Property insurance
Property Under Renovation Insurance
cover for a property being refurbished, extended or converted, designed to run from the start of the works to completion
Cover for a property while major works are under way, when a standard policy can fall short. Telling the insurer about the works before they start matters as much as the cover itself.
- Refurbishments, extensions and conversions
- Cover while empty during works
- Homeowners, landlords and investors
- FCA authorised and regulated
Quick answerProperty under renovation insurance keeps a building insured while major works are carried out, such as a refurbishment, an extension or a conversion. A standard home or landlord policy can restrict cover once works start, especially if the property is empty. Renovation cover protects the existing building, and can include the works, materials and liability, with conditions for the site. Tell MyMoneyComparison.com about the project once, and specialist UK brokers can come back with quotes.
This page is about property having major works. A property simply standing empty is on our unoccupied property insurance page, and an empty shop, office or unit on unoccupied commercial property.
At a glance
Renovation Cover, in Brief
Six things that decide how property under renovation insurance behaves, before any of the detail.
- Declare the works
- Tell the insurer before work starts, not after
- The existing building
- Insured for its rebuild figure through the project
- The works and materials
- New work and materials on site, where included
- Empty during works
- Unoccupied conditions can apply while nobody lives there
- Liability on site
- Neighbours, visitors and passers-by
- Site precautions
- Hot work, security and waste conditions
The basics
What Is Property Under Renovation Insurance?
Cover for a property while it is being refurbished, extended or converted. It keeps the existing building insured when major works would restrict or suspend a standard policy.
The existing building
The structure already standing, for its rebuild figure.
The works
New work and materials on site, where the policy includes them.
The empty period
Cover while nobody lives there during the works.
Property owners’ liability
Injury or damage to others arising from the property.
Theft and vandalism
Subject to security conditions on an open site.
Fixtures and fittings
Kitchens, bathrooms and fittings, once fitted or where included.
How it works
How Does Property Under Renovation Insurance Work?
You describe the property and the project, the insurer sets the cover and conditions for the works, and the policy runs from the start date to completion.
You describe the property and project
The type, age and construction of the building, the scale of the works and how long they will take.
You set the sums insured
The rebuild figure for the existing building, and the value of the works where they are covered. The method is in our guide to calculating a rebuild value.
The insurer sets site conditions
Security, hot work, waste and, if the property is empty, inspections and services.
Cover runs to completion
When the works finish, you can move to standard home or landlord cover. Tell the insurer when they do.
What it covers
What Does Property Under Renovation Insurance Cover?
The existing building against events such as fire, storm, flood and escape of water, with theft, the works, materials and liability on many policies, subject to site conditions.
| Section | Where it sits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| The existing building | Core | For its full rebuild figure |
| Fire, storm and flood | Core | Check any flood conditions |
| Escape of water | Core or wider cover | Can depend on draining and services |
| Theft and malicious damage | Core or wider cover | Subject to security conditions |
| The works and materials on site | On some policies | Or covered by the contractor |
| Property owners’ liability | Core or optional | The limit is set on your schedule |
| Contents and fittings | Optional | For items kept at the property |
Who insures the works? On some projects the builder’s own contract works cover protects the new work, and your policy covers the existing building. Agree this in writing before work starts, so nothing falls between the two.
Exclusions
What Property Under Renovation Insurance Does Not Include
Cover can exclude losses where the works were not declared or conditions were not kept, faulty workmanship, gradual damage, and changes to the project the insurer was not told about.
Faulty workmanship or design
A matter for the builder and the building contract, not the policy.
Undeclared works
Works the insurer was not told about, or larger than described.
Wear, tear and gradual damage
Damp, rot and decay already in the building.
Hot work breaches
Fire where hot work conditions were not followed.
Unsecured site
Theft where the property or materials were left open.
Missed inspections
Where an empty property condition was not kept.
Types of project
Which Renovation Projects Can Be Covered?
From a light refurbishment to a full structural renovation or conversion. The more structural the works, the more the insurer weighs the risk.
Refurbishments
New kitchens, bathrooms, rewiring and redecoration.
Extensions
Single or multi-storey, and loft or basement conversions.
Structural works
Removing walls, underpinning and new roofs.
Conversions
A house into flats, or a commercial building into homes.
Full renovations
A derelict or run-down property brought back into use.
Mixed-use and portfolio projects
Works across a mixed-use building or several properties.
Business below, homes above? See our mixed-use property insurance page.
Who it is for
Who Needs Property Under Renovation Insurance
Anyone responsible for a property having works that go beyond what their usual policy allows.
Homeowners
Extending or renovating the home they live in or will move into.
Landlords
Refurbishing between tenancies.
Investors and developers
Buying to renovate and sell or let.
