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Non‑negligence insurance (JCT 6.5.1 Insurance)

Protect your project from accidental, fault free damage to neighbouring property with specialist non negligence cover. Suitable for JCT Clause 6.5.1 and similar contract requirements.

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What is non-negligence insurance?

Non‑negligence insurance (sometimes called non‑negligence liability) protects against accidental damage to neighbouring property caused by your building works – even when no one is at fault.

It’s commonly used for projects near shared walls or adjoining buildings (often called party wall insurance) and may be required under JCT or other contract types where third‑party damage risks exist.

What is 6.5.1 insurance?

JCT Clause 6.5.1 insurance is the JCT‑specific version of non‑negligence cover, required under Clause 6.5.1 of a JCT contract.

Is 6.5.1 insurance a type of non-negligence cover?

Yes. It protects against non‑fault damage to neighbouring property but must follow the exact wording set out by JCT contracts.

If your project uses a JCT agreement with Clause 6.5.1, this is the form of non‑negligence cover you’ll need.

What does non-negligence insurance cover?

Also known as JCT 6.5.1 insurance, this cover includes a wide range of features. These include:

Cover for non‑negligent damage to neighbouring properties
Protects against damage caused by the works including collapse, subsidence, heave, vibration, weakening or removal of support, and lowering of groundwater - even when no fault can be proven.

Protection where standard liability insurance won’t respond
Covers non negligent damage that falls outside public liability insurance, ensuring you’re protected in scenarios where no negligence can be established.

Tailored to meet JCT 6.5.1 requirements
Can be structured to comply fully with JCT Clause 6.5.1 (and other contracts), giving you the specific protection required under your agreement.

Cover for projects up to £20m
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to building projects. That’s why we cover projects and renovations 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.

Options A, B, and C
We can offer all three JCT Insurance options. Plus, if you need 6.5.1 insurance explained, 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.

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 with an initial extension term starting from three months.

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.

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Why Renovation Plan?

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.

Expertise in JCT requirements

We’re specialists in JCT insurance and ensure your policy fully meets Clause 6.5.1, removing the stress and complexity for you.

Flexible, tailored cover

Every project is different, so we offer customisable policies with options to extend, cancel for a refund, and add extras like tools, plant, or terrorism cover.

Support from start to finish

Our team guides you through choosing the right protection and is always on hand to answer questions, including anything related to Clause 6.5.1.

What else is covered?

Our non-negligence 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.

Do I need non-negligence insurance?

Non‑negligence insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it can be a contractual obligation – particularly under JCT contracts that include Clause 6.5.1.

Outside of this, you’ll need non‑negligence insurance if your renovation or building work could impact neighbouring properties and you want to stay protected and avoid potentially significant financial liability.

A residential brick building under renovation with scaffolding and steel beams installed above ground-floor windows and doors.

Do I need JCT Clause 6.5.1 insurance?

Yes – if your JCT contract includes Clause 6.5.1, this cover is required. It protects against damage to neighbouring property caused by your works when no-one is at fault.

A sunlit room with wooden floors, unpainted walls, a ladder, paint roller, red pan, and white paint bucket in the center.

Who is responsible for arranging non-negligence insurance?

Non‑negligence insurance – often required under JCT Clause 6.5.1 – is usually arranged by the contractor in joint names with the employer. However, because the cover protects the employer, it’s typically their responsibility to:

confirm who’s arranging it
ensure it meets the contract requirements
pay the premium (usually included in the contractor’s quoted price)

Employers can also choose to arrange the policy themselves if they prefer to.

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Frequently asked questions

Who needs non-negligence insurance?

Non‑negligence insurance is needed by:

Anyone whose building or renovation work could unintentionally damage neighbouring properties – including contractors, employers, and property owners. This often applies to projects involving structural work such as excavation, piling, underpinning, or demolition, where issues like subsidence or vibration can occur without negligence.
Anyone working under a contract that requires non‑negligence cover – for example, many JCT contracts include Clause 6.5.1, which requires the contractor to arrange insurance covering accidental, fault‑free damage to neighbouring property caused by the works.
Anyone carrying out work where party wall awards/agreements are in place. These agreements can make it the employer’s responsibility to rectify any damage caused to a neighbouring property where negligence can’t be proven.

Renovation Plan can help you confirm your requirements and arrange the right level of cover.

What level of non-negligence insurance is required?

The level of non‑negligence insurance you need depends on the nature of your project and any contractual obligations, such as those set out in a JCT contract. In most cases, the appropriate amount of cover is guided by the potential risk your work poses to neighbouring properties – particularly if you’re carrying out activities like excavation, underpinning, or demolition, which can cause accidental damage even when no-one is at fault.

At Renovation Plan, we can arrange non‑negligence insurance with limits of indemnity up to £2,000,000.

How much does non-negligence insurance cost?

It’s difficult to give a fixed non-negligence or 6.5.1 insurance cost because the price varies widely from project to project. Premiums depend on factors like:

The size and complexity of the build
The level of cover required
The duration of the works
Whether you need additional protection such as tools, plant, terrorism, or loss of rent.

How does non-negligence insurance work in JCT contracts? (6.5.1 insurance explained)

Under most JCT contracts, there’s a clause (often 6.5.1) that requires the contractor to arrange non-negligence insurance. This JCT non-negligence insurance cover protects both the contractor and the client against accidental damage to neighbouring properties caused by the works – even when no party is at fault.

It’s designed to prevent costly disputes and delays, giving peace of mind for projects near shared walls or adjoining properties. And once more for good measure – always check your contract terms to confirm responsibilities and coverage.

Useful guides

COVERS AT A GLANCE

Download

A GUIDE TO INSURING A RENOVATION PROJECT

Download

Your Renovation Insurance team

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Brooke Crisp

Manager01621 781921

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Louise Kerridge

Team Leader01621 781911

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Joe Heffer

Broker Development Executive01621 212834

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Renovation Plan is a trading name of Howden UK Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 307663. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 02831010. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.