Understanding Home Insurance During Renovations in the UK

If you’re planning building work, one of the most overlooked but critical steps is understanding how renovations affect your home insurance. Many UK homeowners assume their existing policy will cover everything — but failing to take the right actions can leave you exposed to serious financial risk.

Why Home Insurance Matters During Renovations

Renovations increase the likelihood of accidents, damage and theft. Insurers see building work as a higher-risk period, which is why your standard policy may no longer provide full protection.

Notifying Your Insurer About Major Works

You should always inform your insurer before starting significant renovations.

• Loft conversions, extensions and structural alterations
• Work lasting more than a few weeks
• Periods when the property may be unoccupied

Failure to notify your insurer can result in a void policy, meaning claims may be refused.

Types of Insurance Coverage You May Need

Building Works Insurance

• Covers damage to the existing structure and new works
• Often required for major renovations

Contractors All Risk Insurance

• Usually held by professional builders
• Covers damage caused by construction activities

Always ask your contractor to provide proof of insurance before work begins.

Insuring Against Contractor Negligence

If a contractor causes damage, responsibility depends on insurance arrangements.

• Check the builder has public liability insurance
• Confirm cover limits are sufficient
• Understand where your policy ends and theirs begins

Temporary Accommodation and Additional Living Costs

Some policies include cover for alternative accommodation if your home becomes uninhabitable.

• Check policy limits and exclusions
• Confirm whether renovation-related issues are covered

This can be vital during extensive or disruptive works.

Common Insurance Claim Issues During Renovations

• Claims rejected due to undeclared building work
• Disputes over whether damage is accidental or defective work
• Unclear responsibility between homeowner and contractor

Clear documentation helps avoid these problems.

Documenting Your Renovation for Insurance Purposes

Good records strengthen your position if a claim is needed.

• Photograph the property before work starts
• Keep copies of contracts and insurance certificates
• Record changes and progress throughout the project

The Risks of Not Updating Your Insurance

Renovating without proper cover can result in:

• Invalidated insurance policies
• Uninsured damage or theft
• Significant out-of-pocket repair costs

How Fixiz Helps Homeowners Renovate Safely

At Fixiz, we understand the importance of insurance during renovations. We carry appropriate cover, work transparently and help homeowners plan loft conversions, garage conversions and house extensions across London with reduced risk and greater peace of mind.

Planning a renovation?
Contact Fixiz today for a no-obligation consultation and let us help you build with confidence — fully protected from day one.