Protect your construction projects and structures for 10 years.
Decennial liability insurance is a mandatory cover for most construction trades. It covers damage that affects the structural integrity of a building or makes it unfit for its intended use for 10 years after the handover of works.
What is decennial liability insurance for construction?
The decennial guarantee is a specific type of professional civil liability for the building sector. It covers, for 10 years after handover, defects that affect the structural soundness of the works or its integral elements such as foundations, framework, load-bearing walls, roofing, etc.
In concrete terms, if serious damage appears on a project (major cracks, subsidence, water ingress making the home uninhabitable, waterproofing defects on a new dwelling, etc.), the decennial liability insurance covers the repairs or cost of the remedial works.
It complements the owner’s structural damage insurance and is a legal obligation for construction professionals whenever they work on the structure of a building or on non-separable equipment.
Protection for 10 years after handover
The guarantee period starts on the date of handover of the works. In the event of a claim, the client reports the damage within the required timeframe, the insurer assesses the risk and applies the coverage provided in the policy (with a possible deductible paid by the company).
Having robust decennial insurance helps secure your projects, turnover and business while reassuring your clients.
Who must take out decennial liability insurance?
Decennial liability is compulsory for most construction trades that carry out works on the building: tradespeople, general contractors, self-employed builders, house builders, etc.
- Bricklayers, structural work and concrete contractors;
- Carpenters, roofers and roofing specialists;
- Electricians, plumbers, heating engineers and technical equipment installers;
- Waterproofing specialists, façade contractors and rendering companies;
- Joiners, metalworkers and external joinery installers;
- Civil engineering and public works companies.
Whether you are a craftsman, self-employed in construction, a SME director or you manage a larger company with several employees, not having decennial coverage can expose you to direct liability and put your business at serious risk.
Your duties as a construction professional
Before starting any project, you must:
- Take out a decennial liability policy that matches your professional activity;
- Provide a valid insurance certificate to your clients and the project owner;
- Check that the coverage includes all the works, techniques and equipment you install.
In the event of a control or dispute, not having a valid policy can lead to heavy financial penalties, being forced to stop the project and, in some cases, legal proceedings.
What kind of damage is covered?
Decennial liability insurance typically covers:
- Damage affecting the structural integrity of the works (cracks, subsidence, collapse);
- Defects that make the building unfit for its intended use (major water ingress, structural insulation defects, etc.);
- Damage to equipment that is inseparable from the structure.
Depending on the policy, certain causes or types of works may be excluded. It is essential to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing.
What happens in case of a claim?
When a claim occurs, the project owner reports the damage within the required timeframe. The insurer may appoint a loss adjuster, determines liability and applies the relevant coverage. A deductible may remain at the professional’s expense.
Without decennial insurance, the company must cover the repair costs itself – this can amount to several years of turnover and may even lead to bankruptcy.
A strong sign of professionalism for your clients
Presenting a valid decennial certificate when issuing a quote or signing a contract significantly boosts your credibility. Your clients know they are protected for 10 years in case of major defects linked to your work.
It is a powerful sales argument to set your company apart in a highly competitive sector.
How much does decennial liability insurance cost?
The price of decennial insurance depends on several factors:
- The type of activity (masonry, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, public works, etc.);
- The turnover and size of the company;
- The level of coverage required and any additional guarantees;
- The amount of the chosen deductible;
- Past claims and the way risks are managed.
You may see references to an average price per trade, but only a personalised study can provide a realistic quote for your projects and works.
Common questions construction professionals ask about decennial liability
Here is a series of frequent questions around decennial liability insurance to help you prepare your quote requests and make informed decisions.
- What are the best decennial liability insurers for construction professionals?
- What exactly is decennial liability insurance in construction?
- How can a building contractor take out the right decennial cover?
- Who is required by law to hold decennial liability insurance?
- Comparing decennial liability offers for small construction businesses.
- Decennial liability insurance for independent tradespeople.
- Which insurers provide decennial cover for self-employed contractors?
- How to get a decennial insurance quote as a self-employed builder?
- How does decennial coverage work in case of a claim on a construction project?
- What does the decennial guarantee cover for a roofer or carpenter?
- List of insurers specialised in decennial insurance for building professionals.
- How to check whether a decennial certificate is valid?
- What are the average prices for decennial insurance in the construction sector?
- Average cost of decennial insurance for an electrician.
- How to cancel or change a decennial liability policy easily?
- How to find affordable decennial liability insurance for bricklayers?
- What steps are needed to obtain a valid decennial insurance certificate?
- Where can I find a broker specialised in decennial insurance for construction?
- Customer reviews of decennial insurance for building tradespeople.
- Common exclusion clauses in decennial liability policies.
- Which guarantees should be included for public works decennial insurance?
- Time limits for reporting a decennial claim.
- Can I benefit from tailored advice when choosing my decennial insurance?
- What can I do if an insurer refuses to cover my construction activity?
- Which documents are required to take out a decennial liability policy?
FAQ – Decennial liability insurance for construction
To benefit from the decennial guarantee, the policy must be in force when the project starts, the activity carried out must be declared in the policy, and the claim must be reported within the deadlines. The handover of the works marks the start of the 10-year period.
Without decennial insurance, the construction professional (tradesperson, company or self-employed contractor) remains personally liable for the damage. They will have to fund the repairs themselves, which can seriously threaten the survival of the business.
You should compare coverage, exclusions, the level of deductible, the price and the quality of claims handling. A specialised broker like Lev Assurances analyses your activity, projects and turnover to recommend the most suitable policy.
The premium depends on the trade, the sector, the turnover, past claims and the selected guarantees and deductible. There are specific solutions for tradespeople, self-employed contractors and companies, with adjusted coverage and franchises. The easiest way is to request a personalised quote.
You can fill in our online quote form, call us directly or request a call back from a broker. We review your activity, projects and risks and present several offers from insurers specialised in decennial liability for construction.
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