Your Site. Your Project. Covered.
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.
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, which means 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.
Covers physical loss or damage to the construction works, including:
• Fire
• Storm, water or wind damage
• Theft of materials
• Vandalism
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 advocating for your payout.
Better options. Zero hassle. Your personal insurance ally.
When something goes wrong on your build site, you need a broker who moves fast. That's why owner builders across Australia trust CIG.
We build cover around your actual build scope, budget, and site risks. No call centres, no cookie-cutter policies.
When an incident occurs on site, we step in immediately and manage the claims process directly with assessors on your behalf.
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.
You’ve got questions about protecting your business. We have the expert answers.
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.
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.
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.
CIG is part of the Steadfast Network, which means clients get access to broader policy wordings and products you won’t find on retail comparison sites. More importantly, we back clients not just at policy setup but through claims, renewals, and those moments where you need to focus on growing your business. Whether you require a detailed assessment of your current cover or clear, informed guidance on your insurance needs, our team is ready to support you.
Protect your business today with tailored protection by speaking to an experienced CIG insurance broker today and lock in the right cover.
