Struggling to get self build insurance

mulletamoeba

Greetings,

I am struggling to get self build insurance on a renovation job. All contractors will have their own insurance but I still wish to have PL and EL cover. Wrights Insurance seemed to be the best chance but they have declined to quote. Have tried many other brokers to no avail. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Would it be nuts to build without this cover if all contractors have their own insurance?

Many thanks

peteb2

You won't be able to get EL/PL. Not unless you are intending on being the main contractor here.

Why would you want cover if everyone has their own? Have you a project manager?

mulletamoeba

I am planning to manage the project myself. The two principle contractors we have an excellent relationship with and they have worked together frequently and we trust. I wouldn't take on managing it if I didn't have them involved.

My understanding was that although each of them has their own insurance, it is still wise for me to have a policy to cover damage to the structure, public liability and also employers liability. Is that not the case, is additional insurance overkill if all contractors have their own? It's a moot point in any case as I can't get a quote for it!

peteb2

The likely problem is that you are effectively acting as a main contractor but without the cover. As it's not a green-field build you would never have got a self-build policy, and as an individual you could only get fire cover for building in the course of renovation.

Maybe the construction heads can advise as to whether you have a responsibility towards health and safety on site as project manager. You may be responsible contractually if someone injures themselves as you are in control of the site.

But you still won't be able to get cover unless you are "mulletamoeba contracting Ltd or t/a" and that itself would warrant certain conditions for you to be covered. Such as having a health and safety statement, etc.

sorry I can't be more clearer here.

Prince red

Aviva will do it for new builds and they give everything but they are expensive. Also <snip> they would quote but I have yet to hear back!!!<snip> seemed to a have a good variety of options and I found they were the cheapest so far. They did say to get the Insurance before starting the build as it works out much cheeper anyway. The best price I have is €1150 for a 1500 sq foot new build. anybody have any better or any other options ? Surely there must be more options than that?

rampantbunny

mulletamoeba wrote: »

Greetings,

I am struggling to get self build insurance on a renovation job. All contractors will have their own insurance but I still wish to have PL and EL cover. Wrights Insurance seemed to be the best chance but they have declined to quote. Have tried many other brokers to no avail. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Would it be nuts to build without this cover if all contractors have their own insurance?

Many thanks

Although I can't advise you on whether or not you need insurance for your particular project\circumstances, I can at least give you a list of brokers I tried for self-build insurance. PM sent.