Building your own home is exciting, and complicated. Self-build insurance protects the money, materials and people involved while your project is on site. Below is a ready-to-publish web page you can use or adapt for your site. It’s written in a friendly, approachable tone and avoids mentioning any specific provider or product names.
A self-build site is vulnerable: materials are stored on site, the structure is exposed to the elements during construction, and there are more people, tools and vehicles around than a normal home. Self-build insurance fills gaps that ordinary household or contractor policies may leave open, helping protect you financially if something goes wrong.
cover for the new works, materials, fixtures and fittings while the project is underway.
for renovation, extension or conversion projects to protect the parts of the building already in place.
protects you if a member of the public is injured on site or their property is damaged.
necessary if you directly employ tradespeople.
cover for owned or hired equipment, from excavators to hand tools.
temporary accommodation, site huts/caravans, hired-in plant, and more depending on the project.
This covers the value of the building works, materials and fixtures while your project is in progress. It’s designed to protect against common on-site risks such as theft (a major risk on small sites), fire, storm damage and accidental damage while the property is not yet weatherproof.
Why it’s important: contractors’ insurance won’t necessarily protect materials you bought in your own name, and their limits may not be sufficient for your project.
If you’re working on an existing building, this cover protects the structure as work is carried out. Many household insurance policies restrict or remove cover while structural work is being done, so specialist cover is usually required.
Self-builders are responsible for their plot and site. Public liability protects you if a visitor, neighbour or member of the public is injured, or if you cause damage to third-party property (for example, accidentally damaging a utility line).
If you directly employ tradespeople (not subcontracted through the contractor), employers’ liability cover is essential. It protects you against claims if an employee is injured while working on site.
Covers damage to or theft of items you own and, if required, hired-in plant. This can include everything from powered plant to hand tools. Be clear whether cover applies only while items are on site, in transit, or also while stored off-site.
Consider additional covers depending on the complexity and location of your build:
Yes, contractor policies may not cover materials bought in your name, and their liability limits or excesses may not be suitable for your project.
Typically no. Many household policies restrict cover for structural works and may reduce or cancel cover if significant works are underway.
If you’re borrowing during construction, lenders usually require proof of suitable insurance before releasing funds. Check with your lender for their exact requirements.
Choose a policy that allows extensions or provides clear instructions for extending cover. Notify your insurer as soon as delays become apparent.
Notify your insurer or broker promptly and follow their guidance.
Keep records of all communications, invoices and receipts.
If theft or malicious damage is involved, report to the police and obtain a crime reference.
Preserve evidence where safe to do so (photographs, damaged items) to support your claim.
If you’d like a tailored review of the insurance you need for your self-build, The Yorkshire Broker, for a no-obligation chat, we’ll walk through your project stage by stage and recommend the cover options that fit your risks and budget.
Call us on 01924 929070 today to discuss Made at Home Insurance.
Speak to a member of our dedicated team
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