Gaps, traps and pitfalls

If you're renovating or extending an existing home, find out if your home and contents insurance policy will cover damage or theft to your home during the period of construction.

Always know whose insurance policy will cover what.

Ultimately only you stand to lose if someone has insufficient cover.

Often in any confusion (even marginal) insurance companies will always happily point to the 'other' insurance company and let you fight it out.

If you've moved out or are away on holidays during the construction, make sure you're still covered.

Who is responsible for the cover of building materials or building / fixtures that you have purchased.

Whose insurance policy will cover the scratches on the wall caused by a subcontractor.

Whose insurance policy will cover reseating the concrete driveway after the delivery truck cracked it.

Some insurance companies need additional documentation, such as inspection reports or council permits.

Always be prepared.

The insurer must also be notified if you will be carrying out any of this work yourself.