If you’re building (new build or EnerPHit retrofit)

• Site insurance / Contract Works (Contractors All Risks): Covers the works, materials and the part-built structure against fire, flood, theft, storm, etc. Starts the day you take possession of the site.

• Public liability: Covers injury or third-party property damage arising from your works.

• Employers’ liability: Legally required if you directly employ anyone (including labour-only).

• Tools, plant & hired-in plant: Optional add-ons to cover owned and hired equipment.

• Non-negligent liability (JCT 6.5.1): Useful on tight sites to cover damage to neighbouring property from vibration, subsidence, etc., even where no one is “at fault”.

• Offsite storage & transit: Important for MMC/SIPs/ICF or bespoke windows stored offsite or shipped to site.

• Testing & commissioning extension: Covers M&E systems (e.g., MVHR, heat pumps) during first switch-on/commissioning.

• JCT insurance option:

  • A/B for new builds (who insures the works differs by option).

  • C for works to an existing structure (typical for EnerPHit/retrofit), including specified perils on the existing building.

At completion (what lenders and buyers expect)

• 10-year structural warranty / latent defects insurance: Protects against major structural defects after completion; usually a 2-year builder responsibility period, then insurance to year 10.

• Building control sign-off and, if applicable, Passivhaus (or EnerPHit) certification: Not insurance, but strong quality evidence that helps with lending and resale.

• Manufacturer guarantees: Keep certificates for windows, airtightness products, MVHR, heat pump, roof coverings, etc.

Once you move in

• Buildings & contents insurance (home insurance):

  • Disclose that it’s a Passivhaus and specify construction (e.g., timber frame, SIPs, ICF, EWI, triple glazing, MVHR). Many insurers treat this as non-standard construction; a specialist home insurer may price it more accurately.

  • Declare all renewables and fixed plant (PV, battery storage, heat pump, solar thermal) so they’re covered—including storm damage and theft.

  • Consider accidental damage and trace & access extensions (helpful when services are concealed within airtight fabric).

  • Check alternative accommodation limits; high-performance homes can have longer reinstatement lead times for specialist components.

If you’re a developer/landlord

• Property owners’ liability and loss of rent/alternative accommodation as needed.

• Advanced loss of profits / delay in start-up for larger schemes if a covered event delays completion.

• Terrorism cover if required by funders or leases.

Professional team (your protection, their policies)

• Professional indemnity (PI) for architect, Passivhaus designer/consultant, and M&E engineer.

• Contractors’ liability and (where design is taken on by the contractor) design & construct PI.
  Ask for evidence and keep copies with the contract.

Passivhaus-specific tips insurers like

• Keep a QA pack: PHPP summary, airtightness (blower-door) certificates, MVHR commissioning sheets, maintenance schedule, and product datasheets.

• Set the buildings sum insured on rebuild cost, not market value—triple glazing, airtightness layers and bespoke components affect reinstatement. A specialist broker or a rebuild-cost assessment helps.

• Escape of water is a common claim everywhere; good isolation valves, leak detection and regular MVHR filter changes/servicing reduce risk.

• Log any post-occupancy monitoring (energy, IAQ). It demonstrates proper use and maintenance of building services.