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Does home insurance cover a house under renovation?

Not automatically. Most home policies restrict or exclude cover during structural works or where the house is unoccupied for an extended period. You must notify your insurer before works start and arrange the appropriate endorsement or a separate renovation policy.

Failing to notify the insurer can void the policy entirely, including for a loss unrelated to the works. A short email is not enough — get written confirmation of the endorsement and any conditions attached.

Insurers commonly impose conditions during works, such as limits on the value of works, requirements around hot works, security measures and periodic inspection of an unoccupied property.

Tell the insurer

  • The nature and value of the works
  • Whether the property will be unoccupied and for how long
  • Whether structural elements are being altered
  • Who the contractor is and their insurance position

Sources

Last reviewed 28 August 2026. General information only — not legal or planning advice.

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