Construction insurance FAQs for contractors

We help contractors review their insurance requirements and arrange suitable cover. We are not an insurer. Insurers underwrite the policies, and guarantee providers issue guarantees. See about CivilCovered.

A short description of your work and, if you have it, the insurance clauses from your contract. Our quote documents guide lists what else helps.

No. Cover starts only when the insurer has accepted the risk and confirmed the terms and start date. Until then you are not insured.

No. Registration is a tendering matter, not an insurance requirement. Insurers may ask about your experience, though. See the CIDB grading guide.

Insurance designed to respond to accidental loss of or damage to the works while they are being carried out, subject to policy terms. See Contractors All Risk insurance.

In everyday use, yes. The names are used interchangeably, and what matters is the wording.

Generally the cost of rectifying defective work itself is excluded, although resulting accidental damage may be treated differently. See latent defects explained.

It depends on the number and size of your contracts and what each requires. See annual versus project-specific insurance.

Legal liability to third parties for injury or property damage arising from your activities, subject to policy terms. See public liability insurance.

Contractors All Risk addresses the works. Public liability addresses claims by third parties. See Contractors All Risk versus public liability.

They are a frequent exclusion, limit or higher excess, so ask the insurer how they are treated.

No. Insurance does not replace statutory obligations. See employers’ liability insurance.

On a replacement, market or agreed basis, depending on the policy. See Plant All Risk insurance.

Not automatically. See hired-in plant insurance and hired-in plant responsibilities.

Theft cover usually has conditions, such as tracking, locking or guarding. Check them against how you actually work.

Portable tools and small equipment are often dealt with separately. See tools and equipment insurance.

No. A guarantee protects the employer and the contractor normally has to repay the provider if it is called. See performance guarantee versus insurance.

Placement capability is being confirmed and always depends on the guarantee provider’s assessment. Start with the construction guarantees overview.

There is no universal list. See application documents for the common categories.

There is no standard price. See the cost factor guides for contract works and plant.

As soon as you have the award, or sooner if the tender asks for evidence. See insurance after winning a tender.

Often, where the contract requires it and the insurer agrees. Send us the clause.

Tell the insurer. Variations, extensions of time and changes in scope can affect the sum insured and the period of insurance.

We look at whatever form your contract uses. See JBCC and NEC, FIDIC and GCC for overviews.

Make the site safe, notify the insurer as your policy requires and preserve evidence. See claims documents and claims assistance.

We cannot promise that. The insurer assesses each claim against the policy terms.

Yes, we can help you assemble the information and communicate with the insurer, but the insurer makes the decision.

No. CivilCovered arranges insurance. It does not underwrite insurance or issue guarantees.

See our complaints procedure.

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