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What is planning indemnity insurance?

Planning or title indemnity insurance is a one-off policy that covers financial loss if a local authority takes enforcement action over an unauthorised development. It does not make the development lawful and is usually only available where enforcement is time-barred.

Insurers will normally decline cover if the local authority has already been contacted about the issue, so the policy must be arranged before making any approach to the planning authority.

Lenders accept it in some circumstances, particularly for minor historic breaches such as a small extension built without permission many years ago. It is not appropriate for significant unauthorised development.

Typical conditions

  • No prior contact with the planning authority about the breach
  • Breach must generally be beyond the enforcement time limit
  • Cover attaches to the property and passes to successors
  • One-off premium paid at purchase

Sources

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

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