Home Insurance - Self build insurance

Self build insurance

Self build insurance is designed to cover those choosing the option of purchasing land and setting about the construction of their own home.

Building a brand new home yourself can be a minefield when it comes to insurance, so specialist cover with a number of possible add-ons will take into consideration a wealth of potential hazards. These include:

• Public liability insurance – standard for most self employed people, as this will cover the self-builder against claims made from members of the public that allege to be affected by the build/project.
• Employer’s liability insurance – this cover protects the self-builder against on-site injury claims from any friends, contractors or volunteers whom you have asked to work on the project.
• Further liability insurance – will protect the self-builder against any third party injury whilst working on the project or the self-builder against accidents that could incapacitate and put the project on hiatus (ie. personal accident cover).
• Contractors All Risks (CAR) - this covers the actual building work and materials used in the structure and also covers the tools, equipment and materials whilst 'in transit'.
• Structural warranty – similar to above, but will protect the project against any future faults due to the architecture, workmanship or materials.
• Legal disputes – will cover legal expenses for the self-builder regarding any disagreements with contractors or suppliers involved with the project. It can also speed up disputes over materials or work deemed unsatisfactory for the project.
• Existing structures - this will ensure the lenders interest is noted.