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JCT Insurance

Whether you need standard or all risks JCT insurance options, we have you covered.

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What is JCT Insurance?

JCT Insurance stands for Joint Contracts Tribunal Insurance. It’s a unique policy designed to cover building projects guided by a JCT contract. Typically, there are three different approaches to this cover: Option A, Option B and Option C. And which option you choose depends on your project details.

What are the JCT Insurance options?

  • JCT Insurance Option A – This is intended for new build projects. Where the contractor is responsible for the insurance of works in “joint names” with the “employer”.
  • JCT Insurance Option B -This is also intended for new build projects. Where the “employer” is responsible for insurance of the works in “joint names” with the contractor.
  • JCT Insurance Option C -This is intended for projects where the work involves existing structures (e.g. refurbishments, modifications, extensions). The “employer” is usually responsible for the insurance of works in “Joint Names” with the contractor. This includes insuring the existing structure for ‘specific perils’.
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It’s important to fully understand the insurance requirements that come with JCT contracts and make sure your project has the right cover.

What does JCT Insurance cover?

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

Cover for projects up to £20million
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to these types of projects. That’s why we cover projects up to £20M.
Cover for new builds, existing structures and contract works
Covers physical loss or damage to existing structures and contract works on the site or in transit.
JCT Insurance options A, B and C
We can offer all three JCT Insurance options. Plus, we’ll help you understand the cover you need.
£2million 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. Included in all our policies as standard. Plus the option to upgrade cover to £5M where required.
Cover includes a wide range of perils
Including Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Earthquake, Aircraft, Storm, Flood, Escape of Water, Impact, Malicious Intent, Riot and Civil Commotion, Theft and Attempted Theft, Accidental Damage, and Subsidence.
Flexible policy length
We offer a personalised policy to match your project length.
Option to extend cover
Project running over? Extend your cover on a monthly basis.
Only pay for the time you need – cancel early for a refund*
If your project wraps up quicker than expected, we’ll give you a pro-rata refund for the remainder of the policy.*subject to no claims and our £25 cancellation fee unless you take out further cover with us.

Our two levels of cover

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Why Renovation Plan for JCT Insurance?

At Renovation Plan, we understand the importance of JCT Insurance protection from the foundations to the rooftop – and how any build may not just affect your property but those around you.

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Experience, knowledge, and understanding

With over 15  years of experience as specialist renovation insurance brokers, we know  JCT insurance options inside and out – and which one is best for your project.

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Reviews, respect, and reputation

Don’t just take our word for it… check out our reviews on Feefo to see how we’ve helped our customers on their renovation journeys, including with JCT Insurance.

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Protection when you need it most

Ultimately, you need a JCT insurance expert that has your back – and if a claim is made can deal with contractors, counter-claims, and any repairs. Don’t worry, we’ve got this.

More about our JCT Insurance

What else is covered?

Our JCT Insurance 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.
  • Cover for terrorism
    Option to include cover for physical loss or damage to the insured property caused by an act of terrorism.
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Do I need JCT insurance?

You need JCT Insurance if your project is using a Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contract. The cover helps protect all parties involved in the work and is normally stipulated within your contract.

Whether you need JCT insurance may also depend on your property type and the type of works you’re carrying out.

You may have signed a party wall agreement with a neighbour which requires you to have this insurance extension. Your contractor can advise you before your project starts if this is necessary, but always check with them if you’re unsure.

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Who needs JCT insurance?

A variety of people might need JCT insurance including property owners, developers, and contractors. If you’re running or working on a JCT contract, you’ll need JCT insurance to cover everyone involved.

Who is the “employer” in a JCT contract?

The “employer” in a JCT contract is usually the party who commissions the construction work and enters into the agreement with the contractor. This could be a:

  • property owner
  • developer
  • housing association
  • or someone else funding/instructing the project

The employer is responsible for providing the project brief, making payments, and fulfilling contractual obligations, regardless of whether they are the legal owner of the property. The “contractor” is the party undertaking the construction.

The “employer” normally arranges JCT Insurance for options B and C in “joint names” with the contractor.

What JCT Insurance clauses are covered?

JCT contracts include several insurance clauses designed to protect both the employer and contractor during construction. Key clauses include:

  • 6.5.1 (formerly 21.2.1)for non-negligent damage to third-party property
  • Options A, B, and C under clause 6.7, which determines who insures the works and existing structures.

These clauses ensure comprehensive coverage and help manage risk allocation between parties.

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Frequently asked questions

How does insurance work in JCT contracts?

JCT Insurance works by tailoring cover to your unique project, and personalising your policy to satisfy the clauses in a JCT contract.

With Renovation Plan, we’ll work with you to understand your project and where the responsibilities lie. We can then help you cover options A, B and C, plus non-negligence and more.

JCT contracts are quite complex, so let our expert team guide you.

What projects need JCT Insurance cover?

As a rule, the projects that need this type of cover include semi-detached or terraced properties undergoing major groundworks or works on a party wall, such as basement works, underpinning or piling.

If a party wall agreement is issued, this makes you financially liable for damage to the neighbouring property, so non-negligence is an important cover for you to consider.

Does Contractors' All Risk Insurance cover you for damage to a neighbouring property?

It’s important to note that, unlike JCT insurance, Contractors’ All Risk Insurance does not cover you for damage to a neighbouring property. If a neighbouring property experiences subsidence due to works on your property and negligence can’t be proven, for example, you will be responsible for covering the damages.

However, if you have JCT insurance in place, it can remove this burden by allowing you to claim for any non-negligent injury or damage to the property.

Why is JCT insurance so important?

If the contractor is not found to be at fault (i.e. for damage that couldn’t be foreseen and that no one could be held liable for), you may be held responsible for the costs incurred to rectify the damage. Due to the nature of these situations, the claims could be large. JCT insurance is required for the policyholder to be able to claim for non-negligent damage, giving you added peace of mind.

When should JCT insurance be taken out?

JCT insurance must be taken out before the structural or ground works have started.

What is the history of JCT insurance?

Since 1931, the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) has produced contracts for the UK construction industry. These are used to help prevent disputes.

JCT 6.5.1 Non-Negligent Liability is also known as JCT 21.2.1 Insurance, Party Wall Insurance or JCT Liability. This form of cover came into effect after the Party Wall Act 1996. This means that homeowners in England and Wales are responsible for damage caused to a neighbouring property due to a building project.

A framework can be followed to help prevent and resolve a dispute relating to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. Check here, to find out more about party walls and building work.

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Your Renovation Insurance team

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

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