Builder's (Site Owner) Liability Insurance
Your construction project, well insured from day one
As the building owner you carry a lot of responsibility. With our builder's liability insurance you are protected against the financial consequences if a third party is harmed because of your construction project. Request your quote now and build with peace of mind.
Benefits of this insurance
For needs-based protection, choose between €5, 10 or 20 million.
Self-performed work and help from friends is covered up to €25,000.
Protection from high court costs due to unjustified demands.
Coverage comparison
| €5 million | €10 million | €20 million | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New builds, renovations, repairs | |||
| Demolition and excavation work | |||
| Ground subsidence or landslide | |||
| Defense against unjustified claims | |||
| DIY construction work | Up to €25,000 | Up to €25,000 | Up to €25,000 |
Additional modules and benefits
Construction works insurance (Bauleistungsversicherung)
Complements your liability cover with protection for the building under construction itself against storm, vandalism or unforeseen accidents.
Homeowner and property liability
Combine both policies so your plot stays covered seamlessly once construction is finished and you become the regular owner.
Water damage liability extension
If your project includes installing a heating oil tank or other water-polluting facilities, add water damage liability coverage.
What is covered
Your legal liability as the site owner
We cover your legal liability for the construction project listed in the policy: if you are held responsible for damage on your construction site, we step in.
Professional site management
Coverage applies when you assign planning, site management and execution to professional third parties such as architects or construction companies, ensuring qualified experts bear the technical responsibility.
DIY work and neighborly help
If you do the work yourself, or friends and neighbors help out, this is covered up to a total value of €25,000. If you plan more DIY work, let us know to adjust the premium.
Protection for the plot and building
You are also covered as the owner of the plot under construction and the emerging building, for example if a passerby falls on the undeveloped plot or damage occurs from the shell construction.
Subsidence damage
Damage caused by settling or subsidence of the construction site is also included in the coverage.
What is not covered
Groundwater level changes
Damage caused by changes in groundwater conditions, such as drops or rises causing problems, is not covered.
Vehicle-caused damage
As the owner, possessor, keeper or driver of a land, air or water vehicle, damage caused by its use is not covered by this policy; a separate vehicle liability policy is needed for that.
Real claim examples
Damage to the neighboring plot
During excavation work for the basement, part of the soil collapses onto the adjoining property, severely damaging the neighbor's garden, a garden shed and several plants.
Accident due to insufficient safety measures
A passerby trips over loose building materials on an inadequately secured construction site and breaks a leg, requiring surgery and a long time off work.
Cracks in a neighboring building
Vibrations from driving foundation piles cause cracks in the masonry and plaster of the neighboring building, confirmed by an expert assessment as a direct consequence of the construction work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does builder's liability insurance cost?
Costs cannot be set on a flat-rate basis, as they depend heavily on the construction sum as well as the agreed coverage sum and deductible.
When do I need to take out builder's liability insurance?
For any new build, to protect yourself against high financial risks. A consultation is worthwhile for tailored coverage.
What exactly is covered under builder's liability insurance?
It insures site owners against liability risks from the plot under construction — all personal, material and financial damage caused to third parties on the site.
Who should consider builder's liability insurance?
Any site owner: planning a new build with an architect, hiring a construction company, opening your own site (including demolition work), or buying a plot to build on.
Is it tax deductible?
In Germany, the costs can be declared as special expenses in your tax return, as long as the applicable personal limits are not exceeded.
Planning a new build or renovation soon?
Tell us the details of your project and we will advise you on the right coverage.
Request free advice