Your Site. Your Project. Covered.

Insurance Solutions for Building Professionals

Owner building insurance protects homeowners who take on the role of builder on their own property from the financial and legal risks that come with managing a construction or renovation project.

You’ve bought the block, drawn up plans for your dream home, and decided to manage the build yourself to save on costs. Three months in, a subcontractor’s scaffolding collapses and injures a neighbour walking past the site. Without owner building insurance, you’re personally liable for medical bills, legal fees, and any compensation owed. One incident turns your dream build into a financial nightmare.

As Sydney’s leading business insurance brokers, CIG does the heavy lifting for you. We compare policies across Australia’s major insurers to find cover that matches your project with no gaps.

Partner with CIG’s insurance brokers and lock into the right protection today.

What Is Owner Building Insurance?

Owner building insurance is a policy designed for homeowners who take on the role of builder on their own property. Instead of hiring a licensed builder to manage the project, you’re running the build yourself. Meaning you carry the construction risks and all third-party liability that would normally sit with a contractor.

We help make sure your sum insured is accurate. As payouts vary depending on whether your policy covers market value or full replacement cost. Getting this wrong can leave you significantly underinsured when it matters most.

What Does Owner Building Insurance Cover?

Material Damage:

Covers physical loss or damage to the construction works, including:

  • Fire
  • Storm, water or wind damage
  • Theft of materials
  • Vandalism

Public Liability:

Covers your legal liability if a third party is injured or their property is damaged during your build:

  • Injury to visitors, neighbours, or passers-by on or near the site
  • Damage to neighbouring properties during excavation or demolition
  • Accidents involving subcontractors working under your direction

Who Needs Owner Building Insurance?

If you’re constructing a new dwelling or renovating an existing home without engaging a licensed builder, you need this cover. Owner builders take on full responsibility for the project, and that includes the insurance obligations that would normally fall on a contractor.

Common scenarios where this cover applies:

  • Building a new home on your own land
  • Major renovation of an existing property
  • Knock-down rebuild projects
  • Adding a granny flat or extension

In all Australian states and territories, owner building insurance is required once a project exceeds a set value threshold. That threshold varies by state, so it’s worth investing in a broker to check the rules in your jurisdiction before work begins.

If you hire a licensed builder under contract to manage the project, the builder holds the insurance instead. But the moment you step into that builder role yourself, the responsibility shifts to you.

How Our Process Works at CIG

Detailed Assessment of Your Operational Risks

We start by listening. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating, or taking on a knock-down rebuild, we map out your project scope and build a timeline to uncover hidden risks.

Compare Policies From Australia’s Top Insurers

We put your risk profile to the market and compare owner building insurance options from leading Australian insurers, laying out clear coverage terms and competitive premiums.

Tailor Your Sums Insured & Limits

Standard policies leave dangerous gaps. You’ll receive a policy quote tailored to your project value, build type, and liability exposure to make sure you’re fully protected without overpaying.

Partner for the Long Term

Unlike traditional brokers, we don’t disappear once the policy is placed. When an incident occurs on site, we manage your claim directly with assessors. As your project evolves or scope changes, we adapt your coverage to stay aligned.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with a CIG broker today.

Why Use an Insurance Broker?

A broker unlocks market options and better rates you can’t get on your own, saving you money for the long haul. Better yet? When you have a claim, we do the heavy lifting, dealing with the insurer directly and advocate for your payout.

Better options. Zero hassle. Your personal insurance ally.

What Sets CIG Apart?

When something goes wrong on your build site, you need a broker who moves fast. That’s why owner builders across Australia trust CIG.

Built for Your Project

We build cover around your actual build scope, budget, and site risks. No call centres, no cookie-cutter policies.

Proactive Claims Management

When an incident occurs on site, we step in immediately and manage the claims process directly with assessors on your behalf.

A Team That Knows Construction

Led by Director Jeff Tyler, our brokers have years of experience placing cover for construction projects. We know which insurers pay claims and which policies leave gaps.

FAQs Owner Building Insurance

Can I keep my normal home insurance if I’m renovating as an owner builder?

Most home insurance policies exclude cover while construction work is underway. Your standard policy may be cancelled or suspended once renovation begins, leaving you exposed. You’ll need a separate owner building insurance policy for the duration of the build.

Do I need owner building insurance before plans are approved or work starts?

Yes. In most states, insurance must be in place before you submit plans for assessment or apply for council approval. Arrange cover early to avoid delays with your permits.

Can I take out owner building insurance for two years upfront?

Standard policies run for 12 months. A 24-month term may be available but usually requires a manual assessment by the insurer. If your build runs longer than expected, extensions can often be arranged before the policy expires.

Owner Building Insurance Starts with CIG

Protect your business today with tailored protection by speaking to an experienced CIG insurance broker today and lock in the right cover.

Curious about Owner Builders Insurance?

Speak To One Of Our Brokers Today