Home improvements - what are the insurance implications?
If you’re considering carrying out substantial building work, you certainly need to inform your insurer before you begin. Your builder should have their own cover, and it’s worth checking they have liability cover, especially in the event of damage to a neighbour’s property.
You should also check on your own insurance cover, especially if you’re having renovations or alterations done. It’s essential you’re insured for such mishaps as a wall collapsing, a fire breaking out or building equipment stolen, and you’ll need specialist insurance if you can’t live in your home for more than 30 days.
Cosmetic changes such as kitchen or bathroom refits don’t matter unless they’re substantial; it all depends on the size. Insurers want to know about work that could alter the value of your home, compromise your home security or damage valuables.
What if DIY goes wrong?
Watching a YouTube tutorial won’t necessarily make you an expert, so it’s always worth checking the level of cover you have in place if you’re about to carry out a DIY or redecoration project. A standard policy tends not to protect you if something goes wrong. In some cases, it’s better to hire a qualified tradesperson with liability insurance in place.
Accidental damage cover is always good to consider. Although this will cost a little extra, it may be cheaper than paying for costly repairs if something goes wrong, like putting your foot through the ceiling or accidentally nailing through a water pipe while hanging a picture. You could also look at taking out home emergency cover.
Informing your insurer
If you’re altering the structure of your home, you must inform your insurer. They may re-evaluate, resulting in higher insurance costs and fees. It’s imperative to have adequate cover in place. If you’re making your home secure with a new security system or better locks, it could reduce your insurance costs.
Jobs you should inform your insurer about
- Extending
- Adding a conservatory
- Loft conversion
- Roof replacement
- Double-glazing
- Adding a porch
- A new summerhouse
- Having a pool installed
- New kitchen or bathroom
- New flooring
- Rewiring
Jobs you don’t need to inform your insurer about
- Replacing carpets
- Putting up shelves
- Re-tiling a bathroom
- Wallpapering
- Painting
- Paving and gardening,
Please note that these lists are non-exhaustive. If you are unsure whether to inform your insurer, please contact us.
Talk to NLIG
If you’re having work done to your house, it’s always a good idea to check you have appropriate insurance in place. We would advise looking at contents insurance to protect your possessions, accidental damage to protect you if something goes wrong and legal cover, ensuring you’re legally protected, especially in the event of a civil dispute. In the case of a major rebuild or renovation, we’d advise having your home re-evaluated to ensure you have adequate rebuild costs in place.
To find out more and make sure you’re adequately insured, call us on 01992 703 300 or email insurance@nlig.co.uk.