The items most commonly linked to lithium-ion battery fires in the UK have been identified in new analysis from insurer QBE European Operations.

Based on Freedom of Information responses from 42 of 49 UK fire services, the data shows incidents involving lithium-ion batteries have risen sharply since 2022, with fire crews now attending around 4.8 fires a day in 2025, a rise of 147% since 2022.

The findings come as fire safety and UK building regulations continue to adapt to the growing use of electrical systems in homes, particularly around charging infrastructure and energy use.

We reveal the items that are most linked to lithium-ion battery fires so you can stay aware of their potential danger.

E-bikes most frequently linked to incidents

E-bikes are the single most commonly recorded item linked to lithium-ion battery fires, accounting for around 520 incidents in 2025 alone – more than triple the figure recorded in 2022.

QBE’s analysis suggests many of these incidents occur during charging or when battery packs have been damaged or modified.

Fire services have also previously noted that converted or poorly fitted e-bikes appear more frequently in incident reports than certified models.

EV chargers and electric vehicles

Electric vehicles and home charging systems are also increasingly appearing in fire service data.

QBE reports a 133% rise in EV-related fire incidents between 2022 and 2025, alongside rapid growth in electric vehicle ownership across the UK.

The increase in EV-related incidents has come as new UK electrical standards for home charge points introduce stricter installation requirements, including dedicated circuits and improved electrical protection.

Phones, laptops and everyday rechargeable devices

A wide range of everyday household electronics also feature regularly in fire service reports, including mobile phones, laptops, power tools and portable chargers.

QBE’s analysis suggests these smaller devices are often involved during charging or when batteries are damaged, overused or left connected for extended periods.

Their widespread use means multiple devices are often charging in homes at the same time, increasing risk exposure.

Items to help prevent lithium-ion battery fires

Solar PV systems and battery storage

Solar PV systems also appear in fire service data, although at a much lower frequency compared with other household items linked to lithium-ion battery fires. Analysis referenced by QBE shows solar-related fires rising from 107 incidents in 2022 to 171 in 2024.

Alongside solar panels, home battery storage systems (solar batteries and other domestic energy storage units) are increasingly relevant as more households install renewable energy systems.

These units are separate from the solar panels themselves and are used to store electricity for later use, typically in garages, utility rooms or loft spaces. While incident numbers remain relatively low, they are becoming a growing category in fire service reports as home energy systems become more common.

Most incidents in this area are linked not to the solar panels themselves, but to associated electrical components such as inverters, wiring or installation issues.

The analysis highlights a clear pattern in UK fire service data, with lithium-ion battery fires most commonly linked to a small group of modern household items – particularly e-bikes, EV systems, everyday electronics and solar installations.

As these technologies become more widespread in homes, they are appearing more frequently in fire incident reports, reflecting the growing role of rechargeable and electrified systems in everyday domestic life.

As Adrian Simmonds, Risk Manager at QBE European Operations, said: “Awareness of safe charging, storage and disposal is essential to keeping people and property safe.”

New energy efficiency rules are reshaping how homes are built and renovated across the UK.

The Future Homes Standard, tougher EPC requirements, and Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Bill are all driving upgrades in insulation, heating, and energy performance.

While these measures will cut carbon and lower bills, experts warn they could also leave thousands of homes underinsured if rebuild costs aren’t updated.

New energy standards bring hidden risks

The Future Homes Standard, due to come in 2025, will require all new homes in England to produce 75–80% fewer carbon emissions. This means higher-spec materials, thicker insulation, low-carbon heating systems, and improved ventilation.

At the same time, landlords must prepare for stricter Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rules, with rental properties in England and Wales needing to reach a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030. Scotland is going further with its proposed Heat in Buildings Bill, which will push owners of existing homes to upgrade heating and insulation.

All of these measures will improve efficiency, but they also mean buildings are becoming more expensive to construct, and therefore more expensive to rebuild if something goes wrong.

Retrofits driving up rebuild costs

Even outside the new standards, many homeowners are already retrofitting to save on energy bills. Common upgrades include high-performance insulation, triple-glazed windows, airtightness works, and renewable heating such as air source heat pumps.

The problem? These measures cost more to install than traditional materials and methods, and that higher cost carries over to insurance.

If a property with these upgrades were damaged in a fire or flood, the rebuild would now be significantly more expensive, yet many insurance policies don’t reflect this change.

According to RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com, 76% of UK homes and commercial properties are currently underinsured, meaning owners would only get part of the payout needed in a claim. As retrofits become more widespread, that gap could widen even further.

Don’t get caught underinsured

Sharon Masters, Surveyor and Technical Lead at RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com, says many renovators are overlooking this hidden consequence:

“Even modest improvements like new insulation or efficient glazing can push rebuild costs higher. Without updating cover, renovators risk being underinsured just when they need protection most.”

The advice for renovators and landlords is straightforward:

• After carrying out energy upgrades, arrange a fresh rebuild cost assessment.
• Tell your insurer about any changes to building specifications.
• Make sure your policy reflects today’s rebuild value, not yesterday’s.

Failing to update cover could leave property owners footing a big bill. In other words, the very improvements designed to future-proof homes may create a financial vulnerability if insurance isn’t kept up to date.

As the nights draw in, many of us turn to candles, cosy fires, and turning the heating on to make our homes feel comforting.

But firefighters are warning that these simple rituals can quickly turn deadly if we nod off before blowing them out or switching them off.

Fresh figures reveal that sleep-related emergencies have surged across the UK, putting thousands of households at risk each year.

Sleep-related emergencies are on the rise

A new study by MattressNextDay, based on a Freedom of Information request to UK emergency services, shows that between 2020 and 2025 there were 15,836 incidents linked to sleep deprivation or fatigue.

Fire and Rescue services alone attended 6,851 emergencies, where it was revealed that 178 were caused by kitchen appliances and 41 by smoking.

The data reveals that many of these late-night fires start when people drift off before putting out candles, switching off stoves, or safely storing heaters.

The regions most at risk

The data reveals that South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recorded the highest number of incidents, with 733 sleep-related fires since 2020.

Of these, 178 began in kitchens due to cooking appliances being left on, while 41 were linked to smoking indoors.

Other areas badly affected include Greater Manchester (652 fires), County Durham and Darlington (429), Northern Ireland (419), and West Yorkshire (355). Together, they account for thousands of blazes that started when households were too tired to act safely.

Expert warns "prevention is better than cure"

Martin Seeley, Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, says fatigue is putting thousands at risk: “The average Brit incurs 32 hours of ‘sleep debt’ a month, which can raise the risk of accidents dramatically.

"The age-old saying that prevention is better than a cure has never been truer, so it’s key to reduce baseline fatigue by ensuring you’re getting at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep per night.”

He adds that accident risk peaks at “low circadian points of 2–6 am and 2–4 pm,” meaning people should be especially careful when cooking, lighting candles, or using portable heaters at these times.

“If you notice yourself frequently yawning, having difficulty focusing, or micronapping,” Seeley warns, “stop what you’re doing immediately.”

Sharing real-time holiday photos on social media might do more than garner likes –it could compromise your home security and affect your insurance coverage.

Insurers caution that public posts revealing your absence may breach 'reasonable care' clauses in many policies.

Even private posts aren't foolproof; screenshots and shared content can expose your home to potential risks, even if your home has the best home security systems.

Insurers highlight risks of social media oversharing

Admiral Home Insurance advises holidaymakers to think twice before posting about their trips on social media platforms.

Research indicates that 33% of social media users mention upcoming holidays online, yet 38% don't check their privacy settings before going away.

Noel Summerfield, Head of Household at Admiral, states: "It's natural to be excited about your holiday and we all love to share our experiences with our friends and families while we're away. However, by posting photos on Facebook or Instagram while you're still on holiday, you could be unwittingly letting criminals know that your home is empty."

He further explains that while sharing a photo on social media wouldn't automatically result in the rejection of a claim, most home insurance policies require the policyholder to take care to prevent accidents, loss, or damage.

