SiteRep

What insurance do I need when building a house?

You need contract works or all-risks cover for the partly built structure and materials, public liability cover, and employers liability where you engage labour directly. Your builder must carry their own public and employers liability policies.

A standard home insurance policy does not cover a building site. Self-build policies bundle contract works, public liability, employers liability and often legal expenses, and lenders normally require evidence of cover before releasing funds.

Where a main contractor is engaged, the contract should state who insures the works. Do not assume the builder's policy covers your materials on site or the structure itself.

Cover to have in place

  • Contract works or all-risks on the structure and materials
  • Public liability for injury or damage to third parties
  • Employers liability if you engage anyone directly
  • Cover for plant, tools and site huts if you own them
  • Cover continuing through the period the house is unoccupied

Sources

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

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