Altenburg Mum,
Usually when someone is having structural work on their home then the existing home insurer will either limit cover or remove cover altogether. If there is a JCT contract or other involved again household insurers are usually not too happy with this as it is outside of their comfort zone.
It is advisable to take out a renovation/ project work insurance for the length of the work, which replaces the normal home insurance for that time. Essentially it is a policy which covers the existing structure and contract works on one single policy, so there is no confusion if a claim had to be made about who was responsible, and any claims money should go to you, not the contractor. The contractor should certainly have his own liability insurance in place but the home owner should also be in control of the projects insurance, perhaps in joint names.
If you are digging a basement then Non Negligence Party Wall insurance is also strongly advisable to cover potential large damage to third party properties as a result of the works, which cannot be attributed to architect, builders etc.
If you would like more information I would be happy to forward some more or speak on the telephone.
James Lavers
Portfolio Director at Insurance Tailors -
www.insurancetailors.com
jlavers@insurancetailors.com
