Useful measures include clear written contracts, documented scopes and variations, reliable project records, subcontractor licence and insurance checks, site and safety procedures, protection of works and equipment, prompt incident reporting and insurance review before signing contracts or changing activities. These measures reduce risk but cannot guarantee that a claim will be covered.

Read the detailed article: Risk management strategies for builders

Plant and Equipment Insurance can be relevant when a builder owns, leases or is responsible for larger mobile machinery such as excavators, loaders, cranes or forklifts. Available cover may include accidental damage, theft, fire, vandalism or transit damage. Mechanical breakdown and portable tools should not be assumed to be covered by the same section.

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Builder claims can involve fire or storm damage to works, theft or vandalism, damaged materials, third-party injury or property damage, subcontracted work, tools, plant, vehicles and professional or design allegations. The policy that may respond depends on the event, allegation and wording; not every construction dispute is insured.

Read the detailed article: Common insurance claims experienced by builders

A builder may need Professional Indemnity Insurance when the business provides, manages or accepts responsibility for design, specifications, project management, construction management, technical advice or other professional services. Outsourcing design does not necessarily remove the exposure, and a Design and Construct Professional Indemnity structure may be relevant.

Read the detailed article: When does a builder need Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Management Liability Insurance can address certain risks arising from how a building business is managed rather than the physical construction work. Depending on the policy sections selected, it may include directors and officers, company liability, employment practices, statutory liability, crime, investigation costs and tax audit cover.

Read the detailed article: Why should builders consider Management Liability Insurance?

In South Australia, Building Indemnity is statutory protection for homeowners following specified builder failure events. Contract Works Insurance addresses certain physical loss or damage to insured works and materials during construction. Public Liability Insurance addresses certain legal liabilities for third-party injury or property damage. More than one cover can apply to the same project.

Read the detailed article: Building Indemnity, Contract Works and Public Liability Insurance

Potentially. Public Liability can be included as a separate section of a Contract Works policy, but it is not automatically included. Check the schedule for the selected liability section, limit, activities, subcontractor treatment, principals’ interests, exclusions and excess. A separate Public Liability policy may still be appropriate.

Read the detailed article: Is Public Liability Insurance covered under a Contract Works Insurance policy?

Public Liability Insurance can respond to certain claims alleging that a builder’s insured activities caused third-party personal injury or property damage. Depending on the policy, defence costs may also be included. It should not be assumed to cover the construction works, defective workmanship, employee injuries, design errors, vehicles, tools or every contractual liability.

Read the detailed article: What can Public Liability Insurance cover a builder for?

Webber Insurance predominantly assists eligible South Australian builders through its approved Building Indemnity arrangements. Webber can also assist eligible New South Wales builders with Home Building Compensation Fund matters when the builder nominates Webber Insurance as their Service Provider in the icare HBCF Portal. The SA and NSW processes are separate.

Read the detailed article: Which states can Webber Insurance assist with Building Indemnity Insurance?

Builders may need Contract Works, Public and Products Liability, Building Indemnity or Home Warranty where required, tools and equipment, Plant and Equipment, Commercial Motor, Management Liability, Professional Indemnity or Design and Construct cover, Cyber, Business Insurance and Workers Compensation. The appropriate mix depends on the work, contracts, locations, values, subcontractors and design responsibilities.

Read the detailed article: What insurance do builders commonly need?