Buyers of run-down property
Renovating before moving in.
Self-builders and DIY renovators
Doing some or all of the work themselves.
Commercial owners
Converting or refitting a commercial building.
Letting again once the works finish? See our landlord insurance page.
Renovation or standard
Renovation Cover vs Standard Home or Landlord Cover
A standard policy expects a finished, lived-in building. Major works and an empty property can restrict or suspend it. Renovation cover is designed for the project itself.
| Renovation cover | Standard cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for major works | Yes | Can restrict cover once works start |
| Cover while empty | Designed for it, with conditions | Can reduce after a set period |
| The works and materials | On some policies | Not usually |
| Conditions | Security, hot work and inspections | Standard conditions |
Check your current policy first. Some policies allow small works if you tell the insurer. What counts as major works is set out in your own policy documents. See our property owners insurance page.
Cost
What Property Under Renovation Insurance Is Priced On
The property, its rebuild figure, the scale and length of the works, whether it is empty, who does the work, and the claims history. We do not print average premiums.
Why the works lead
Structural work leaves a building more exposed than a new kitchen, and a longer project means a longer period at risk.
Why the building matters too
The rebuild figure, construction and age set the base, and older buildings can cost more to put right.
What the quote is rated on
The main factors
- Rebuild figureThe existing buildingBase
- The worksScale, type and valueRate
- Project lengthStart to completionRate
- OccupancyLived in or emptyRate
- HistoryPast claimsAdjust
Flood exposure
Flood history and location feed the rate.
Site security
Locked access and secure storage can help the terms.
Contractor or DIY
A qualified builder or your own labour.
The conditions
The Conditions That Decide a Renovation Claim
Renovation claims can turn on whether the works were declared and the site conditions were kept. Four come up again and again.
Declare the works before they start
Describe the scale, the length and who is doing them, and tell the insurer if the plans change.
Follow the hot work rules
Where the policy sets conditions for welding, grinding or blow torches, keep to them and record the checks.
Secure the site and materials
Lock the property when nobody is working, store materials and tools securely, and clear waste regularly.
Keep empty property conditions
If nobody lives there, make the inspections and manage water and services as the schedule requires.
Using a builder? Ask to see their liability and contract works cover, and check what the building contract says about who insures the works.
Quote checklist
What You Will Be Asked for a Renovation Insurance Quote
Six things shape the quote: the property, the works, the timescale, the rebuild figure, who is doing the work, and the claims history.
The property
Type, age, construction and address.
The works
What is being done, and their value.
The timescale
Start date and expected completion.
A rebuild figure
For the existing building.
Who is doing the work
A builder, trades or yourself.
Claims history
Recent claims and any past refusals of cover.
Comparing
Checking Renovation Insurance Quotes Side by Side
Four areas decide whether a policy suits the project: the cover, the conditions, the period, and cost terms. The price is only one of them.
The cover
- The existing building and the works
- Theft of materials and fittings
- Property owners’ liability
Conditions
- Hot work and security rules
- Inspections if empty
- Waste and site tidiness
The period
- Cover for the full project
- Extending if works overrun
- Moving to standard cover at the end
Cost terms
- The excess
- Higher excesses for some events
- Paying monthly or upfront
Check what happens if the works overrun. Projects can take longer than planned. Unfamiliar terms are explained in our plain English jargon guide.
Cutting costs
How to Reduce the Cost of Property Under Renovation Insurance
The levers are an accurate description of the works, good site security, the right sums insured, and the excess. We publish no savings figures.
Describe the works accurately
Clear plans help an insurer rate the project fairly.
Secure the site
Locked access and secure storage can help the terms.
Get the sums insured right
Too high wastes premium; too low invites a reduced claim.
Use qualified trades
Check their insurance before they start.
Match the term to the project
Allow for delays without paying for months you do not need.
Choose the excess deliberately
A higher excess is a lever, worth using only at a level you could absorb.
Glossary
Property Under Renovation Insurance Terms Explained
The words that come up most on a renovation insurance schedule.
- Major works
- Building work beyond what a standard policy allows, as its wording defines.
- Contract works
- Cover for the new work and materials during a building project.
- Rebuild figure
- The cost of rebuilding the property, not its sale price.
- Hot work
- Work using heat or flame, such as welding or blow torches.
- Unoccupied
- Not lived in for longer than the period a policy sets.
- Joint names
- A policy naming both the owner and the builder.
- Structural works
- Work to walls, roofs or foundations that affects how the building stands.
- Property owners’ liability
- The owner’s liability for injury or damage caused by the property.
- Practical completion
- When the works are finished and the building can be used.
- Excess
- The part of each claim you pay yourself.
Why MyMoneyComparison.com
Why Compare Property Under Renovation Insurance with MyMoneyComparison.com?