If no precautions were taken to limit who can see your posts, and your name and address were also accessible, then you could be in breach of the 'general conditions' clause.

The danger of key photos – how one post led to a burglary

One shocking case cited by insurers involved a homeowner who posted a photo of their house keys on social media.

A criminal was able to use the image to create a copy of the key, break into the property while the family was on holiday, and steal thousands in valuables.

Niraj Mamtora, Director at Forum Insurance, said: "Even posts you think are harmless – like showing off new keys – can be dangerous. Thieves are digitally savvy and know how to exploit photos to their advantage."

This kind of break-in, enabled by a victim's own social media post, has also been captured on home CCTV and used as evidence when claims were denied.

Real-life incidents emphasise the importance of discretion

Former Crime Scene Investigator and criminologist Alex Iszatt highlights how burglars can exploit social media information.

She stated: "If your friends can see where you have checked in, so can a burglar. Criminals can get a good idea about where you live and use (Google) Street View to find the best way into your property."

She advises turning off location-sharing features, updating privacy settings, and avoiding broadcasting to people who aren't in your immediate group of friends. Even seemingly harmless posts can provide valuable information to potential intruders.

Expert recommendations to safeguard your home and insurance

To mitigate risks and ensure your home insurance remains valid, Admiral recommend the following precautions:

• Review your policy: Understand clauses related to "reasonable care" and unforced entry.
• Limit social media sharing: Avoid posting real-time updates about your absence from home or pictures of your house keys.
• Enhance home security: Consider installing approved locks, smart cameras, video doorbells and motion-activated lights.
• Be cautious with spare keys: Ensure that spare keys are stored securely and not easily accessible.

By exercising caution with your online presence during holidays, you can help protect your home and ensure your insurance coverage remains intact.

Indemnity insurance is something your conveyancing professional might recommend when you’re homebuying. It’s arranged to provide protection but it can come at a cost to you rather than, or together with, the seller so can add to your spend on a home.

When you’re buying a house your conveyancer’s work can identify legal defects with a property and that’s when they might suggest taking out an indemnity policy. While that sounds daunting, indemnity insurance can be a sensible solution to an issue.

We’ve put together all the details on what indemnity insurance is and when you might need it so you can be prepared if it’s suggested during the process of purchasing a home.

What is indemnity insurance?

Indemnity insurance – specifically, title indemnity insurance – can provide cover when legal defects are identified.

“Title indemnity insurance is a type of insurance policy providing protection to a property owner for claims arising from a legal defect in their title to the property,” explains Lorna du Sautoy, a partner at the law firm Broadfield.

It’s important to be aware of what it does and doesn’t do, however. “Title indemnity insurance does not remedy the defective title,” says Lorna. “It provides compensation for financial loss arising from the defect.”

Indemnity insurance isn’t always recommended. “A conveyancer will only recommend indemnity insurance if the problem at hand cannot be solved or if it is not practicable to solve it due to the time constraints of the transaction,” explains Natalie Beard, conveyancer at SAS Daniels.

When might indemnity insurance be worth buying?

The need for title indemnity insurance typically arises when you’re buying a home, although it can be obtained at any time, points out Lorna du Sautoy. There are some common issues for which it’s taken out:

Absence of permission and consent

Lack of planning permission, listed building consent or building regulations approval for the construction, alteration or extension of a property might become apparent. The insurance is to “cover the risk of enforcement action being taken in respect of unauthorised works”, Lorna says.

“Depending on the nature of the works and when they were carried out the risk of enforcement action being taken may be remote and therefore the insurance policy provides appropriate comfort to a buyer,” she explains.

Lack of rights of access

Lack of formal rights of access over land that is owned by a third party is a further issue that can come up. “Here the insurance policy is obtained for the risk that the property owner is prevented from this access in future and to cover the cost of obtaining the necessary rights of access, the cost of constructing an alternative access where sufficient rights do exist or the reduction in value of the property as a result of the lack of rights,” Lorna explains.

“The cost and availability of such insurance will depend on the length of time the access has been in use and whether or not the third party land owner has been identified or has complained in any way,” she says.

Breach of title conditions

Title conditions are rights and obligations and breach of a title condition such as a restrictive covenant which is capable of enforcement by a third party are another reason indemnity insurance might be sought. “Typically this is best used where the person with the benefit of the covenant is not known or cannot be found,” Lorna says.

What to be aware of when taking out indemnity insurance

If you take out indemnity insurance, be aware that there’s something you shouldn’t do. “Notifying the potential claimant under an indemnity insurance policy about the title defect will invalidate the policy,” says Lorna du Sautoy.

“Caution should be taken when considering indemnity insurance cover for historic unauthorised works,” she adds. “In particular, there should be no claims for retrospective consent or contact with the local authority in relation to the issue. This could include submitting plans for any redevelopment or permitting the local authority to inspect the property.”

How much does indemnity insurance cost?

There isn’t an amount you can count on paying should you need indemnity insurance. “The cost will vary depending on a number of factors such as the risk you wish to cover, the value of the property and the insurer you select,” says Natalie Beard.

“It is a singular payment often collected on completion and the terms of the policies can vary and thus it is important to check if new cover will be required after a number of years.”

Where can I buy indemnity insurance?

Your conveyancer will arrange the insurance and advise you about its suitability to your needs, says Natalie Beard. “Quotes can be obtained from insurers and the conveyancer will then either select the one they believe to be most appropriate or approach their buyer client with a selection they consider suitable,” she says.

“There are often policy assumptions that will need to be confirmed before offering the policy to a buyer and these will be sent to the seller’s conveyancer for the seller to confirm,” she continues. “Once an agreed draft is in place, the policy will then be taken out on completion of the transaction thus covering the buyer for the insured risk once they legally own the property.”

Who usually pays for indemnity insurance?

When it comes to which party picks up the bill, this varies. “The starting point is that the seller is responsible for the cost of the indemnity insurance as it is their obligation to ‘cure’ any defects in title,” says Lorna du Sautoy.

“However, it can be that the buyer has unique circumstances or plans for the property or a heightened risk tolerance and it is not unusual for a buyer to take out cover or for the parties to share the cost.”

You can think of indemnity insurance as “essentially a plaster to the wound of the problem”, says Natalie Beard. “It does not solve the problem but rather seeks to financially protect the buyer (subject to its conditions and exclusions) from certain financial losses arising from an insured risk.”

Homeowners across the UK are being cautioned that their DIY renovation projects could potentially void their insurance coverage.

According to a survey by Go.Compare, nearly a quarter of those planning home renovations intend to proceed without professional assistance, while one in ten will take on these projects without any insurance protection.

We take a look at the survey as well as looking at what types of DIY project may require notifying your insurance company or buying additional cover when renovating a house.

Over 240,000 leaving themselves at risk

A recent survey reveals that one in ten Brits planning DIY home renovations this year are uninsured, leaving an estimated 245,870 UK households exposed to potential accidents and damages without any financial protection.

The study, conducted by Go.Compare Home Insurance, surveyed the nation's renovation plans for the coming year and cross-referenced the findings with ONS data on UK households, highlighting the significant financial risks some are taking.

The survey also revealed that of the one in three homeowners planning to renovate in 2024 a quarter (25%) are planning to do the work themselves, potentially opening themselves up to further risks.

Even those with home insurance could be at risk

It was also revealed in the study that even those with home insurance can still be at risk of financial hardship if you carry out work without telling your insurance provider.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “It’s always important to notify your insurance company of any plans to renovate the home, especially if it involves major structural changes, as it could significantly affect the value of the property.

“Some policies include cover for a certain extent of renovations, but if not, it’s worth purchasing the necessary additional cover for the duration of the work. When contacting your insurer, be clear on the exact projects you have in mind, as well as the approximate duration of the renovations, and make sure they’re kept updated on any changes.”

The insurance comparison site cautioned that completing home renovations without certified professional help could void any insurance claims in the event of an accident or damage.

