Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Apr 21, 2009 2:37 pm Hi there, I had a quick search but didn't have much luck. I know there are a few of us out there undertaking our owner building adventures. So my query is, who did you go through for your owner builder insurance? I googled a few but if someone would like to share their thoughts or experiences I would rather trust you guys and get a good service than take my chances on the net. Cheers, thanks. Re: Owner Builder Insurance 3Apr 22, 2009 2:08 pm borg Do a search on Buildsafe Dont activate it until you start building. We are getting ours through F D Beck - 1300 155 338 JB Re: Owner Builder Insurance 4Apr 22, 2009 2:32 pm My parents went with The Builders Insurance Broker and were happy with them. I got a quote from them yesterday and it sounded reasonable. Their email is martinw@buildersbroker.com.au website: www.buildersbroker.com.au Re: Owner Builder Insurance 5Apr 22, 2009 2:33 pm Oh, my parents didn't have to do any claims with them but chose them simply because they were the cheapest. Re: Owner Builder Insurance 7Apr 23, 2009 12:45 pm So it seems to me that you need 3 or possibly 4 kinds of insurance: 1. public liability 2. construction 3. personal accident (for you or friends who work for free) 4. workers comp???? Am I right? What do other people have?? Loretta Re: Owner Builder Insurance 8Apr 23, 2009 12:58 pm loretta So it seems to me that you need 3 or possibly 4 kinds of insurance: 1. public liability 2. construction 3. personal accident (for you or friends who work for free) 4. workers comp???? Am I right? What do other people have?? Loretta My parents only had the first one "public liability" Re: Owner Builder Insurance 9Apr 23, 2009 1:26 pm loretta So it seems to me that you need 3 or possibly 4 kinds of insurance: 1. public liability 2. construction 3. personal accident (for you or friends who work for free) 4. workers comp???? Am I right? What do other people have?? Loretta Workers comp is only needed if you are employing people, rather than subcontracting them. JB Re: Owner Builder Insurance 10Apr 23, 2009 9:09 pm Maybe NSW is different? I just found this: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/WorkersCompensation/InsurancePolicies/WhoShouldHavePolicy/Pages/default.aspx Re: Owner Builder Insurance 11Apr 23, 2009 9:43 pm loretta Maybe NSW is different? I just found this: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/WorkersCompensation/InsurancePolicies/WhoShouldHavePolicy/Pages/default.aspx I would check that one. I reckon if you are employing someone to do a specific task eg a plumber, then you won't need it. If however you were employing a general labourer on a day rate then you probably would. JB Re: Owner Builder Insurance 12Apr 23, 2009 11:04 pm I have just sent off a heap of requests for quotes and thought people may benefit from the list of contacts (rather than spend hours googling): owner builder insurance brokers the builder insurance brokers FD Beck the building centre CGIB saville hicks corp insurance action insurance australian home warranty insurance building insurance solutions BRIC Have no idea if any are any good or preferred. L Re: Owner Builder Insurance 14Apr 24, 2009 5:18 pm hunts01 Thanks alot Loretta, seems like all the companies will be getting the same emails?? For the record the one that is winning by a fair whack is FD Beck, Thanks James!! about 500 cheaper. Hopefully the cover they offer is as good! I think we will get it from them - we have to make a decision in a couple of weeks. JB Re: Owner Builder Insurance 15Apr 24, 2009 8:43 pm we havnt got any insurance at all i figure the people i employ have their own so why pay more.my understanding is we only need it if we are having non insured tradies working for us but as we are doing everything ourselves then its a waste of money.and will they really pay if we put in a claim i doubt it seems too many insurance companies are taking but not paying back. stay safe happy building Re: Owner Builder Insurance 16Apr 24, 2009 9:19 pm I think insurance is one of those things that are totally specific to your circumstances. eg. if you are building in a remote area then your chance of malicious damage or theft of materials is low hence no need for construction material. Likewise, your need for public liability insurance is lower is you aren't building on a slope (eg your house goes sliding off down the slope and destroys other property or kills someone) or have trees that need to come down (eg your tree falls onto your neighbours house and flattens it and everyone in it). It all a matter of weighing up potential risk against the cost and of course what the excess is. for instance, would you both paying the $1000 excess if someone stole your copper piping for hot water? (as someone did to our neighbour). horses for courses really Re: Owner Builder Insurance 17Apr 24, 2009 9:59 pm bingoshelley we havnt got any insurance at all i figure the people i employ have their own so why pay more.my understanding is we only need it if we are having non insured tradies working for us but as we are doing everything ourselves then its a waste of money.and will they really pay if we put in a claim i doubt it seems too many insurance companies are taking but not paying back. what will you do an electrial fault caused he house to burn down during contruction?? Re: Owner Builder Insurance 18Apr 24, 2009 10:30 pm borg bingoshelley we havnt got any insurance at all i figure the people i employ have their own so why pay more.my understanding is we only need it if we are having non insured tradies working for us but as we are doing everything ourselves then its a waste of money.and will they really pay if we put in a claim i doubt it seems too many insurance companies are taking but not paying back. what will you do an electrial fault caused he house to burn down during contruction?? well assuming that an electrical fault was caused by the negligence of my electrician he would be liable for any damage. however once the house is at a certain stage we will get home insurance but we dont need builders insurance or public liability ect... stay safe happy building Re: Owner Builder Insurance 19Apr 24, 2009 10:33 pm loretta I think insurance is one of those things that are totally specific to your circumstances. eg. if you are building in a remote area then your chance of malicious damage or theft of materials is low hence no need for construction material. Likewise, your need for public liability insurance is lower is you aren't building on a slope (eg your house goes sliding off down the slope and destroys other property or kills someone) or have trees that need to come down (eg your tree falls onto your neighbours house and flattens it and everyone in it). It all a matter of weighing up potential risk against the cost and of course what the excess is. for instance, would you both paying the $1000 excess if someone stole your copper piping for hot water? (as someone did to our neighbour). horses for courses really agree loretta we are in small country town so theft isnt an issue and noone ever goes on our land so not a problem either i guess in suburbia i could see why you would need it stay safe happy building Re: Owner Builder Insurance 20Apr 25, 2009 10:12 am I think by law you have to have certain insurances especially public liability. You certainly wouldn't want anyone to hurt themselves on your site (tradie or non tradie) and sue you for damages. Hi All, I just wanted to close this topic out with an update. So we ended up agreeing to a number with the insurance company, and after an extensive amount of hand… 8 23404 Hi VK, Think it's worth investing time in an Owner Builder course to equip you with basic knowledge on Australian Building Industry and its regulations. Also, I suggest… 11 23140 |