Construction Insurance
What are the key risks in the building and construction industry?
Construction projects involve multiple stakeholders and are often undertaken on challenging sites. Construction businesses must often manage changes to scope or orders, poorly written contracts and specifications and complex project management issues. They may need to deal with labour and materials shortages, or theft of tools and materials.
Subcontractors and suppliers can provide extra stress for construction firms, as can the rising number of extreme weather events. What’s more, cybercrime is an emerging threat to construction businesses, which often use insecure connections from mobile workplaces, and share files and data with stakeholders outside the business.
Who should consider insurance?
Whether you’re an owner builder, a contractor or a large construction company, you’ll need a range of insurance covers to safeguard your workers, building and equipment.
“The construction industry generates over $350 billion in revenue, producing around 8% of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product, and has a projected annual growth rate of 2.5% in the next five years.”
Australian Industry and Skills Committee, Construction, 2020
Did you Know?
12,600
12,600 – The average number of serious claims per year over the last 5 years.
(Safe Work Australia, Construction Industry Profile, 2015)
The construction industry had the fourth highest rate of serious claims in 2012-13.
(Safe Work Australia, Construction Industry Profile, 2015)
6.4 weeks – The typical number of weeks off work for serious claims in 2011-12.
(Safe Work Australia, Construction Industry Profile, 2015)
What insurance should you take out – and what can it cover?
Insurance can protect you and your employees onsite, on the way to work and in your office.
| Type of cover | Potential benefits |
|---|---|
| Contract works | Protects any buildings under construction and construction equipment. This cover may include protection against: • natural disasters like fire, earthquake, storm, flood, wind and water damage • damage to property caused by defects, theft and malicious damage or vandalism or smashed glass • third-party personal injury and property damage. |
| Business pack | Safeguards your business premises against: • equipment or machinery breakdown • employee dishonesty • property or glass damage • legal issues, with public and products liability • tax audit • theft, and theft or loss of money. |
| Cyber | Safeguards you and your business against expenses and legal costs if your website or other systems are hacked and your system cannot be used or customers’ details are stolen. |
| Motor Insurance | Takes care of your valuable business vehicles with cover to: • help if you or your staff damage another person’s vehicle • repair your vehicle after an accident or replace it if it’s written off • replace a lost or stolen vehicle • safeguard you against legal liability. |
| Professional Indemnity | Protects you against legal action from a client for breach of professional duty. This type of insurance is often required by building contracts. |
| Workers Compensation | Covers the cost of your employees’ wages, rehabilitation and medication if they become injured or sick through their work. |