Blackler added: “If you’re looking to save money by going down the DIY route, and you lack additional cover like accidental damage protection, your insurance is highly unlikely to cover any disrepair caused during the renovation. It’s worrying to see so many households taking this risk, as their attempt to save money could cost them a lot down the line."

What renovations should you/should you not tell your insurance provider?

If you're planning major structural renovations, such as an extension, loft conversion, or garage conversion, you must inform your home insurer.

Other changes you should notify your insurer include:

• Alter your home's structural layout
• Removing a load-bearing wall
• Installing a new roof
• Adding double-glazing or triple-glazing
• Undertaking major cosmetic renovations, like replacing a kitchen
• Modifying the wiring or plumbing
• Installing new cladding

According to Go.Compare most standard home insurance policies do not cover significant structural work, and failure to notify your insurer could invalidate your policy, leaving you unable to make claims.

Only 23% of home insurance policies include minor building works without requiring notification so anything such as painting, fitting wall units, replacing carpets, retiling, or wallpapering typically doesn't require additional coverage.

However, for peace of mind contact your insurer before starting any renovation to discuss the necessary coverage.

If you have been busy planning a self build house project during the winter months, you are probably now getting ready to roll your sleeves up and get the build process moving as we venture into a new season of optimal weather conditions. 

The entire self build journey is filled with excitement, creativity, and the promise of creating a space uniquely tailored to your lifestyle and preferences. That said, reaching the stage when you break ground and are ready to see it come to life can be daunting. 

Now is the time to reassess your next-stage lists and processes to ensure you have everything covered as the project develops – including insurance and warranties.

In this guide, Self Build Zone explain everything you need to know about self build insurance and warranties in order to ensure you are properly covered. 

Is your spring self build insured and protected?

Before you start any kind of work on your self build, check what insurance policies you already have in place to protect the construction process. 

Bespoke site insurance policies will cover all new construction work, the existing structure (if there is one) and the rest of the site. These policies protect against losses, fire, theft, flood, storm damage, vandalism, and accidental damage. Site insurance policies are unique to your build and cover the whole cost of the build, public liability, employers' liability and more. 

If you’re carrying out a project using a builder with a single contract, you may feel that, as the builder has their insurance policy, there is no need to go to the expense of a policy in your name. However, you should check the details of your builder’s policy to ensure it is current and sufficient to cover any eventuality.

Even if the builder’s policy is technically sufficient, if you decide to buy your materials, such as kitchen units, sanitaryware or even plumbing equipment, and any of those items get stolen or damaged, they may not be able to claim for them. 

Why is a structural warranty so important?

Apart from the peace of mind you gain by having a structural warranty, most lenders will probably require a building warranty as part of their lending criteria. It’s also helpful if your circumstances change and you need to sell the property in the next 10 years, as you will likely find that your prospective purchaser’s lender will require a10-year Structural Warranty on the property before releasing any money.

Customising your home should be a fun project and, of course, can come with stress, so don’t let insurance be added to your list of things to worry about. With a self build warranty, your structure will be covered from the workmanship to the materials.

A structural warranty should always be arranged before you start ( usually when you arrange your Site Insurance). This is because your structural warranty provider will need to carry out key stage inspections on the build, and the first one will be for any new foundations. If you do not arrange your warranty before you start, you will pay a higher premium as the warranty provider has not inspected the build. 

How do you choose an insurance provider?

If thing to check is that your insurance provider is ‘A’ Rated. Structural warranties are not the same as your average annual insurance policy — these are long-term policies of 10 years. This means that is is obviously best to be confident that your provider will still be running at the end of the 10 years — or your home could end up uninsured and in breach of mortgage conditions.

Building or creating a home from scratch, or as a conversion or renovation project, can be among the most rewarding challenges. The project you’re embarking on will invariably require a significant amount of investment, so ensuring you have the correct level of self build insurance is essential. 

Self Build Zone offers a range of self build insurance policies, including site insurance and structural warranty policies for new builds, conversions, renovations and extensions.

While heat pumps are heralded as key to the future of low carbon heating, home insurance companies are unable to keep abreast of change it would appear, with some key providers failing to include this technology within the scope of their home breakdown policies. 

Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy bills in the long-term. However, the exclusion by some insurers has raised concerns among homeowners who have invested in ground or air source heat pumps, as they may face significant repair costs in the event of a breakdown. 

Here we explore the factors that have led to this exclusion and provide insights into what homeowners can do to ensure that their heat pumps are covered in the event of a breakdown.

Which insurers are failing to offer breakdown cover for heat pumps?

For those choosing between a heat pump vs gas boiler, finding insurance in the event of a breakdown can be a factor to consider.

Of the six major insurance providers, Admiral, Aviva, and Saga outline in their Home Emergency cover policy documents that air and ground source heat pumps are excluded from cover, however gas boilers are not.

Aviva responded to Homebuilding & Renovating about this issue, stating: "We are committed to supporting the transition to greener forms of energy and we are looking to extend our home emergency cover to support heating systems such as heat pumps as customer demand grows. This will include putting in place an appropriate network of engineers to ensure we can support our customers should emergencies occur."

Admiral and Saga were contacted to clarify their reasoning for not providing cover but no response was given.

Which insurers DO offer breakdown cover for heat pumps?

Some insurers have outlined that heat pumps are covered under their breakdown cover policy, but only under certain conditions.

A Direct Line spokesperson said: “Our Direct Line and Churchill home insurance policies include optional home emergency cover which pays for emergency assistance if the main source of heating in the home fails. A central heating pump would be covered under the ‘home emergency’ terms of our home insurance policies, subject to it forming part of the main heating system."

LV also state that heat pumps are covered as long as it is the main heating source in the home.

However, all three providers only offer this scheme through their Home Emergency cover, which is an additional coverage to the breakdown cover.

It's also worth bearing in mind that, unlike with boilers, where a payment may be given for up to £1,000 if a boiler cannot be fixed and needs to be replaced, if a heat pump cannot be fixed then some insurance providers offer no alternatives for their customers.

What to look out for when taking out a policy

When looking to see whether your insurance company provides cover, checking your policy documents should be your first point of call.

For some providers, cover for heat pumps can be provided as an add on under Home Emergency cover, although others do not offer this option. 

Under the Home Emergency cover section, you should check for exclusions and terms and conditions that apply to cover heating appliances.

However, Bean Beanland, Director for Growth & External Affairs for the Heat Pump Federation (HBF), suggests that the best way to be certain as to whether heat pumps are covered by your insurance provider is to speak to them directly and simply ask.

Why are insurers reluctant to cover heat pumps?

Bean Beanland believes a "lack of understanding and education" is to blame for these companies failing to provide cover. “I’m convinced this is all about understanding risk. Because they [insurance companies] don’t have a full understanding of the risk, as it’s a relatively new field, their default position is to not offer cover at all or to make it as difficult to get cover.”

This places another potential barrier to homeowners looking to install heat pumps, with the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which seeks to drive up the conversion from gas boilers to heat pumps, already having a "disappointingly low" uptake of grants, following a Lords enquiry.

Baroness Parminter, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee said: “The Government must quickly address the barriers we have identified to a successful take-up of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in order to help grow the take-up of low-carbon heating systems. It is vital they do so if we are going to meet our Net Zero ambitions.”

Beanland adds: “These are issues that they are going to have to address. The question is more of a question when; not whether they will.”

In the interim, it's worth bearing in mind that some heat pump suppliers and manufacturers offer service plans, which may also cover a heat pump in the event of a breakdown.

Extending your home is a time-consuming process that forces you to juggle a number of factors, such as surveying, design, planning, building regulations, the tender process, and then the building work itself.

It is therefore tempting to bury your head in the sand when it comes to insurance and assume your ‘fully-insured’ builder has it under control, or just trust your standard building insurance to cover the cost of any loss.

