What insurance is legally required for owner builders and home renovation projects?

What the law requires differs by state, and your lender may require more. Most owner builders carry contract works insurance (the building under construction, subject to policy terms) and public liability insurance (injury or damage to other people and property). Workers compensation may apply if you employ people, and in some arrangements a contractor can be treated as your worker, so check with your state's workers compensation authority. Home warranty insurance is a separate question and is covered in its own FAQ. Ask your insurer in writing what is and is not covered, and give them the correct address, value and start date.

In MyBuildHub: save each policy and certificate of currency in your project documents, and add the renewal and cover end dates to the Timeline.

Check yourself: NSW insurance for owner builders, your state workers compensation authority, your lender and your insurer.

General information only. It is not financial, tax, insurance or legal advice and may not apply to your project. Speak to your lender, accountant, insurer or a lawyer, and confirm requirements with your state regulator.