TAS Guide

Questions to ask your insurer
before owner-builder work starts

Use this checklist before construction begins. It is designed to be read directly to your insurer and confirmed in writing.

This applies to new builds, renovations, extensions, and alterations in TAS.

Why this matters

Most home insurance policies contain exclusions for construction work. Many also require you to disclose material changes in risk during the policy period.

If you don’t clarify this before work starts, you may discover too late that cover was excluded, limited, or void.

Insurance clarification checklist

  1. Does my current home insurance remain valid while building works are underway?
    Ask whether the policy continues unchanged, is restricted, or ceases during construction.
  2. Are losses or damage arising from construction works excluded?
    This often applies even if the damage affects parts of the home not being worked on.
  3. Does my policy require me to notify you of building or renovation works?
    Most policies include a duty to disclose material changes in risk.
  4. If I do not notify you, could this affect future claims?
    Ask explicitly whether non-disclosure could reduce or void cover.
  5. Is damage to existing structures caused by construction covered?
    This is rarely covered unless specifically endorsed or replaced by construction insurance.
  6. Should my existing policy be suspended, altered, or cancelled during the project?
    Sometimes insurers prefer suspension rather than partial cover.
  7. What written confirmation can you provide about my coverage during works?
    Verbal advice is not enough — ask for confirmation by email or endorsement.
Important
If the answer to any of these questions is unclear, assume you are not covered and seek clarification before proceeding.

What usually happens in practice

  • Existing home insurance excludes construction-related loss or damage
  • The policy may technically remain “active” but be largely ineffective
  • Construction insurance replaces (rather than supplements) home cover
  • Existing structures cover is optional but critical for renovations
Back: Essential protections Renovation vs new build
This content was built in consultation with industry expert Mark Adams from InsuranceTek Pty Ltd.