But the stark truth is your home insurance may not cover you because most home insurance has an exclusion if you are altering the structure or doing works over £25,000. And bear in mind a Structural Warranty – an insurance policy designed to protect investors and homeowners from underlying structural defects that may arise following the completion of building work – is a lender requirement in the UK.

Don’t rely on contractors

Project managers and the builders you hire may not be aware of the specific type of insurance that should be in place at the beginning of a house extension project. All too often, insurance is only raised when a problem is encountered – for example weather damage, arson, or tool and plant theft – and then it’s too late.

Also, your builder may say they are ‘fully insured’ – and they probably believe it themselves – but it’s likely they only have public liability insurance to cover them in the event they cause damage or injury to a third party following a negligent act.

This liability insurance doesn’t cover issues like storm damage, arson, theft of materials or plant and equipment, or foreseen liability. It also is unlikely to protect you once your builder has finished the job and any problems with the workmanship or structural issues emerge.

Already have home insurance? It may not be enough

Never assume your extension will be covered under your existing home insurance because these policies are not designed to cover building projects.

Many policies specifically exclude alterations, renovations, extensions, and unoccupied properties. The issue hit the headlines when one couple’s building project was destroyed in a fire and their home insurer refused the claim. There have also been cases where basement extensions or work on a terraced home caused the building to collapse, affecting the neighbouring properties. These homeowners were personally liable for rebuilds as their home insurance didn't cover it.

What sort of Structural Warranty and Site Insurance policy should I look for?

First, you need to check the insurance you are going to buy is backed by A-rated insurers. Your policy will need to cover your whole property while it is being extended or renovated as well as after the work has been completed. The policy should cover all the new works and materials. 

You should opt for a package where tools and equipment left on site are also protected, and employers and public liability insurance is included. This means that anyone working on site is covered if they suffer an injury, or if damage is caused to a third party or their property. 

Site Insurance and Structural Warranty policies that include all these aspects are available with specialist insurers like Self-Build Zone.

The right insurance policy will also cover the cost of defending or pursuing a claim should anything happen to a worker or family member while on-site during the construction.

Site Insurance should be arranged 30 days before work commences and cover the duration of the build.

Before picking up any tools on a renovation or extension project, it is important to protect yourself from anything that could go wrong. And this means checking appropriate Site Insurance is in place before starting work.

Cases where homeowners have failed to do this include when a couple's terrace house collapsed while adding a basement extension and a fire destroying another couple's building project. Both found themselves in dire financial positions because they weren't properly insured.

Here's why it is essential to buy Site Insurance from experts like Self-Build Zone and why your household policy or your builder's insurance policy often won't cover you.

How your builder’s insurance often falls short

Your builder will often have insurance that covers him or her for any loss or damage that happens on a building project they are working on. However, this often only applies when they are on site themselves and for anything they can be held directly liable for so it usually would not protect the homeowner entirely

Builders' insurance often is simple Public Liability Insurance to cover any damage or injury they cause through negligence, and you'd have to be able to prove negligence for the insurance to pay out. This could mean if your home is damaged you essentially aren't covered apart from in very specific circumstances where evidence is present.

Public liability insurance won't cover theft, arson, storm or weather damage either. Only Site Insurance like that offered by Self-Build Zone, which can be taken out by the homeowner will fully cover all of these eventualities.

Why home insurance often won’t cover the works

Often home owners assume their existing house insurance policy will continue to cover their home during building work. But this is often not the case as they are not designed to cover building work. For this reason alterations, renovations and extensions will often invalidate a policy, even against unrelated problems, meaning your home is not covered while works are taking place.  

Your home being unoccupied while work is carried out could also invalidate a policy.

Some home insurance policies will cover works but only to the value of a specific amount, often around £25,000. This is usually not enough cover for most projects, only Site Insurance offered by experts like those at Self-Build Zone can give you full cover for an appropriate amount.

How Site Insurance will protect your project

Buying Site Insurance from Self-Build Zone will make sure your home is completely covered when renovating, extending or even if you are self building. It covers: 

• Public liability
• Fire and Theft
• Flooding
• Storm Damage
• Vandalism
• Accidental Damage
• Employer’s liability
• Cover for existing buildings/structures
• Legal expenses cover to help you pursue a claim in court

You can tailor a package for your project on the Self-Build Zone website. You may want to consider a package where tools, equipment left on site are protected as well Public Liability Insurance for yourself for any damage or injury to any third parties, including family members, on site.

A 10-year Structural Warranty is something you may also want to consider, which is often required by lenders.

Take a look at the Self-Build Zone website to start tailoring your site insurance before you start your renovation or extension project. You can also follow their updates on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page.

Storms Dudley and Eunice are gripping the UK this week, so protecting your house and knowing how to make an insurance claim could be vital in the event that your home is affected. 

Storm Dudley has left thousands in the north east of England without power, causing travel disruption on roads and train lines. And the Met Office has warned people to “stay indoors” ahead of Storm Eunice moving in, with winds expected to reach 100m on Friday in west Wales and south west England.

This could be a precarious few days for some homeowners, and it’s important to plan ahead for how the storms could impact you. You may end up with missing roof tiles and need help tiling a roof, or experience damage from fallen trees and debris, so being aware of your insurance information is essential in case you have to file a claim. 

Here’s some tips for planning ahead to mitigate against potential damage and some guidance on what you need to do to make a claim. 

How to Prepare Your House For Storms

1. Reduce the risk of damage

Checking your gutters are clear can help to prevent water damage to walls, while keeping a close eye on weather updates can keep you informed of local flood warnings. 

If your home is prone to flooding, Ross Counsell from GoodMove recommends installing sandbags on doors, windows and any other gaps. He says: "Move electrical equipment and sentimental items upstairs, disconnect all pipes to washing machines and dishwashers and turn off water, gas and electricity mains."

You can also check your roof to see if there are any cracked or loose tiles, which could easily be swept off into your property or onto cars or passersby. 

2. Tie down your wheelie bins (and other items that can be blown away) 

Not making a reasonable effort to prevent your bins from getting loose means you might not be covered by insurance. Mark Hall from Divert.co.uk says. 

“Blown out into the street, even a domestic bin can cause thousands of pounds of damage to a car. Even a small dent could cost you between £50-£150, and that might not be covered by your insurance excess, so it’ll come straight out of your pocket.”

One way of securing your bins could be to place them in a sheltered spot, or to invest in a wheelie bin lock. Storing away garden furniture such as outdoor log burners and strapping down trampolines can also be worthwhile so you know it’ll be where you left it the night before. 

3. Stock up, and charge up

Stock up on essentials such as bottled water in case your water supply is affected, as well as candles or lighters in case you lose electrical power. 

Make sure you charge your phone too, or have a phone charging power bank to hand. In the event you lose electricity, having a working phone will be important for contacting your insurers, as well as family or friends who may also be affected. 

4. Make evacuation plans

The worst-hit homes may lead to some families seeking refuge with family or friends, and business comparison experts Bionic has the following advice: “Switch off all electrical appliances at the switch. If the power suddenly comes back on, you may leave appliances on and unattended without knowing it, which may end up causing a fire. 

“You should also leave one or two light switches on. This way, if the power comes back on while you’re out of the house, a burglar will assume that someone is still in your house.” 

What do I do if I Need to Make a Claim?

Home insurance covers damage caused by storms, but whether your insurer will pay for the cost of repairs depends on what caused the damage. 

Toolstation says: “Many home insurance providers will cover the cost of repairs if leaks are due to a sudden, unexpected event like a fall tree or damage caused by a storm. But you’re likely to have to pay for damage caused by leaks that result from wear and tear or lack of maintenance.”

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said this week that providers will do everything they can to help homeowners recover as quickly as possible, should the storm cause damage to their property.

Hannah Isitt, home insurance expert at GoCompare, has this advice: “No matter what the weather’s doing, it’s important to get to know your insurance cover inside-out, to avoid any pricey claims being rejected down the line.

"Read your documents carefully - if there’s anything you’re unsure of, contact your insurance provider for clarification."

