Many self-build insurance policies include accidental damage cover or offer it as an optional extra. This can protect your project if materials, fixtures or partially completed works are accidentally damaged during construction

Yes, most comprehensive self-build insurance policies cover fire damage to the building works, existing structures (if any) and stored building materials

Yes, most policies include protection against flooding, heavy rainfall and escape of water. Sites in high flood-risk areas may be subject to higher premiums, increased excesses or additional underwriting conditions

Yes.  Vandalism and malicious damage are usually covered, provided reasonable security measures are in place

Yes, lots of insurers cover DIY self-build projects, though they’ll want to know which work you’ll complete yourself and which will be carried out by qualified contractors.  Gas, unvented plumbing, and electrical work must be completed by certified individuals to automatically pass building regulations

Some insurers offer optional cover for financial losses caused by insured events that delay construction, such as fire or storm damage.  Delays caused by poor weather, contractor shortages or planning issues aren’t usually covered

Cover for owned or hired tools, plant and equipment used on-site is usually an optional extra

Yes, policies can now cover renewable energy systems being installed as part of the build. Items that can be covered include solar panels, heat pumps, battery electric storage systems (BESS), and ground and air source pumps.  Cover usually begins during installation and continues until completion

Yes, most cover the theft of materials such as bricks, timber, roofing materials, windows and plumbing supplies, provided they are stored securely and any policy conditions are met

Yes, most insurers allow policies to be extended if your project overruns.  You will need to contact your broker before the policy expires to maintain continuous cover

Yes, comprehensive policies include professional fees incurred after an insured loss.  This can include architects’, surveyors’ and consulting engineers’ fees needed to rebuild or repair the property

Yes, so long as you’ve purchased a partially completed project or taken over an existing build.  Insurers can then provide cover following an assessment of the partially completed structure

Damage caused by an insured event, such as fire, may be covered, but poor workmanship or defective work is generally excluded.  Contractors should have their own public liability insurance

If your policy includes public liability insurance, it can protect you if a visitor or a member of the public suffers injury or property damage because of your project.  If an employee is injured or their property is damaged, employers’ liability insurance will serve the same purpose 

Yes, once it’s completed, signed off by Building Control and occupied, you can replace it with home insurance 

Not usually, as it only covers the construction stage rather than structural defects that emerge after the building has been completed. To protect against structural defects in a finished property, you need a self-build structural warranty

Yes, your mortgage provider will likely insist upon it

Yes, it protects scaffolding against physical loss or damage from fire, theft, vandalism, and extreme weather, as well as providing liability protection if an incident occurs

Yes, but you will need land liability cover or farm insurance to properly cover the risks of construction on a rural property