MyMoneyComparison.com is an FCA-authorised UK comparison service that introduces property owners to specialist brokers. We do not sell insurance and we do not give advice: the broker you choose arranges the policy. Using us is free.
One form, one property
Describe the property once, instead of repeating yourself to each broker.
Advice given
We are an introducer, not a broker. We do not sell policies and we do not recommend one insurer or product over another. Read our editorial policy.
Authorised and regulated
MyMoneyComparison.com Ltd appears on the FCA register under FRN 916241.
Incorporated
A UK company since 2013. FCA authorisation is separate and later; the register carries its date.
FAQs
Property Under Renovation Insurance FAQs
Answers on declaring works, builders, empty periods and sums insured.
What is property under renovation insurance?
Cover for a property while it is being refurbished, extended or converted. It keeps the existing building insured, and can include the works, materials and liability, when a standard policy would restrict cover.
Does my home insurance cover renovation work?
Small works may be fine if you tell the insurer. Major works, especially structural ones or works that leave the property empty, can restrict or suspend a standard policy. Check your policy documents and ask before work starts.
What counts as major works?
It depends on the policy wording, but structural changes, extensions, conversions and works that make a property uninhabitable can count. If in doubt, describe the project to the insurer and ask how they treat it.
When should I arrange cover?
Before any work starts. Cover arranged after the works have begun can be harder to find, and a loss in the gap between policies may not be covered by either one.
Does it cover the building work itself?
Some policies cover the works and materials on site as well as the existing building. On other projects the builder insures the works. Agree in writing who covers what, so nothing is left out.
What if the property is empty during the works?
Many renovation policies are designed for this, with conditions such as regular inspections and managing water and services. Tell the insurer whether anyone will live there while the work is done.
Does my builder need their own insurance?
A builder can carry their own liability cover and, on many projects, contract works cover. Ask to see it before they start, and check what the building contract says about insurance.
Can I do the work myself?
Some policies cover owners doing some or all of the work, and others expect qualified trades for certain jobs. Tell the insurer who will do what, including any electrical or structural work.
What is hot work and why does it matter?
Hot work means welding, grinding, blow torches and similar. It is a known fire risk on a renovation, so policies can set conditions for it. A fire where the conditions were not kept could affect a claim.
Is theft of materials covered?
Many policies cover materials and fittings on site, often subject to security conditions such as a locked building or secure storage. Check any limits for items kept outside or in a skip.
How do I set the sums insured?
The existing building needs its full rebuild figure, and the value of the works is added where the policy covers them. Getting either too low can reduce a claim, so a professional assessment helps.
Is property owners’ liability included?
Many policies include it, and others offer it as an extra. A building site can injure a visitor or damage a neighbour’s property, so it is worth checking the limit on the schedule.
What if the works take longer than planned?
Tell the insurer before the policy ends. Many policies can be extended, but a lapse in cover while work continues can leave the property unprotected, so allow for delays when you set the term.
What happens when the works finish?
Tell the insurer and move to standard home or landlord cover from completion or when someone moves in. Renovation cover is designed for the project period only.
Can I insure a commercial conversion?
Yes. A commercial building being converted into homes, or refitted for a new use, can be covered. Describe the current use, the planned use and the scale of the works.
How do I compare renovation insurance quotes?
Look beyond the price to what the policy covers, the site conditions, whether the works and materials are included, liability, the term, extensions and the excess you would pay.
Ready when you are
Get Quotes for Your Renovation Project
Tell us about the property and the works. Specialist UK brokers can then come back with quotes. Free to use, with no obligation to buy.
- Refurbishments, extensions and conversions
- Free to use, no obligation
- FCA authorised and regulated
Free to use · No obligation · UK brokers
About this page
This page explains UK property under renovation insurance: what it covers, what it leaves out, and how declaring the works and keeping site conditions decide a claim. It is general information rather than advice. Policies differ between insurers, so read your own documents and put the questions raised here to your insurer or broker.
How we approached this page
- Published UK renovation and unoccupied property policy summaries
- Home and landlord policy conditions on building works
- Financial Ombudsman material on property insurance complaints
Legal & Regulatory Information:
The MyMoneyComparison.com website is owned and operated by MyMoneyComparison.com Ltd, which does not provide financial advice and does not sell insurance policies. MyMoneyComparison.com Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for insurance mediation and credit broking activity under FCA registration number 916241.
MyMoneyComparison.com Ltd is a data controller under the Data Protection Act 2018, registered on the Data Protection Register under registration number ZA460665.
Registered Office: Jubilee House, 55 Church St, Morley, Leeds LS27 9JQ, United Kingdom.
© 2013-2026 MyMoneyComparison.com Ltd. All rights reserved.