Contract works insurance

Contract works insurance covers eligible work and materials you're responsible for during a building or construction project if they're damaged during the period of cover. It’s an optional addition to our tradesman public liability insurance policies.

It can apply on or next to the contract site, while work is in transit and in certain periods after work is handed over.

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Contract works insurance can cover damage to eligible contract works and materials you're responsible for.

Depending on the circumstances, this can include damage:

• On or next to the contract site

• While being transported to or from the site

• While stored away from the site, subject to policy conditions

• During the first 14 days after handover

• During a maintenance or defects liability period of up to 12 months

The policy also includes certain additional costs following insured damage, such as debris removal and professional fees.

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Contract works cover can be relevant to builders, contractors and other tradespeople who are responsible for work or materials as part of a contract.

Whether you need contract works cover will depend on your work, your responsibilities under the contract and the value of the project.

No, contract works insurance isn't generally a legal requirement.

However, a contract with a client, principal or other party may require you to have particular insurance in place before work starts.

It's always worth checking the insurance requirements in your contract before starting a project.

Not necessarily. Contractors all risk is generally used to describe broader construction insurance that can combine cover for the works, equipment and liability.

Our contract works cover is an optional extra that specifically covers eligible contract works and materials you're responsible for.

Not usually. Public liability insurance is designed to cover your legal liability for accidental injury to other people or accidental damage to third-party property arising from your work.

Contract works insurance covers eligible work and materials you're responsible for if they're damaged.

The two covers deal with different risks, so both may be relevant to your business.

Learn more about public liability insurance

This depends on your contract and who is responsible for the work and materials. Contract works insurance covers work you're responsible for under your contract.

If you use subcontractors, make sure you know:

• Which work they are responsible for

• Which work you are responsible for

• Who is responsible for the materials

• What insurance your contract requires

The policy also has specific rules for some subcontractors working under JCT contracts.

Check your contract and policy documents to see how these rules apply to your project.

Contract works insurance can cover eligible damage caused by insured events, subject to the policy terms and conditions.

For example, the policy can cover certain damage caused by storms or floods.

Normal deterioration and damage caused by gradual environmental changes aren't covered.

Yes, contract works insurance can cover theft of eligible works and materials you're responsible for, 

There are some specific conditions around certain types of property, including unfixed non-ferrous metals. For example, cover for these materials can depend on whether an authorised employee or agent is present, or whether the materials are kept in a securely locked hut or building.

Always check your policy wording for the full terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

Contract works insurance doesn't cover the cost of repairing, replacing or rectifying contract works because of a defect in their design, plan, specification, materials or workmanship.

However, other contract works that aren't defective can still be covered if they suffer damage as a result, subject to policy terms and conditions.

The level of cover you choose can depend on the value of the work and materials you're responsible for.

You can choose cover from £10,000 to £1.5 million.

A £250 excess applies to each claim.

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There isn't a standard price for contract works insurance.Your premium depends on your business, the work you're carrying out and the level of cover you choose.

The value of the contract and the type of project can also affect the price you pay.

The easiest way to find out your contract works insurance cost is to get a personalised quote.

Get a contract works insurance quote

Contract works cover is an optional addition to our tradesman public liability insurance policies.

If you already have a policy with us, get in touch with our team to discuss adding the cover.

If you're taking out a new policy, you can select contract works as an optional extra when getting your quote.