What is home renovation insurance?

Home renovation insurance protects your property and belongings while you’re carrying out the work. Whether you’re fitting a new kitchen, converting a loft or adding an extension, it covers extra risks like fire, theft or accidental damage, giving you peace of mind throughout your project.

Some standard home insurance policies do of course cover mishaps from minor decorating or DIY projects. But many exclude damage linked to more substantial work, such as making structural changes to the property.

Renovation insurance steps in to cover gaps your standard policy might leave open, such as damage caused by contractors or unexpected accidents during major work. It also helps cover extra costs if your home becomes temporarily unlivable because of the renovation.

Does your standard home insurance policy give you enough cover?

If you’re giving your home a major upgrade, it’s easy to assume your existing home insurance has you covered. But most standard policies are designed for everyday living, not building sites. They usually don’t cover damage caused by big projects that alter your property’s structure – like extensions, loft conversions or major renovations.

In short, damage that happens during renovation work isn’t likely to be covered by standard home insurance. It often excludes cover for demolition, structural changes, repairs or maintenance. That’s why you should always check your policy or talk to your insurer before starting any work, so you know exactly what’s covered and whether you need additional cover.

Having specialist renovation insurance means that extra risks such as damage caused to a neighbouring property as a result of renovations is covered. Depending on the level of cover you choose, it protects you while work is underway, covering your home and contents, and giving you liability protection as the property owner.

It can also cover unfitted items already on-site – like kitchen units, bathroom suites or flooring waiting to be installed – so you’re protected from loss or damage before everything’s in place.

What does home renovation insurance cover?

Your cover depends on the provider, but as an example, here’s what some insurers will include as part of their renovation home insurance:

  • Buildings cover: Protects your home’s main structure, patios, driveways and boundary walls.

  • Contents cover: Covers furniture, clothes, gadgets and valuables against fire, flood or theft.

  • Alternative accommodation: Helps with temporary housing and extra living costs if you need to move out.

  • Home emergency: Covers urgent problems like leaks needing immediate repair.

  • Family legal protection: Pays legal costs for certain events during your policy, if there’s a good chance of success.

  • Trace and access: Covers finding leaks and repairing floors, walls or paths disturbed.

  • Outbuildings cover: Protects sheds, greenhouses, garages and other detached buildings.

  • Liability cover: Covers your legal responsibility if someone is hurt or if neighbouring property is damaged accidentally.

  • Subsidence and landslip: Protection against ground movement during renovation work.

What isn’t covered?

While home renovation insurance covers a lot, there are some things it won’t cover. These include some exclusions common to other types of home insurance, such as wear and tear or gradual damage that happens over time, and mechanical or electrical breakdowns.

Some insurers also state that their policies do not cover problems caused by faulty workmanship or poor design, or any issues related to the work your contractors carry out, including losses or liability. .

This is why it is so important that you check that any contractors or tradespeople you hire have their own insurance in place. In particular, check that they have public liability insurance to cover any injury or damage they cause.

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Answering your questions about home renovation insurance

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Page updated on 30th October 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom