Protect your Project with Owner Builder Cover
Renovating your own home or embarking on a new construction project is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with inherent risks. Just like a licensed builder, owner-builders are responsible for any unforeseen events during construction.
Owner builder insurance protects your investment from common threats like bad weather, water damage, vandalism, theft, public liability, and more. Coverforce Insurance Brokers take the complexity out of owner-builder insurance. We'll guide you through the process, ensuring you have the right coverage to focus on bringing your vision to life.
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Owner Builder Contract Works & Public Liability
As an Owner Builder you are responsible for coordinating construction work, managing site safety, and supervising any subcontractors, workers, and visitors to the site. Therefore, you can be held liable if someone gets injured or the building work is found to be defective.
Owner Builder Contract Works and Public Liability offers protection against potential risks when constructing a new residence, renovating, or expanding an existing one. It includes coverage for a variety of hazards, as well as public liability.
The cover comprises of two sections:
- Section 1: Material Damage
This is a mandatory Section of an Owner Builder Contract Works and Public Liability policy. It protects the Owner Builder for losses caused by hazards such as fire, storm, impact, wind, and water damage, vandalism, and theft (including materials left outdoors).
You can choose to cover the constructions materials and labour costs associated with the project. This is known as the Project or Contract Value.
Pre-existing residential structures can be insured under this section of the policy. A pre-existing property is a residential structure that existed at the site prior to the new projects works. For example, the main home where secondary dwelling is to be constructed at the site, a detached garage, a domestic-use shed or a granny flat. - Section 2: Public Liability (also known as Legal Liability)
Liability Insurance is an insurance product that provides protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to other people or property. Liability Insurance policies cover legal costs and payouts an insured party is responsible for if they are found legally liable.
Intentional damage and contractual liabilities are generally not covered in liability insurance policies. Unlike other types of insurance, liability insurance policies pay third parties, and not policy holders.
Voluntary Workers Group Personal Accident Insurance
Voluntary Workers Insurance is an optional add-on to Owner-Builder Contract Works and Liability. If you are physically working on your project site, and/or having friends or family help with any of the building work or renovations, you'll also need Voluntary Workers cover.
Voluntary Workers Insurance is a policy that offers benefits to both the Owner Builder and volunteer workers in the event of accidents, accidental death, or permanent disability occurring at the specified project site. This policy covers the Owner Builder and eligible voluntary workers who would not otherwise qualify for workers’ compensation insurance.
Voluntary Workers Group Personal Accident Insurance provides the following coverage:
- Loss of Wages: Compensation for lost wages due to injury
- Permanent Disablement: Benefits in case of permanent disability
- Medical ExpensesPayment for injury-related non-Medicare medical costs incurred by a volunteer who is injured while performing activities on behalf of the owner builder and is unable to work in their regular occupation.
For detailed information on coverage, exclusions, and limits, please refer to the Policy Disclosure Statement.
Get Instant QuoteOwner Builder Home Warranty Insurance
Owner Builder Home Warranty Insurance is suitable for Owner Builders selling an owner-built project during the statutory warranty period. Owner Builder Home Warranty Insurance protects purchasers in the event the Owner Builder dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent and is unable to fix defective work during the statutory period.
Home Indemnity Insurance is only available for Residential / Domestic Building Work only.
In Victoria, Owner Builder Home Warranty Insurance is mandatory for Owner Builders selling their home within the statutory periods; being 6 years for structural defects and 2 years for non-structural. The warranty period commences from the date of issue of the Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Final Inspection.
In Western Australia, Owner Builder Home Warranty Insurance is available to Owner Builders selling their home within the statutory period; being 7 years from the Building License Issue date.
In all other states and territories, Owner Builder Home Warranty Insurance is not mandatory. However, it is available if requested by the purchaser of your property. To find out whether Owner Builder Home Warranty would benefit your project, give our team a call on 1300 255 747 or request a quote.
Request a QuoteCoverforce Insurance Brokers can Help with your Owner Builder Insurance
Having the right insurance in place is a key part of managing the risks of being an owner builder. Coverforce have a dedicated Owner Builder Team who are on hand to help answer your questions and arrange insurance cover should you choose to do so. Our brokers have significant experience covering construction work and can therefore provide tailored risk advice and insurance cover for both the core risks and specialised risks owner builders face. Call our friendly team on 1300 255 747 or request an instant quote below.
Get Instant QuoteYour Service Team
Please don't hesitate to reach out to one of our Account Managers below for expert support and advice on owner builder insurance across Australia:
Kym Dabrowski
(Monday to Wednesday)
T: 02 9376 7933
E: kym_dabrowski@coverforce.com.au
Flora Sofianos
(Thursday & Friday)
T: 02 9376 7826
E: flora_sofianos@coverforce.com.au
Wayne Manley
EGM Builders Warranty
T: 02 9376 7850
E: wayne_manley@coverforce.com.au