Extension Insurance

If your home extension hits extensive problems, our insurance can help

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What is Extension Insurance?

Extension Insurance is a specialist policy designed to cover the risks that come with navigating a home extension project. These risks are not usually covered by your standard home insurance or your contractor’s insurance policy.

The cover protects your property for all the new works taking place and any people on site – from start to finish. The level of cover you choose determines how protected you are while your building project is going on.

A brick house with a construction site in the backyard, featuring an unfinished extension with debris and building materials scattered around.

What does Home Extension Insurance cover?

Our Home Extension Insurance includes a wide range of features. These include:

Cover for projects up to £20 million
One size (or price) doesn’t fit all when it comes to extensions… and some have a huge budget attached to them. That’s why we cover projects up to £20m.
Cover for existing structures and contract works
Protect yourself and your property against physical loss or damage to existing structures and contract works on, or adjacent to, the site or in transit.
£2 million Public Liability cover
To cover your legal liability for damages and costs/expenses relating to accidental injury to a person or damage to a property. This is included in all Renovation Plan policies as standard. Choose to upgrade cover to £5m when required.
Only pay for the time you need – cancel early for a refund
For those projects that do wrap up more quickly than expected, we’ll give you a pro-rata refund* for the remainder of the policy. Can’t say fairer than that!*Subject to no claims and our £25 cancellation fee unless you take out further cover with us.
Option to extend cover
And if your extension project is running over, you can extend your cover on a monthly basis until the last bit of dust is swept away.
Cover for a wide range of perils
These include: Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Earthquake, Aircraft, Storm, Flood, Escape of Water, Impact, Malicious Intent, Riot and Civil Commotion, Theft and Attempted Theft, Accidental Damage, as well as Subsidence.
Flexible policy length
Some extension projects finish earlier than expected while others take longer than you anticipated. That’s why we offer a personalised policy to match your project length.

Our 2 levels of cover

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Why Renovation Plan for Extension Insurance?

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Two decades of experience and sector knowledge

With almost 20 years of experience to our name, we’re well-placed, well-known, and well-respected as the best team to support you on your project cover journey.

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Customers trust and rate us

We’re only as good as our customers think we are. Which is good news as many of them regularly give us a five-star rating on Feefo.

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Our reputation is built on first-class service

We put customer care and personal service at the forefront of everything we do. This ensures we remain one of the best building insurance providers on the market.

A house under construction with scaffolding, located in a rural area with green fields and vegetation in the foreground.

And don’t forget, there’s that flexible policy benefit

Just as a reminder, our building extension policies range from 3-36 months and we can even provide insurance if work on your extension has already started. Plus, if you don’t make a claim and finish ahead of schedule, we’ll refund the time left on your policy (subject to a £25 cancellation fee).

To get in touch with our friendly team, send us an email to info@renovationplan.co.uk or give us a call on 01621 784840.

More about our Extension Insurance

What else is covered?

Extension Insurance by Renovation Plan includes a wide range of covers. Here are some more features you could benefit from:

Cover for contents
Option to cover loss or damage to contents within locked, existing structures on the premises.
Cover for owned tools and plant
Option to include cover for physical loss or damage to owned tools and plant.
Cover for hired-in plant
Option to include cover for hired in plant – including cover for legal liability for physical loss or damage, and continuing hiring charges following the loss or damage.
Advanced loss of rent/interest
Option to include cover for monetary loss if your project start date is delayed as a result of physical loss or damage under existing structures and contract works cover (subject to having a signed tenancy agreement in place).
Cover for terrorism
Option to include cover for physical loss or damage to the insured property caused by an act of terrorism.

What insurance do I need when building an extension?

It’s usually suggested that you take out dedicated Building Extension Insurance when undertaking this kind of project. You’ll be covered by much more robust and specific protection than standard home insurance. This includes the existing structure and any new work, demolition or alterations, as well as your liability as the property owner.

This cover is your protection against any risks, incidents, or costly changes that may pop up. Whether you’re building a whole new kitchen addition to the back or side of your home, extending into a loft space, or creating a conservatory, insurance for extensions is your best protection if there’s a fire, flood, if building supplies are stolen or go missing, or the project faces delays.

A residential brick building under renovation with scaffolding and steel beams installed above ground-floor windows and doors.
A room under renovation with exposed ceiling wiring, partially stripped walls, two windows, and a small table holding paint buckets.

Why do I need Building Extension Insurance?

You need Extension Insurance cover because whilst planning an extension is exciting, the best-laid building plans can go wrong. Whether you’re opting for a self-build extension or employing contractors, there are risks to consider. These can include stolen equipment and on-site injuries, as well as issues with underpinning foundations, securing walls, or hold-ups in supply delivery.

As standard home insurance is unlikely to cover structural work and your builder’s insurance protects the contractors, you’ll need specific Building Extension Insurance. Without it, your property – and possibly the people living in or working on it – remain vulnerable and exposed throughout the extension project.

That’s why we’re here. Our trusted cover effectively replaces your home insurance for the duration of your project, keeping both your extension and the rest of your property protected under one straightforward policy.

How much does Extension Insurance cost?

The cost of your cover depends on the type of work you plan to carry out, how long the project is estimated to go on, and the level of cover you choose. We’ll always ask you the questions to get you the most fitting policy to cover your building extension.

