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.
Policies bound same-day.
Tell us the project type and value. We take it to the market.
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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.
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.
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.
01 · Standard Inclusions
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.
02 · Vital Add-Ons
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.
Worth Knowing
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?
Premiums are calculated based on specific risk profiles, not a flat fee. While every insurer is different, here are five key factors used to determine your price:
01 Project Value
This is the baseline for your premium. For single projects, it is based on the Total Contract Value (materials + labour). For annual policies, it is based on your Annual Turnover.
02 Location
Postcodes matter. Sites located in cyclone, flood, or bushfire zones attract higher premiums. Insurers can also assess the local crime rate to determine the risk of theft or vandalism.
03 Construction Method
Materials drive the 'base rate.' Timber frames are considered high risk (due to fire susceptibility) and cost more to insure than non-combustible materials like concrete tilt panels or structural steel.
04 The 'Renovation' Factor
Are you building from scratch or extending an existing structure? Renovations often cost more to insure because they carry the complex risk of damaging the existing property during construction.
05 Your Claims History
Your track record counts. If you have made frequent claims in the last 3-5 years, particularly for theft or water damage, insurers will view you as a higher risk, leading to increased premiums and higher excesses.
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, the evidence insurers want after work has started, civil and infrastructure works, multi-unit and townhouse projects, and project-specific cover. Our current underwriter field note also shows the wider evidence patterns we are seeing.
CLIENT SUCCESS
How we've helped
Real examples of how we've placed contract works cover for builders, single projects and owner-builders.
Premiums and outcomes described are specific to each client and indicative only. Your own terms will depend on your circumstances and the insurer.
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.