Contract Works Insurance.
Policies Bound Same-Day.
Construction sites are high-risk. One storm or theft can wipe out your margin. We negotiate directly with specialist underwriters to secure tailored protection for builders and owner-builders.
Access to Australia's leading construction insurers and underwriting agencies, including.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Contract works insurance (also called construction all risks or builders risk) covers the physical building work and on-site materials against loss or damage - storm, fire, theft and vandalism - while a project is under construction. Builders, owner-builders, developers and contractors use it to protect the works themselves, usually alongside public liability.
It can be arranged as an annual policy for licensed builders or for a single project. For real premium ranges, see our contract works cost guide.
COVERAGE OPTIONS
Choose Your Coverage Type
Select the option that best describes your project requirements.
For Licensed Builders & Civil Contractors
Professional Builders
- ✓ Annual policies covering all projects
- ✓ Based on turnover, not individual jobs
- ✓ Run-off cover options available
For Renovators, Developers & Homeowners
Owner Builders & Single Projects
- ✓ Cover for one specific site/duration
- ✓ Includes "Existing Structures" for renos
- ✓ Essential for council compliance
Building a home? See our residential contract works insurance page for home building cover, or review our Contract Works vs Public Liability breakdown if you're unsure which policy you need.
What is Contract Works Insurance?
Contract Works Insurance (also known as Construction All Risks) bridges the gap between a standard property policy and public liability. It covers the physical structure being built and the materials on-site against loss or damage.
If your timber frame is destroyed by a storm or your copper wiring is stolen, this policy pays to repair or redo the work.
The Common Confusion
You usually need both Contract Works and Public Liability, but they cover fundamentally different things. One protects your assets; the other protects your legal liability.
| Feature | Contract Works | Public Liability |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | The Building & Materials | Third-Party Injury or Damage |
| The Risk | "The Stuff" | "The People" |
| Example Claim | A storm blows down a brick wall. | A brick falls and hits a parked car. |
| Who pays? | Pays you to rebuild. | Pays the victim for their loss. |
Market Access
Who We Work With
We don't rely on generic computer algorithms. We speak directly to underwriters at Australia’s leading construction agencies to find the right home for your risk.
Insurance Partners
Case Study
Real Client Result: The $8k Saving
We recently helped a builder with ~$5M revenue who was renewing an annual policy for $35k. We took their risk profile to the open market, negotiated, and secured better terms for $27k.
This was an instant $8k saving just by having a broker who knows where to look.
What Is Covered?
A robust policy is designed to restore your project to the stage it was at immediately prior to the damage.
Natural Disasters
Storm, wind, hail, flood, and cyclone damage.
Fire & Explosion
Damage caused by fire or on-site explosions.
Theft & Vandalism
Burglary of materials (e.g., copper wiring) and malicious damage.
Demolition Costs
The cost to clear the site after an event so rebuilding can commence.
Existing Structures
Essential for Renovations. Protects the house that is already there (existing structures need to be specifically added, or they can fall outside cover).
LEG 3 Clauses
For Larger Projects. We seek to secure 'LEG 3' clauses to offer broader protection against damage caused by design or workmanship errors.
These extensions can be easy to overlook. We check your scope of works to make sure they're in place where you need them.
Pricing Factors
How Much Does Contract Works Insurance Cost?
For real premium ranges from $3,000 for single projects to $50,000+ for established annual policies, read our contract works insurance cost guide. Licensed builders running annual policies can also see our dedicated contract works insurance for commercial builders page. If you're navigating a loss on-site, our claims guide walks through the process step-by-step. For specific situations, we also have dedicated pages on started works, civil and infrastructure works, multi-unit and townhouse projects, and project-specific cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protect Your Next Build
Whether you're a licensed builder running multiple projects or an owner-builder tackling your first renovation, we'll find the right Contract Works cover for your situation.