Taking on an owner-builder project is exciting, but it also comes with significant risks. From construction mishaps to unexpected weather events, a lot can go wrong during a build or renovation. That’s where Owner Builders Insurance comes in. It’s designed to protect both your property and your financial investment while ensuring you’re covered for accidents, liability, and loss.

What Is Owner Builders Insurance?

Owner Builders Insurance is a specialised policy designed for people managing their own construction or renovation project without hiring a licensed builder to take full responsibility. It typically includes cover for:

• Contract Works / Material Damage (damage to the works during construction)
• Public Liability (injury to others or damage to their property)
• Optional Extras such as home contents, tools, and personal accident cover

This insurance fills the gap between traditional home insurance and builder-managed insurance.

Why Should You Have It?

1. Protect Your Property During Construction

Renovations and builds expose your home to increased risks, fire, theft of materials, vandalism, storms, collapse, and more. Owner Builders Insurance keeps your project protected from costly setbacks.

2. Protection Against Slip-and-Fall Claims

If a neighbour, visitor, or delivery driver slips, trips, or is injured on your site, you are liable. Public liability insurance safeguards you from expensive claims, medical bills, and legal fees.

3. Essential for Lenders and Councils

Many lenders and some councils require owner-builder coverage before construction can begin.

4. Peace of Mind

Accidents happen. Insurance ensures they don’t stop your project or drain your savings.

How Much Owner Builders Insurance Do You Need?

Generally, you should insure the full estimated value of the works, including:

• Materials
• Labour (even if doing some yourself)
• Structural changes
• Extensions
• Site works

Public liability limits typically start at $5 million, with many owner-builders opting for $10–20 million depending on risk.

Morgan Insurance Brokers can help you calculate the right amount based on your project size and exposure.

Will It Cover My Home If It Burns Down?

Yes — if the fire damages the works under construction, Owner Builders Insurance can cover it.

However, for an existing home attached to the works, you may need additional cover or a combined policy. Some insurers automatically include partial coverage; others require add-ons. Morgan Insurance Brokers can guide you through the differences.

Does It Cover Flood?

Some owner-builder policies cover flood, but many do not unless specifically added. This is often optional and depends on your location and risk level. Always check your policy wording, we can help ensure you’re properly protected if your property is in a flood-prone area.

Does It Cover Home Contents?

Yes, some Owner Builders Insurance policies can cover home contents, even during construction.
This is particularly useful if you’re living in part of the home during renovations and need temporary contents protection.

Does It Matter If I Don’t Live There During Renovations?

No, you can still get Owner Builders Insurance if the home is vacant or unoccupied.
However, insurers need to know whether you live on-site, as it affects risk (e.g., higher theft risk in empty homes). Morgan Insurance Brokers will select a policy that matches your residency status.

How Do I Get Owner Builders Insurance?

The easiest way is to use Morgan Insurance Brokers. We:

• Compare policies across multiple insurers
• Make sure you get the right cover for your specific project
• Help you avoid exclusions and gaps
• Handle all paperwork, requirements, and insurer communication

You simply tell us about your project, we do the rest.

What Happens in the Event of a Claim?

If something goes wrong during your build:

1. Call Morgan Insurance Brokers immediately.
2. We help you lodge the claim with the insurer.
3. We assist with required documentation, photos, and reports.
4. We negotiate with the insurer on your behalf and keep you updated.

Our job is to make the claims process smooth, fast, and stress-free, so you can focus on your project, not insurance paperwork.

Final Thoughts

Owner-builder projects come with unique risks, but the right insurance ensures you’re protected from start to finish. From slip-and-fall liability to fire, flood, theft, and damage to your construction works, Owner Builders Insurance is essential for anyone taking on their own building project.

Morgan Insurance Brokers can help you get the perfect cover, manage your risks, and support you through any claims.