If you need to make a claim then do it as soon as you can, and take photos, record damage and note down the date the damage occurred. Some insurers might want to examine damaged items so keep hold of affected items as proof.  

You’d be surprised how many people don’t have adequate self-build insurance, especially given the fact that a new home is quite likely to be the single biggest investment in a self-builder’s life.

To risk it without proper insurance could leave you in a desperate financial situation, especially if you consider that just one mishap could leave your project in dire circumstances.

You might think that if your builder has insurance then you are covered for all eventualities, but in practice this is not the case. Right from the moment you buy your plot or before work begins on a self-build, extension, conversion or renovation you should have the paperwork in place for specialist site insurance, tailor made to your specific project. This type of policy not only covers new work but the existing structure and the rest of the site and is something that would not be covered through your current buildings insurance.

This guide explains everything you need to know about self-build insurance, from why and when you need it and what your policy should cover.

If you already know you need self-build insurance, get a quote today from our partner Self Build Zone to protect your self-build project.

Why do you need self-build insurance?

We are used to insuring our most valuable possessions these days. Yet every year lots of people build a house or renovate their own homes without any insurance – a project costing tens and even hundreds of thousands of pounds. For many of them, the gamble pays off – if indeed they even knew they could insure their project in the first place. But it can be an extremely false economy.

Building sites are risky places – not just for accidents but also for things like theft – and anyone taking a project like this seriously needs to account for the bad things that might happen, as well as the fantastic and exciting things that will.

Beyond an insurance policy providing peace of mind that is worth its weight in gold, lenders and especially those consistently working to help self-builders, are increasingly demanding proof of the existence of a suitable policy before releasing funds.

It is ultimately the responsibility of the owner of the site, whether that’s an empty plot, or an occupied or unoccupied property, to ensure that the correct policy is in place during any construction work.

If you specifically appoint someone else to be in charge of health and safety on site you should agree to this in writing with a formal contract or even an email exchange. Builders will often only have public liability insurance, but this doesn’t cover the site while they are not there or for anything they are not responsible for.

All tradespeople working on site should have their own insurance in place and other professionals, such as structural engineers, should have professional indemnity insurance, but neither of these are legal requirements.

What is a self-build insurance policy?

A self-build insurance policy is a specialist insurance products that covers you, your builders and your building site during the construction process, as well as your new home, at whatever stage of the self-build schedule it's at.

“What you need to look for is a self-build insurance policy that covers your particular site, not a site policy designed to cover a contractor for multiple projects in a period of time,” says Jake Fitness, team leader at Self Build Zone. “This type of specialist insurance includes one policy per project and covers everything from changing a light switch to laying foundations and up to 10 years after the structure is built.”

Site insurance should cover the existing structure, if there is one, and everyone being employed on site – even if they have their own insurance – as well as any other individuals who may come on site, such as delivery drivers, for example.

A good self-build insurance policy will include, but not be limited to:

• Contractors All Risk: This element of the insurance policy provides cover for general mishaps such as fire, theft, vandalism, flood and storm damage
• Employers’ Liability: Anybody working on your site is deemed to be an ‘employee’ for insurance purposes and, as such, as the main contractor you are liable for their welfare and for any injury, loss or death while they are working for you
• Public Liability: Damage, injury or loss that is suffered by third parties or members of the public is covered by this section. Those who own land which they intend to eventually develop would be well-advised to have a policy limited to public liability in place. Most of the self-build insurance specialists will be able to arrange this, with it converting to a full site insurance policy upon commencement of work. The public liability section of a self-build site insurance policy would also cover for damage to the property or injury to persons outside the site, if directly caused by the activities of the site
• Legal Expenses Insurance: Any legal expenses within the policy will normally be included by the dedicated self-build insurance providers but, in other cases, can be bolted on as additional cover for action taken against the self-builder by others or for the need to take action against third parties
• Contract Works: This covers the potential cost of repairing or replacing any part of the build that is damaged.

It’s also worth noting that not all insurance policies are equal. Some also offer easy-to-use contract templates, which can be useful, while others charge extra for personal injury cover and legal expenses, so check what’s included at the very start.

Optional levels of cover may include things such as plant hire, which you only need if you hire or buy anything in your name. If a tradesperson hires something it’s their responsibility to insure it.

Do builders have insurance?

There’s no guarantee that your builder/main contractor will have insurance — you’d be surprised at just how many builders and tradespeople don’t carry any/or adequate insurance for the work they do, especially if they work ‘cash-in-hand’.

Those carrying out a project by using a builder with a single contract may feel that, as the builder has their own insurance policy, there is no need to go to the expense of a policy in their own name. They might be right, but as part of the process of finding a builder you should check the details of the builder’s policy to firstly make sure that it’s current and secondly, that it is sufficient to cover for any eventuality.

“Before any work begins, ask for a copy of their insurance to see what they are covered for and more importantly look for what is excluded,” says Jake Fitness. “While some larger developers will have contract work insurance, smaller building companies will probably not have this in place, often just going for the cheapest public liability policy.”

Even if the builder’s policy is technically sufficient, the whole business of self-building is to get what you want and to be interested and involved in the process, and the chances are that at some point you will opt to buy your own materials such as kitchen units, sanitaryware or even plumbing equipment.

But if any of those items get stolen or damaged, because the builder didn’t buy them and never had title to them, they will not be able to claim for them. So it really does make sense to have your own self-build insurance policy.

Sub-contractors and insurance

If you are building using subcontractors or direct labour, then technically you are seen to be the main contractor and you are deemed to be employing all of the people working on the site. Even if the subcontractors do carry professional insurance, the chances are that if they have an accident, they will see your insurance as the best option for recompense and if you haven’t got it, then you’ll be in trouble.

When should my self-build insurance begin?

This depends on your project and if you are unsure, check with your current provider or a specialist company. If you have been trying to find a plot and are in the process of buying it, remember that an empty plot of land only requires public liability insurance until construction work begins, for example. If there is an existing unoccupied building on site, then you need unoccupied buildings cover. Bear in mind that people will be visiting the site to access it and make plans before any actual work begins.

“Site insurance should be taken out as soon as contracts have been exchanged or right before work is about to start on your self-build site and whether you are converting, extending, renovating or building from scratch, it doesn’t really differ, except for original structure cover,” advises Jake Fitness from Self Build Zone. “Some companies offer a renovation policy, but you should double check whether it is just for renovation and doesn’t include the changing of structural walls.

“Small projects, such as replacing glazing, remodelling a kitchen or renovating bathroom come under modernising and should be covered under your buildings insurance, but more extensive building work should move from a standard to a specialist insurance policy,” continues Jake. “Both insurances can run at the same time, but typically most building insurance companies will withdraw their cover, although you should continue with a contents insurance policy for an existing property.”

The best advice when researching insurance is to do your own research and don’t assume anything. Remember, site insurance is not like normal house insurance and it won’t automatically renew and you probably won’t be sent a reminder when the policy is about to end. Policies vary in length from three to 24 months and you can extend them if needed, although it’s more cost effective to have a longer one from the start, bearing in mind that most build projects over run.

Self-build insurance for extensions, renovations and conversions

Most people don’t realise altering the structure of their home is an exclusion of their home insurance policy. Most home insurance policies include exclusions for works over £25,000 or altering the structure of your home.

Therefore if you are building an extension, renovating a house or doing a conversion you could be in breach of your policy and end up without a valid home insurance policy. When you are preparing to start work you’ll need to notify the home insurance provider, if they don’t cover the works you’ll require site insurance to cover your existing home and the new works being carried out.

Self-build insurance costs

When working out how much it costs to build a house, you should account for self-build insurance costs in your budget.

Most self-build insurance policies work on the basis of a single premium. For new builds this is based on the rebuilding costs on a sliding scale, and for a home of around 140m² the average cost will be between £600 and £1,200, with the variation accounted for by the proposed construction costs.

It’s also important to work out the figures correctly. Site insurance covers for the demolition and reinstatement costs so all figures, such as rebuild costs, should be accurate. Even if you are not starting the work straight away, start your enquiries early.

Your site insurance will be a bespoke policy so the cost will be calculated for your exact project. Risk factors, such as whether your type of roof is flat or thatched, the materials being used and whether the property is in a flood area are all elements which will need to be taken into consideration and will affect the final quote.

Where can I buy self-build insurance?

Once you have clarified with your existing buildings insurance on what you are covered for you should contact a specialist insurance company to discuss your requirements. It's easy to get a quote either over the phone or online.

Do be careful about going to your usual high street broker, as they’ll probably think that you need the same sort of policy as a builder or developer – and that’s not the case. There are dedicated self-build insurance providers, with the premium costs being very much less than the standard prices which builders have to pay each year.

Homebuilding & Renovating has partnered with leading insurance specialist Self Build Zone to provide bespoke solutions at market-leading rates for its readers. Get a quote now to protect your self build.

FAQs

What happens to the self-build insurance policy at the end of my self-build?

When a self-build insurance policy ends at the completion of the build, many providers offer the choice to turn it into a standard homeowner's insurance policy at this point. Either way, your self-build insurance only covers the construction phase, so you'll need to take out a standard policy after it concludes.

It's also a good idea to take out a self-build warranty for when your build is complete. This covers your home if any structural issues occur in the years following the completion of the build.

Although a structural warranty is not a legal requirement it is usually a mortgage requirement for all new build projects, so if you have a mortgage or expect to remortgage or sell the property within 10 years after completion, the lender will only usually lend if you have one in place.

“If you are planning to sell the property to someone who requires a mortgage they will probably require one so you may want to put this in place from the start,” says Jake Fitness. “Plus some local authorities will ask for evidence of a self build warranty as self-builds are exempt from the Community Infrastructure Levy.”

If you are going down this route you should arrange this before you begin work as the cost will increase further down the line, or once a project has been completed. Before arranging your warranty, you need to check that your provider is accepted by your lender.

What other insurance do I need for a self-build?

Personal possessions and furniture will not be covered by a self-build insurance policy, although where a self-build policy is converted to a household policy upon completion of the project, cover will then be extended in the normal way.

The prudent self-builder will want to ensure that in the event of their death, or incapacity, the project can be finished. They will, therefore, arrange additional life and/or injury cover for themselves and/or their beneficiaries.

Your self-build, renovation or extension is likely to be one of the largest investments you make in your life, so purchasing self-build insurance is always going to be a worthwhile investment. Whether you, your builder or your architect are going to be the project manager, it's ultimately in your best interests to ensure you have adequate cover in place.

Renovation insurance might seem like an extra you can do without if you have standard home insurance, but did you know that any works undertaken as part of a renovation project may not be covered by your existing policy?

Most homeowners carrying out work to their existing property incorrectly assume that any works will automatically be covered under their existing policies, risking being left in dire straights should the worst happen. 

For peace of mind and to protect your investment, it's vital to have adequate renovation insurance in place before you begin.

(MORE: Self Build Insurance)

Won't My Existing Policy Cover a Renovation?

In most cases it won’t, and to make things worse, any structural work that you undertake will often invalidate existing homes and contents policies. 

Most policies allow you to carry out simple internal alterations and refurbishment, but any additional building work has to be notified. It is best to speak to your existing home insurer in the first instance and describe, in detail, the scope of the project.

(MORE: Renovating a House)

Most insurers feel better about you using builders under a JCT contract (Joint Contracts Tribunal) – although, given the large number of subtly different JCT contracts, you need to be clear about which one you’re using – but it is down to the individual underwriters to take a view on each case.

For example, a homeowner carrying out a large extension and renovation project who is using a builder/main contractor for some but not all of the project may be required by their home insurer to agree to certain clauses on their policy.

These are likely to be that you will not be covered in the event of a flood if the property is at any stage where it is not wind and watertight, and a clause not covering theft of contents in the same instance. The insurer we spoke to about this situation did not require additional policy premiums.

The key, therefore, is to speak openly and honestly to your existing insurer. They are likely to be more queasy about insuring you if you’re moving out while work continues, and if a lot of the existing house is being demolished in the process.

(MORE: Building Contracts)

What If My Existing Provider Won't Cover Me?

If your existing home insurer won’t cover you – particularly if you are planning to take on the builder’s role yourself – then some insurance providers can provide a home improvement policy which will provide cover for all normal builder’s risks, together with public and employers’ liability. 

The existing building is covered up to 110% of its value and the proposed works, up to 125% of their value or contract price. It is quoted according to the job and the costs of the proposed works.

Don’t forget that your homes and contents policy will need updating once you have completed the work to reflect the additional space and, presumably, rebuild value of the home.

Editor's Note: Homebuilding & Renovating has partnered with leading self build and renovation insurance provider Self-Build Zone to create bespoke insurance products for those wanting to build, renovate or extend their own home.

Get a quote now to protect your renovation or extension

What About Insurance for Conversions?

Essentially working on a conversion project (i.e. turning an existing building into a home) is not that different to working on a new build, and the same problems can occur. 

Conversion insurance policies are available from the dedicated providers and they follow similar lines to the home improvement policy, covering up to 110% of the value of the existing structure and 125% of the proposed works or contract value, together with employers’ and public liability insurance. 

Once again, as you’d expect, each policy is priced according to the nature and scope of the works and their value.

For both renovations and conversions the premium may have to be assessed by reference to a survey.

Building your own home or taking on a renovation project is an exciting yet expensive time, in many cases, it'll be the single biggest financial investment of your life. 

It is therefore startling that many people take on such projects without adequate insurance in place, risking the entire investment and potentially landing them in desperate situations.

To help homebuilders and renovators secure peace of mind, Homebuilding & Renovating has partnered with leading insurance specialist Self Build Zone to provide bespoke insurance solutions at market-leading rates for its readers.

How Much Does Specialist Insurance Cost?

Prices will vary, but expect to pay between 0.5 and 1% of the overall build cost. A self build policy doesn’t cover personal possessions, but can be converted to a household policy upon project completion.

Get a quote now

The Products

• Homebuilding & Renovating Self Build Insurance provided by Self Build Zone
• Homebuilding & Renovating Contractor & Tradesman Insurance provided by Self Build Zone
• Homebuilding & Renovating Extension & Renovation Insurance provided by Self Build Zone
• Period Living Specialist Home Insurance provided by Sennocke

Self Build Policies

Self build projects carry a very particular set of risks. Make sure you are properly insured for the duration of your project.

Get a quote now to protect your self build

Renovation and Extension Policies

If you are extending or renovating your home, you might not know that your standard policy is not sufficient. Get peace of mind for your project with specialist cover.

Get a quote now to protect your extension or renovation

Contractor & Trademan Insurance or Period Living Specialist Home Insurance

To find out more, call Self Build Zone on 0345 230 9872 or for Period Living Specialist Home Insurance, call Sennocke on 0345 230 1515

CONTENT SUPPLIED BY SELF BUILD ZONE

Did you know that most home insurance policies were not designed to cover your existing property whilst being worked upon or the workmen doing the work?

It is estimated in a recent survey 55% of people carrying out structural works did not advise their insurers – meaning they effectively had no cover.

Planning on extending? This is what you need to know about specialist extension insurance policies.

1. You Might Need Specialist Extension Insurance

The existing buildings need to have a policy to cover them while being worked upon (which a standard home insurance policy may not do). This includes barns or outbuildings that are being converted and/or extended. It does not matter if you are doing the work or the works are contracted out.

Even if the buildings are dilapidated, you still need adequate cover. Fire could destroy the building and you could end up with a substantial bill for removal of debris and/or any pollution or contamination as a result of the fire.

2) You Still Need Insurance Even if You are Employing Subcontractors

Whether you are doing the work yourself or are employing a main contractor or trades, you will have liabilities to them and others. You need to ensure that your insurance policy offers protection against claims and the costs of defending claims. If you use a main contractor, you should also make sure that they have adequate insurance.

