Confirm the insurance arrangements for the actual work
Guidance reviewed 13 September 2026 · Planning information for homeowners in England
A renovation changes the information an insurer needs about a property. Prepare the scope, programme and occupation arrangements before asking what cover applies. The useful output is a written record of the insurer's response, conditions and outstanding questions, rather than an assumed policy triggered by a generic project value.
This guide helps prepare that conversation. Your insurer or an appropriately authorised insurance adviser must confirm suitability and cover. Keep the policy wording, schedule and relevant endorsements together; a contractor's certificate does not answer every question about your home or the works.
Give the insurer a clear project description
Ask which changes must be notified and when. Obtain a written response before the affected work or occupation change, and identify the person responsible for later updates. ABI explains that undisclosed changes can affect cover; the actual policy and circumstances determine the response.
- Describe structural alterations, roof openings, extensions and any proposed work to shared or neighbouring structures.
- Record the anticipated dates, contract arrangements, parties carrying out the work and any design responsibilities.
- Explain whether the home will be occupied, partly occupied or empty, and whether belongings will remain or move into storage.
- Identify listed status, unusual construction and the documents available for the property's rebuilding assessment.
Source: ABI: buildings insurance.
Separate the questions each policy must answer
Do not assume that contract-works cover includes the existing building, or that a liability policy pays for every defect or loss. Ask the adviser to identify overlaps and gaps against the actual building contract. Record any conditions concerning security, inspections, hot work, weather protection and water services for the competent team to incorporate into its plan.
| Subject | Question to resolve |
|---|---|
| Existing building | Which policy covers the existing structure during this scope, and what conditions or exclusions change? |
| Works and materials | Who arranges cover for the work in progress, materials, temporary works and relevant equipment? |
| Liability | Whose legal liabilities are covered, for which activities, with what limits, exclusions and excesses? |
| Occupation and contents | What applies to an empty or partly occupied home, stored belongings and any accommodation costs? |
| Policy period | What happens if the programme extends, the scope changes or one party's policy renews? |
| Incident response | Who must be contacted, what records are required and what emergency actions should the team follow? |
Check the parties and the evidence
Request current insurance evidence for the actual contracting entity and relevant work. Record the insurer, policy period and scope reference, together with questions the certificate does not answer. If design is included, ask how the appointed designer's responsibilities and insurance are addressed; do not infer cover from the label design-and-build.
If your arrangements could make you an employer, check employment status and the employers' liability requirements, including any applicable exemption, with the appropriate adviser. Hiring an independent contractor and employing a worker are different arrangements. GOV.UK provides the current starting point; a generic homeowner checklist cannot decide status.
Price the confirmed arrangement and manage the transition
Use actual quotations and confirmed conditions in the budget. Keep premium, fees, excess exposure and any required site measures separate. For buildings insurance, ABI distinguishes rebuilding cost from market value; ask whether a professional rebuilding assessment is appropriate, particularly for a listed or unusual property.
Do not cancel existing cover simply because you are moving out or starting a refurbishment. Have the insurer or adviser confirm any replacement and its effective date first. At completion, confirm the ongoing policy arrangements and required evidence; notify further changes through the agreed route.
- Record the scope and occupation information
- Add confirmed insurance costs and assumptions
- Track the policy and completion documents
- Prepare comparable contractor questions
Source: ABI: buildings insurance.
Take the next step with a planning template
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Professional Renovation Services with Proper Insurance
Hampstead Renovations maintains comprehensive insurance coverage including public liability insurance. We can advise on insurance requirements for your project and ensure all our subcontractors carry appropriate coverage. Your peace of mind is our priority. Contact us to discuss your renovation project.
Call: 020 7101 3168 | Email: contact@hampsteadrenovations.co.uk