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Construction insurance

Construction is layered with risks. Help keep yourself and your builders safe with construction insurance arranged by Marsh.

What is construction insurance?

Construction insurance is designed to provide those with an exposure to construction projects with cover that’s designed specifically for their industry and needs. 

A typical construction policy would include cover for physical loss or damage to materials and equipment due to events such as natural perils, or theft and vandalism. It should also include public liability and of any professional services are being provided such as design (even when using a consultant) professional indemnity 

Construction projects are complex, and so are the risks. Regardless of the size of your business, it’s important to consider construction-specific cover because generic business insurance policies can fall short of providing the comprehensive and nuanced protection that you need and may also put you in breach of a construction contract or sub-contract. 

If you’re looking for construction insurance, you should talk to a broker who specialises in your industry first and foremost, or you might find yourself paying for cover you don’t need – or worse, your package might not provide adequate protection.

Cover we can arrange

Construction public and completed operations liability

For claims against you for third-party property damage and personal injuries. We can arrange a policy to suit the nuances, complexities and contractual requirements of your business, ensuring the right people are protected – such as contractors, sub-contractors, owners and more.

Design and construct professional indemnity

Tailored for your industry – where standard professional indemnity policies would typically exclude construction – this helps cover you for errors or omissions in the advice you provide. Professional indemnity will not provide cover for other parties. Hence, even when another party such as a design consultant or engineer has performed the professional service, you still need your own policy.

Contract works cover

Helps protect your construction project against material damage such as fire, storm or theft for example. Cover is provided for onsite damage. Cover is also generally provided for materials off-site or in transit, although sub-limits may apply.

Mobile plant and equipment

If you operate mobile plant machinery – such as cranes or earthmovers – we can arrange comprehensive protection for damage, loss or theft, with the added option of including public liability cover for third-party claims if you need it.

Residential builders warranty insurance

Required by law for home builders in most states, this cover provides protection to home owners for incomplete or defective works in the event that the builder is no longer able to complete or rectify the project due to death or insolvency. 

Trade credit insurance

When a supplier or customer fails to pay, it exposes your business to financial risks, such as insolvency. Our trade credit specialists can arrange competitive pricing, products and terms to help protect your cash flow.

Additional cover we can arrange

Product and services

Business vehicle cover

Need to travel from one job to another to keep your business running? Marsh can arrange business vehicle cover tailored to your needs.

Learn More

Product and services

Management liability cover

Help protect your business – and your team – against management and operational risks with management liability cover.

Learn more

Product and services

Cybersecurity insurance

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common. Help protect your small business with cyber insurance solutions arranged by Marsh.

Learn more

Is your project covered for natural hazards?

Onsite health and safety risks are, at least, simple to plan for. Natural hazards are another challenge altogether.

Extreme weather events – such as bushfires, hail and thunderstorms – can catch even the most careful of us off-guard. 

Our expert brokers can help mitigate your environmental risk exposures – and explain the risk management processes you’ve already put in place to your insurer. 

Don’t leave your project exposed to the elements. Let us arrange cover that helps protect your project comprehensively.

Why Marsh?

Why should you choose Marsh to arrange your insurance solutions?

Trusted by 130 associations

We are proud to be the endorsed insurance broker for more than 130 Australian industry groups and member associations, developing insurance solutions that help meet the risk and insurance needs of businesses across a variety of industries.

Local expertise

Our Australia-wide network of brokers have spent years at the coalface supporting business owners manage their unique risks in a fast-changing market. They keep ahead of the latest market insights both local and global and break down the jargon into your language.

Claims support

Handling an insurance claim can quickly become overwhelming, not least when your time is stretched to the limit keeping your business going in the backdrop. We help take the load off and manage, negotiate and settle claims with insurers on your behalf.

Single project cover

We can arrange cover for individual projects – on a case-by-case or ad hoc basis – when you need it most. Large-scale projects and those in natural catastrophe zones may suit this form of cover well..

Risk management plans

Our dedicated construction brokers are experts in your industry. We can offer you risk management and insurance advice that’s tailored to your needs – and put a risk management plan in place.

Large and complex projects

Our specialist brokers work with builders on projects of all sizes, types and complexities. Whatever your project, we can tailor your cover to the risk exposures involved.

Why use a broker?

Choosing business insurance means navigating through products, coverages and policy terminology – with a sales pitch as your only guide. An experienced broker will spot your unique set of risks, match you to the right choice, and advocate for you on price.

Frequently asked questions

You may be contractually obligated and we highly recommend it – especially if your company offers building design advice or services.

 As a builder, you are not protected by another party’s professional indemnity insurance such as the designer’s, engineer’s or other consultant’s policies.

Yes. We can arrange monthly instalments* with a premium funder, provided you meet certain criteria.

To arrange monthly payments, talk to one of our dedicated Marsh insurance brokers.

This can generally be included into your contract works policy, however, may not be automatic.

The extension would cover your tools and equipment for damage, loss or theft up to an agreed insured sum. If you’re applying for a new policy, be sure to tell your broker you’d like to add this on.

Contrary to single project cover, we can also arrange construction insurance on an annual basis. The policy will include a set of parameters for projects that can be automatically covered. This form is called annual blanket cover. 

It’s most beneficial for builders and construction companies who complete multiple projects in a year. They might need cover that includes pre-agreed parameters and limits for many projects under a single policy.

The answer will vary from insurer to insurer. Your policy may look different depending on who provides it – and inclusions may only apply to certain projects.

Generally speaking, a typical contract works policy can cover physical loss or damage to buildings, materials, temporary works and construction-related equipment. 

This might be due to:

  • Fire

  • Theft

  • Vandalism

  • Storm and flood damage

  • Natural catastrophes – earthquakes and cyclones.

Related insurance solutions

selected option

Professional indemnity cover

Protect your business against claims of misleading advice, breach of duty and negligence with professional indemnity cover.

Insurance premium funding

Insurance can be a lifeline. But lump sum premiums can be a hindrance. Pay in monthly instalments with premium funding arranged by Marsh.

Personal accident cover

With personal accident cover you can be sure your medical expenses are covered in the event of an on-the-job injury.

 

Contract works insurance

A construction project can’t be rushed – but it can be derailed unexpectedly. Let our expert brokers arrange your contract works cover.

Subcontractor insurance

Subcontractors aren’t always covered by a builder’s insurance – even if the building site is. Let us arrange cover to help protect you.

Engineering insurance

For engineers, careful risk management is key. Let us arrange insurance tailored to you – so you can stay focused on innovation.

*Interest and additional fees are applicable. Terms and Conditions apply.

LCPA 23/144

Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238369) (“Marsh”) arranges the general insurance (i.e. not the Discretionary Trust Arrangement) and is not the insurer. This page contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh on request. Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wordings or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or re-insurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. The Discretionary Trust Arrangement is issued by the Trustee, JLT Group Services Pty Ltd (ABN 26 004 485 214, AFSL 417964) (“JGS”). Any advice or dealing in relation to the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is provided by JLT Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 69 009 098 864, AFSL 226 827) (“JLT”). JGS and JLT are businesses of Marsh McLennan. The cover provided by the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is subject to the Trustee’s discretion and/or the relevant policy terms, conditions and exclusions.