Self-build insurance
Building your own home needs its own insurance. Standard home insurance doesn't cover construction projects. Self-build insurance protects the materials, works and liabilities from the moment you break ground until you move in — and most mortgage lenders require it before they'll release funds.
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Fast, specialist cover for your project
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Self-build insurance · Protect your dream home project · 0208 909 2899
Self-build insurance for every builder
Whether you're a first-time self-builder or a seasoned developer, we have cover that matches your needs and experience.
First-Time Self-Builders
Specialist cover and expert guidance to protect your dream home project from start to finish.
Experienced Self-Builders
Specialist policies tailored to repeat developers with flexible stage payment options and proven claims support.
Conversion & Renovation Projects
Dedicated cover for converting listed buildings, barn conversions, and major renovation works.
Six essential covers for your project
Self-build insurance combines multiple cover types to protect your site, works, liabilities and professional interests.
Contract Works (All Risks)
Full protection for materials, plant and completed works on site from damage, theft or loss.
Public Liability
Coverage for accidental injury to third parties and property damage caused by your construction activities.
Employers Liability
Statutory cover for hired workers and contractors — required by law if employing staff on site.
Plant & Tools
Protection for equipment, scaffolding, temporary structures and site fixtures against damage or theft.
Professional Fees
Covers architectural and surveyor fees in the event of insurable loss or claim disputes.
Structural Warranty
Long-term defects cover (typically 10 years) providing peace of mind and mortgage lender compliance.
Self-build specialists with proven claims support
We understand construction projects inside out. Our specialist brokers have handled thousands of claims and know exactly how to protect your investment.
Self-Build Specialists
Dedicated team with decades of self-build insurance experience. We speak your language.
Mortgage Compliant
All our policies meet major lender requirements. We'll provide documentation your bank needs upfront.
Stage Payment Cover
Release insurance cover as your build progresses. Pay for protection only when you need it.
Claims Support
Claims support from experienced brokers. We guide you through every step of the process.
Self-build insurance explained
Answers to the most common questions our customers ask.
Self-build insurance covers the works and materials on site, public liability, and employers’ liability if you employ anyone, with options for your own and hired tools and plant. It protects you from the start of work until the home is finished. A structural warranty is a separate product, but we can arrange one alongside.
Yes, most lenders require self-build insurance (specifically contract works and public liability) before releasing mortgage funds. Some also require a structural warranty as part of the mortgage offer. We can provide documents for your lender once cover is in place.
DIY or owner-builder cover is for self-builders who are managing and partly carrying out the work themselves. Contractor cover is for professionals hired to execute the build. Both are available under self-build insurance, though contractors may require proof of experience and references. We'll advise which is right for your project.
Contract works and liability cover runs for the duration of your build — typically 12–36 months depending on project scope. Some policies allow extensions if work overruns. A structural warranty usually lasts 10 years after practical completion, protecting you and future owners from significant defects.
A structural warranty (typically 10-year cover) protects against major defects in the structure, design and workmanship of your building. It covers remedial costs and loss of value, and is often a mortgage lender requirement. Cover can typically be transferred to future owners, adding value when you sell.
Usually, yes. Your contractor’s policy protects their business, not necessarily your build or your interest in it. Many self-builders insure the site in their own name, and lenders often require it. We can check what your contractor’s cover includes before you decide.
Yes. Conversions and major renovations can be insured under a self-build or renovation policy that covers the existing structure as well as the new work. Tell us what is there now and what you are changing, and we will match the cover to the project.
Ready to protect your project?
Get a specialist self-build quote within the hour. Our team is ready to guide you through cover options and answer all your questions.