A two-story house with a modern wooden extension, surrounded by a garden with overgrown plants and a stone pathway.
Project planners

How long can I get Extension Insurance for?

You can get House Extension Insurance for three to 36 months with Renovation Plan.

The length of cover varies between providers and project types, but with Renovation Plan you have flexibility. As an extension may run over, we can extend your policy if needed. Or we’ll refund you if you finish earlier than expected*.

We can also provide insurance if your extension work has already begun.

*Subject to a £25 cancellation fee

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get Building Extension Insurance?

We understand that every project is unique, which is why we provide an Extension Insurance cost on a case-by-case basis. Simply speak with our approachable, expert team to get started.

Before we can offer you a tailored quote, we’ll need the following details to help us find the right cover for you:

  • Your project start date
  • A description of the works
  • How long the works are expected to take
  • The overall costs
  • Details regarding the existing structure

Do I need Extension Insurance if my builder has cover?

Yes, you still need Extension Insurance despite your builder’s cover.

Your builder should have at least £2m Public Liability Insurance to cover any damage caused. But if something happens that isn’t their fault – such as fire, flood, escape of water, theft and impact – their policy won’t cover it as their negligence cannot be proven.

That’s why you need specialist cover – so you can rest easy knowing you’re fully protected in almost any circumstance.

Will my home insurance cover my extension?

No. Typically your standard home and buildings insurance will not be enough to cover extension work at your property. Usually because structural change isn’t covered.

During the construction period, your existing home insurer (who you should inform regarding the building of your extension) will most likely apply a works exclusion to the policy. This leaves your home and your new extension at risk. The right Extension Insurance policy will help to bridge any gaps.

Once the extension work is complete with all fixtures and fittings installed and it’s been signed off by building regulations (if needed), only then will your home insurer cover the extension as it’s now part of your property.

What if my extension is not weatherproof/watertight for part of the build?

Don’t worry. We understand that an extension may not be completely weatherproof and watertight part-way through a build, so this isn’t a problem. Just be aware that during this time, there may be certain restrictions applied depending on the level of cover you go for.

When should I take out insurance for extension work?

It’s usually suggested to take out an Extension Insurance policy during the planning stages before building work begins. This means that you’re fully protected at all times and understand what work is involved and requires cover.

Do I need to tell my home insurance provider about my extension?

Yes, you need to let your home insurance provider know if you plan to make substantial changes to your home. If you don’t, your policy could become invalid. It may be that you need to give a certain amount of notice, so check your policy details.

How is my home insurance affected when building an extension?

Your standard home insurance policy is affected as it’s unlikely to cover you and your property against a number of risks that come with building an extension. That’s why you need to inform your home insurance policy provider of any building extension work as your property will face additional structural and security risks while the building work takes place. This is why this cover is so essential.

Another important consideration is that once your extension is complete, you may have to pay more for your standard buildings/home insurance. You’ve increased the size/square footage in your home, so that may affect the premium. Don’t forget, your contents insurance – which may be part of your home insurance or a standalone policy – may also increase depending on how you furnish your extension. In short, it’s usually best if you double-check all existing insurance policies relating to your property.

How does Extension Insurance work?

Extension Insurance works by providing specialist cover for your project during the period of extension work.

When undertaking an extension, your standard home insurance won’t usually cover the project. So, you’ll need specialist insurance to protect against the risks that come with this type of work.

You can get cover based on your project’s duration – between three and 36 months. And you can extend/cancel if the project runs over/finishes early. And you can usually choose between different levels of cover based on your requirements.

Extending a property not only gives you more living space, but it can also greatly increase its value. If you’re happy where you are but need more room, it makes financial sense to opt for a building extension rather than looking for a new home altogether.

Renovation work can take several months and is notorious for getting messy – particularly if you’re knocking down walls or underpinning foundations. So, whether you’re opting for a self-build and doing most of the work yourself, or you’re hiring a team of trusty professionals, make it a project priority to have the right cover in place. This will ensure you’re protected throughout the extension, so you can plough ahead with peace of mind.

What types of extensions are covered?

At Renovation Plan, we can cover projects big and small. Extension projects might include:

Rear, side, or front extension

Whether you’re extending the back, side, or front of your property, it’s likely your usual home insurer won’t cover the structural works involved. That’s where Renovation Plan comes in, with insurance that covers this for you.

Extending up into the loft

While many loft conversions can be carried out without planning permission, standard insurance is unlikely to cover the work taking place. When you choose our Building Extension Insurance, you don’t have to worry. You can rest easy knowing that your attic space is fully protected, with a policy that covers everything from the existing structure to all new works – plus any fixtures and fittings once they’re delivered to the site.

Basement extensions

If you’re planning a basement extension or fit-out, that’s a big ‘below stairs’ job, so you’ll require specialist cover. Our range of Home Extension Insurance policies in the UK can protect you for all works involving underpinning and piling, with the additional benefit of covering neighbouring semi-detached or terraced properties too. So those nice people next door can also feel assured!

Your Renovation Insurance team

Brooke Crisp
Manager
Louise Kerridge
Team Leader
Joe Heffer
Broker Development Executive

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