3) One Specialist Policy will Cover All You Need

Materials, plant and equipment, being used/installed can all be covered under the one policy.

4) You’ll Need a Structural Warranty

If you are borrowing money for the extension, then your lender may well insist that the new works have a 10-year structural warranty. Remember anyone purchasing your house in the next ten years will also require it.

5) Check on the Conditions of Your Home Contents Insurance

If you are living in the house whilst works are underway, make sure the house is kept secure. 

You should also check on the conditions of your home contents insurance as cover could be negated by lack of security with windows and doors (and locks) being removed. You may need to remove items to safe storage.

CONTENT SUPPLIED BY SELF-BUILD ZONE

Adding site insurance to the cost of your extension might not be something you’ve either thought about or made a priority for your upcoming project. But you can’t just rely on your standard building insurance to cover the cost of any loss as, more often than not, they will not pay out on a loss involving a property under development.

1. Surely my builder’s insurance will cover me?

Your builder may say they are ‘fully insured’ – and they probably believe it themselves –but the chances are they actually only have public liability insurance which covers them in the event they cause damage or injury to a third party following a negligent act, which of course you would have to prove. Being a liability insurance, it doesn’t cover issues like storm damage, arson, theft of materials or plant and equipment or foreseen liability — essentially all the things you really do need to protect yourself against.

2. Can I just rely on my existing home insurance?

Home insurance is not designed to cover building projects. It specifically excludes alterations, renovations and extensions, as well as cover for unoccupied properties. This has been regularly highlighted on various TV programmes such as BBC’s Rip Off Britain. A couple’s build project was completely destroyed by fire and their home insurer refused the claim. Think about it — you’d carry on paying the mortgage on a home that no longer exists.

3. My plant hire company always insures their equipment, so why do I need to buy more insurance?

The person signing the hire contract is invariably responsible for repairing damaged plant or replacing it if it’s lost or stolen while it is on hire. You are also responsible for the continuing hire charges until it is replaced. If you are hiring a crane and operator, you will be responsible, and even a small crane can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to replace. Plant, tools and equipment can all be included as part of our site insurance policy.

4. If I declare a lower property value for insurance purposes, will it save me money?

You should insure for the professional reinstatement cost — which is the value representative of a professional contractor clearing the site and rebuilding your project from scratch, including all fees. If an insurer identifies that you have deliberately underinsured, then they will reduce the claim proportionately.

5. If my builder damages my neighbour’s foundations, isn’t this covered by their insurance policy?

This is a huge potential pitfall. If you are working close to your neighbour’s foundations and weaken them, that damage won’t be covered by public liability insurance and you will need to make special arrangements with your site insurance provider to get adequate protection in place.

6. I can’t be held responsible if my builder slips off the scaffold or a ladder, can I?

The Health and Safety Executive has produced clear guidance for self-builders. If you are managing or exercising control over the project yourself, you automatically carry the responsibility and could end up being prosecuted and fined. A worker who is paralysed could be looking to receive compensation running into millions of pounds to cover full-time care and so on. This is why employers’ and public liability cover is included on most site insurance policies.

7. Does site insurance cover new for old? How does it work?

Clearly, if an element of the property has to be rebuilt, it will be built new. However, plant tools and equipment are insured on an indemnity basis — so a three-year old digger will be settled at the replacement value of a three-year-old digger, and not a new piece of equipment. In reality, everyone’s circumstances and projects are going to be different, which is why it’s really important you seek expert advice from a specialist site insurance provider before embarking on your build — it can literally save you thousands.

8. If the policy period expires, does the cover automatically renew?

Site insurance provides project-based cover. It isn’t annually renewable and you won’t automatically be sent a renewal notice. If you run out of cover/time you will need to arrange an extension for it.

9. I don’t think I need to bother with site insurance until later in the build – is that right?

This is a short-sighted approach that could end up costing more money. Even if there are only three months to go on your build, the insurer will charge you a premium that is based on the reinstatement cost from the point the work started.

10. How much do utility companies charge for repairing their damaged cables?

Emergency utility repair bills can run into hundreds of pounds — it’s not just electricity, think about gas and fibre-optic cables, too.

Self-Build Zone offers a range of self build site insurance cover. All of its site insurance policies include public liability and employers’ liability cover as standard. For more information, call 0345 230 9874, or visit selfbuildzone.com.

A structural warranty, or structural/latent defects insurance, is defined as “an insurance policy that covers defects in the workmanship, design and materials used in the construction of a self build. The warranty provider will check your plans (known as a technical audit) and inspect the house while under construction at various periods — normally foundations, superstructure, roof pre felt and batten, pre plaster and completion,” says ProAktive’s Andrew Reardon.

“If something goes fundamentally wrong with your house such as problems with walls cracking, the roof structure or a fault with damp proofing, the warranty provider will fix it instead of you having to chase up builders or architects,” Andrew adds.

Each policy will be different, so it’s worth checking the small print to find out exactly what is covered. Typically, major faults in the design and construction will be covered, but snagging defects are excluded. As a general rule: the wider the cover, the more expensive the policy.

Get a quote now to protect your project

Most self build warranties will cover the first 10 years of a home’s life, and for self-builders, it will only be valid if the build is regularly inspected by the warranty provider’s surveyors (which may be independent of the building control inspectors) and meets the technical standards of the provider.

Isn’t This All Covered By Regular Building Inspections?

In theory, yes. In practice, the two systems of inspection operate side by side and are concerned with slightly different areas. Besides, if things go wrong, you can’t make a claim against your building inspector.

Local authority building inspectors have recently begun to offer their own warranty scheme (see LABC), but it’s administered independently and uses different inspectors.

How Long Does Cover Last?

Usually for 10 years. And some warranties provide more cover in years one and two than they do in subsequent years.

A warranty is almost invariably charged as a single premium and costs vary from £1,000 up to £5,000, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The average cost for a warranty is £2,000. 

“Cover can vary, so cheapest isn’t always best as wider cover will cost more. It’s well worth reading the policy detail to compare providers rather than on price alone,” advises Andrew Reardon of ProAktive.

Why Doesn’t Household Insurance Cover These Risks?

New homes present some significant risks which usually appear in the first two years after completion, and a warranty is the normal method of covering these risks.

Do I Have to Have One?

It’s not compulsory, but most lenders will require one, and you may have trouble selling a house less than ten years old if you don’t have a warranty in place.

A structural warranty, like most insurance policies, is not compulsory under law, but it’s practically impossible to sell your home within 10 years without one and most lenders specify that you have one in place too.

Plus, a structural warranty is often a requirement for a self build mortgage. So while it might not be a legal requirement, you will encounter several hurdles if you choose not to take out a policy.

A few self-builders will opt for an architect’s certificate: a signed statement confirming that the build has been supervised and constructed in accordance with accepted building practices. While it may be cheaper than a warranty, it typically only covers six years (as opposed to 10) and is not an underwritten insurance policy. Any issues that arise are claimed against the architect’s professional indemnity insurance, and you will need to be able to prove negligence in order to be successful — an expensive and ugly process.

In reality, there are no real alternatives to a structural warranty if you have a self-build mortgage or you are looking to sell within 10 years — it is likely a cost you will have to bear, but one that provides a great deal of peace of mind and protection for you and your new home.

Some self builders opt for an architect’s certificate over a warranty, which is a signed statement confirming that the house has been supervised during the build period and constructed in accordance with accepted building practices. It’s cheaper than a warranty, in the region of £1,000, but is only valid for six years and is not an insurance policy, meaning any issues that arise need to be claimed against the architect’s professional indemnity insurance, and you will need to be able to prove negligence in order to be successful — an expensive and ugly process.

It also doesn’t provide any cover for the insolvency of the builder. An increasing number of lenders are asking for a full structural warranty to be in place before releasing funds.

Who Sells Warranties?

It’s a small, specialised market and the big household insurers won’t be much help, but nevertheless there are enough providers for the market to be quite competitive. Homebuilding & Renovating has partnered with leading insurance specialist Self Build Zone to provide bespoke solutions at market-leading rates for its readers.

Get a quote now to protect your self build

Other providers include:

• LABC (Local Authority Building Control)
• BuildCare Structural Warranty
• Protek Selfbuild Structural Warranty
• ProAktive Selfbuild Warranty

Warranty providers often work hand in hand with private building inspectors and offer a range of services over and above warranties and site inspections, such as site insurances, air-pressure testing and SAP calculations. Self-build Zone in particular has set itself up as a one-stop shop for dealing with much of the red tape bedevilling the typical self build project.

There are also brokers, such as Evolution Insurance, who specialise in the home warranty market and will search out the best deal for you.

When Should I Buy a Self Build Warranty?

It is best to purchase your warranty at an early stage. It needs to be bought at least a couple of weeks before you start on site so that the provider’s inspectors can audit the design drawings prior to the build going on site.

If your warranty provider arranges the building control too, they will need to serve an Initial Notice on the local authority so that inspections can be sorted. A warranty can be provided retrospectively (even once the build is complete), but the further into the build you are, the more expensive a warranty becomes.

What if I Want to Sell My Self build with No Warranty?

As lenders have tightened their criteria, this is becoming a more common occurrence. In order to sell, you will need a retrospective warranty. If you fail to take out a warranty during construction but retrospectively decide that you need cover, Self-Build Zone and Protek are the only insurers able to help. They will inspect the property and may be able to offer cover for the remainder of the 10 year period since completion.

What is Covered? What isn’t?

Generally the cover is quite limited: latent defects insurance is really just concerned with major faults in the design or construction of a house, such as subsidence, drain problems or rain penetration. Snagging defects such as sticking doors or creaking floors are usually excluded. It’s well worth checking the small print to see what’s covered and what’s not: items like double-glazing failure and roof tile damage are optional. And, of course, as a rule, the wider the cover, the more expensive the policy.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?

Self build warranties often come with a ‘lock-in’ of one or two years which restricts the transfer of the warranty to a new owner. For most self builders, this is not a problem, but it can cause an issue when circumstances change (typically death or divorce). In exceptional cases, the warranty providers have the power to relax the lock-in. Check before you sign up.

Self Build Site Insurance

Quite distinct from both building inspections and warranties, site insurance looks to cover the risks from the building process itself. Site insurance covers you for accidents on site to people working or visiting. It may also cover for fire damage or theft, depending on the clauses and the exclusions.

(MORE: Self Build Site Insurance)

CONTENT SUPPLIED BY SELF BUILD ZONE

Compared to, say, choosing a building system, insurance is probably one of the dullest products out there and one that certainly isn’t going to be initially high on your radar. However, it’s only when you have been targeted by an arsonist, or been on the end of a serious theft that you can truly appreciate just how important site insurance can be.

Am I Not Covered by a Standard Home Insurance Policy?

Did you know that your normal house insurance doesn’t normally cover your property if you are altering it through an Extension, Renovation or Conversion. Many homeowners assume that their insurance policy will continue to provide cover if they carry out a major home improvement project, but often this isn’t the case as a lot of policies have an exclusion – meaning you aren’t protected if you alter the structure of your building.

Adding an extension can be the biggest financial investment you’ll make after purchasing your home, so why risk it all by not having the right insurance in place? Ask yourself if you could afford to rebuild your home and extension out of your own pocket if something went wrong.

What Does Site Insurance Do?

Most site insurance provides all the key elements of risk control in one straightforward package. It should be taken out from the moment you exchange contracts on your plot, where you have a Public Liability exposure, and then continue to cover the plant on site, workers, materials and the works in progress right up to the point you move in. Site insurance is usually based on the professional reinstatement cost and runs for 12, 18 or 24 months, or until the project is completed.

(MORE: Top 10 Insurance Questions Answered)

What Should I Be Looking For In a Policy?

First you need to check the insurance you are going to buy is backed by A-rated insurers. Your policy will need to cover your whole property while it is being improved or extended, even if you aren’t initially living there, which may be the case with an extensive renovation project. You should also make sure the policy covers all the new works and materials, right up to completion of the project.

You should also opt for a package where tools and equipment left on site are also protected, and employers’ and public liability insurance is included. This means that anyone working on site is covered if they suffer an injury, or if damage is caused to a third party or their property. 

What’s more, with the right insurance policy,  should anything happen to a worker or family member while on site during the course of the construction, the cost of defending or pursuing a claim is covered. You should also consider purchasing a Structural Warranty which is a lender requirement in the UK, if you are using a lender to fund your build or you wish to sell the property to someone using a mortgage you will need a 10 Year Structural Warranty.

With options to have approved inspectors carry out the building control and technical audits throughout the build, which can save you time in comparison to using the local authority and an approved inspector for your inspections. Self-Build Zone’s comprehensive protection options also include the chance to take out a 10-year structural warranty on completion of the work, to protect you against defects in design, materials and workmanship. For more information, call 0345 230 9874 or visit the website.

CONTENT SUPPLIED BY SELF-BUILD ZONE

If you plan on carrying out any kind of construction work on your home, whether you are building from scratch, renovating or extending, then you will need to not only be aware of site insurance and structural warranties, but also know when you need them and to what extent you are covered.

It’s important to have public liability cover in place from the moment you own the site as you could be liable if someone injures themselves on your land. As soon as works begin it’s crucial to have site insurance to cover you and those you employ while clearing the site, installing services or starting construction.

Policies range in length from 3-24 months and will end at the date of Building Control sign off or at the natural expiration of the policy.

You will need to understand the technical terminology found in such policies to ensure you are effectively covered throughout your project. Here, we explain the specifics.

What is an ‘All Risks’ Site Insurance Policy?

This is a specialist policy that covers construction projects ranging from new build properties, extensions, internal renovations or even conversions of former agricultural/industrial buildings into dwellings. 

This kind of policy predominantly covers physical perils to the structure, such as:

• fire
• vandalism
• malicious damage
• storm damage.

As the employer on a homebuilding or improvement project, this policy will cover your workers, the land and all materials due to be used in the project.

Covering Workers, Accidents and Legal Fees

These are major aspects of the policy. Public Liability covers third party individuals or property, while Employers Liability covers the risk of your workers submitting claims for illness or injury whilst on the site. 

Personal accident cover is also included in the event that you or anyone else named on the policy are injured during the course of the build.

Legal expenses cover should be provided as part of the policy and is designed to help pay towards the cost of any contractual dispute you may have with your builder, architect  or engineer. Additional levels of cover can be obtained for plant, tools and equipment as well as any caravans or site huts you may have for the project, whether you own them or are hiring them. 

What is the Difference Between Site Insurance and a Structural Warranty?

While site insurance covers the project during the construction phase, the structural warranty policy is designed to cover the reinstatement or partial reinstatement of the property and can be transferred to all future owners (if sold within a 10-year period). 

The warranty provides cover for major damage as a result of defective design, workmanship and materials, and the policy only begins once the property has received a Building Control Completion Certificate.

There are two routes through which the structural warranty operates:

• the Technical Audit process whereby an approved inspectors carries out surveys at key construction stages solely for the purpose of issuing the warranty (Building Control is arranged with another provider) 
• the Building Control process in which an approved inspector carries out the Building Control instead of the Local Authority, therefore combining both sets of required inspections and thus issuing the Building Control Completion Certificate and Warranty Certificate at the end of the project. 

It is worth noting that the longer you withhold from purchasing the structural warranty, the more expensive it will become. 

In today’s climate, a structural warranty is often required by mortgage lenders in order for them to lend against a self build project, so it is very important to check that they accept the warranty provider you have chosen. 

The UK Finance Initiative has a comprehensive list of approved structural warranty providers. 

For more information on securing the right kind of cover for your self build, renovation or extension project, contact Self Build Zone.