.jpg)
.jpg)
Whether you're extending a care home, refurbishing a commercial property or undertaking a major renovation project, unexpected events can quickly delay progress and increase costs.
That's where Contract Works Insurance comes in.
Contract Works Insurance is designed to protect building projects while work is underway. It can provide financial protection if damage occurs to the works, materials or site before the project has been completed and handed over.
Without the right cover in place, property owners, developers and contractors could face significant financial losses if something goes wrong during construction.
While cover varies between insurers, Contract Works Insurance can typically protect against a range of unforeseen events, including:
Many policies can also be extended to cover temporary structures, site cabins, hired-in plant and equipment, depending on the nature of the project.
Contract Works Insurance is suitable for anyone responsible for a construction or refurbishment project.
This may include:
It's particularly important where substantial alterations or extensions are being made to an existing building.
One of the most common misconceptions is that an existing Buildings Insurance policy will automatically cover construction works.
In most cases, this isn't true as only the existing structure is covered.
Standard property insurance is designed to protect completed buildings, not projects that are actively under construction.
If your insurer hasn't been informed about planned works, your existing policy may not respond as expected if damage occurs during the project.
That's why it's essential to speak with your insurance adviser before work begins.
Construction projects can be exposed to risks from the moment work starts.
Without appropriate insurance, you may be responsible for the cost of:
Even relatively small incidents can have a significant financial impact if they interrupt construction or delay completion.
Ideally, Contract Works Insurance should be arranged before any work begins on site.
This allows your insurance programme to be reviewed alongside your existing property cover, ensuring there are no gaps in protection.
It's also an opportunity to discuss:
Planning ahead helps ensure the appropriate cover is in place from day one.
Many care providers continue to invest in their buildings to improve resident experience, increase capacity and modernise facilities.
Whether you're creating additional bedrooms, upgrading communal areas or carrying out essential maintenance, building works introduce additional risks that should be carefully managed.
Reviewing your insurance before work starts helps protect both your investment and your organisation from unexpected financial loss.
At Quality Care Group, we understand that construction projects require more than standard insurance advice.
Our General Insurance team works with businesses across a wide range of sectors to review construction risks, identify potential gaps in cover and arrange insurance that reflects the scale and complexity of each project.
Whether you're planning a refurbishment, extension or new development, we'll help ensure your insurance is ready before work begins.
Do I need Contract Works Insurance for a refurbishment?
If your refurbishment involves structural alterations, significant building works or valuable materials on site, Contract Works Insurance is often worth considering. Your insurance adviser can help assess your specific requirements.
Does the contractor provide this insurance?
Sometimes, but not always.
Responsibility depends on the building contract. Before work begins, it's important to establish who is responsible for arranging Contract Works Insurance and confirm this in writing. Often a JCT (Joint Contract Tribunal) is used to set out where responsibility sits so that all parties involved in the project are covered. This could include architects, surveyors as well as the employer and builder.
.jpg)
Yes.
Even if a contractor has their own insurance, you should always notify your insurer before work starts. Failing to do so could affect your existing property insurance.
Many Contract Works policies remain in force for the agreed construction period. If your project overruns, you should contact your insurance adviser to discuss extending the cover where necessary.
If you're planning building works and want to ensure your project is properly protected, speak to the General Insurance team at Quality Care Group.
We'll help you review your existing insurance arrangements, identify any gaps in cover and make sure your project has the protection it needs from the day work begins.
