What insurance for renovation work in Switzerland?

Summary

Renovating a house or an apartment involves risks: water damage, fire, damage to an existing part of the building, falling objects onto neighboring property, or accidents on the construction site. A standard home insurance policy does not necessarily cover all these situations.

In Switzerland, the protections to consider depend on the canton, the value of the work, their nature, and the companies involved. Before starting the project, the first reflex should be to inform the insurer and, when applicable, the cantonal building insurance office.

Check the building insurance before the work

Building insurance mainly covers the property against risks defined in the contract or by cantonal legislation, including fire and certain natural events. Its organization varies by canton: it may be managed by a cantonal office or a private insurer.

A renovation can change the value of the property and create additional risks during the project. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the relevant organization about the nature of the work, their cost, and their duration. Depending on the canton and the project, insurance during the construction period may be mandatory or require a specific declaration.

In Zurich, for example, insurance during construction is mandatory for certain works. In Fribourg, buildings undergoing authorized work benefit from provisional coverage according to cantonal conditions. A local check is therefore essential.

After the project, a new assessment may be necessary to adjust the insured amount to the actual value of the renovated building. Otherwise, underinsurance could limit compensation in the event of a claim.

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Construction work insurance

Construction work insurance, sometimes called all-risk construction insurance or construction insurance, protects the work in progress against certain sudden and unforeseen damages. Depending on the contract, it may cover cases of collapse, execution errors, accidental deterioration, or damage caused to materials intended for the construction site.

It does not replace building insurance. It is important to check:

the work and parts of the building insured;
whether existing structures are included or not;
the limits, deductibles, and exclusions;
coverage for theft, vandalism, or water damage;
the insured period and conditions in case of delays.

The civil liability of the project owner

The owner who orders the work is the project owner. Their liability may be sought if the site causes damage to a third party, for example when an excavation weakens a neighboring building, when an object falls on a passerby, or when water flows onto a neighboring plot.

A civil liability of the project owner may cover certain bodily or material damages related to the project as well as, depending on the contract, the defense against an unjustified claim.

Private civil liability should not be considered sufficient without verification. Some contracts exclude significant transformations or only cover them up to a specified amount. A written confirmation from the insurer should be requested.

Check the insurance of professionals

Each company must have coverage suitable for its activity. Before signing, it is wise to request a recent certificate of professional civil liability and to verify its validity period, the insured activities, and the coverage limit.

For a project designed or overseen by an architect, engineer, or another specialist, their professional civil liability must also be checked. It concerns damages that may result from a design, calculation, or oversight error, within the limits of the contract.

Companies remain responsible for the safety of their teams and their obligations regarding accident insurance. However, the project owner must ensure that safety measures are integrated into the preparation of the site and that the responsibilities of each party are clearly defined.

Should home insurance and legal protection be adjusted?

During a renovation, furniture may be moved, stored, or more exposed to dust, water, and theft. It is useful to check if home insurance covers goods during the work and in a possible storage location.

Legal protection may also be useful in case of disagreement. However, disputes related to a renovation are sometimes excluded or limited. Therefore, it is important to read the terms before the work begins.

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What steps should be taken before starting?

To secure the project, it is advisable to follow five steps:

Clearly describe the work, its cost, its duration, and the parts of the building involved;
Inform the building insurance or the competent cantonal authority;
Ask your insurer what extensions or site insurance are necessary;
Check the certificates of the companies and design professionals;
Keep contracts, plans, quotes, minutes, and photographs of the site.

Permits must also be obtained when the project requires them. Coverage may be compromised if permitted work is carried out without authorization.

Why call on Avenir Rénovations Suisse?

The coordination of insurance is part of the preparation for a well-managed construction site. Avenir Rénovations Suisse assists you in defining the work, estimating costs, and organizing the various trades.

Your Project Manager remains your sole contact until completion. They help you gather the necessary information to communicate with your insurers and clarify the responsibilities of the parties involved. Since guarantees are specific to each contract and each canton, their final validation always belongs to the relevant organizations.

Are you considering renovating your home? Contact Avenir Rénovations Suisse for a free and personalized quote.