurring during plumbing works, storm damage if the property is exposed to the elements, theft if the property is unoccupied, accidental damage caused by multiple people moving in and out of the home. 

To ensure you are protected should the worst happen, you may require a specialist building works policy. 

What is a building works policy? 

A building works policy is a specialist type of cover designed to protect homeowners during renovation, extension or refurbishment building works projects.  Cover can be provided for the existing structure, the building works, materials and liability. 

What if my builder says they already have building works insurance? 

This is a commonly raised question however are you absolutely confident that the cover the builder has in place is adequate to protect the home in the event of a loss?  Contractors’ insurance will have varying limits of cover and restrictions which may put you at risk of not being covered.  If an incident occurred and you were not protected by the contactors insurance policy you could be left uninsured and forced to take legal action against the contractor to resolve the situation. 

How can Verlingue help you? 

At Verlingue we specialise in household insurance including bespoke building works cover.  Our team of experts are here to support and ensure you secure the right cover before your building works begin to give you peace of mind that your home is protected.  For further information please contact us on: 
 

Jon Bethell
Head of Private Clients
Jon.bethell@verlingue.co.uk
+44 (0) 7719 053584