Can Renovations Be Covered by Insurance?

If you're planning a bathroom renovation, you might be wondering whether your home insurance policy can help cover the costs. In most cases, insurance doesn’t cover planned renovations, but it may cover repairs if the work is needed due to accidental damage, water leaks, or insured events.

Here’s what you need to know about renovations and insurance coverage.

1. When Can Insurance Cover Bathroom Renovations?

Insurance generally doesn’t cover upgrades for aesthetic reasons, but it might cover renovation costs if:

✔ Your bathroom was damaged due to an insured event – Fire, storm, burst pipes, or accidental damage may be covered.
✔ A plumbing failure caused structural damage – If a major water leak occurs unexpectedly, repairs may be claimable.
✔ Your policy includes accidental damage coverage – Some policies offer protection against damage caused during renovations.

💡 Tip: If your bathroom needs renovation due to unexpected damage, check with your insurer before starting work.

2. What Insurance Won’t Cover

Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover the following:

❌ Voluntary upgrades – If you're renovating for aesthetics, insurance won’t contribute to costs.
❌ Damage caused by unlicensed work – Any issues from DIY or unapproved renovations won’t be covered.
❌ Poor workmanship or faulty renovations – If issues arise from low-quality work, insurers may reject claims.

💡 Tip: Always hire licensed professionals to avoid insurance disputes in case of future damage.

3. Do You Need to Notify Your Insurer Before Renovating?

📌 Yes! If you’re making major changes to your home, your insurer should be notified.

🔹 Some policies require updates if structural changes or plumbing modifications are made.
🔹 If your home is unoccupied during renovations, you may need extra coverage.
🔹 Not informing your insurer could lead to future claims being denied.

💡 Tip: Call your insurer before starting renovations to check if any policy updates are needed.

4. Protecting Your Renovation with Insurance

If insurance won’t cover your renovation, you can still protect your investment by ensuring:

✔ Your contractor has proper insurance – Builders should have public liability and contract works insurance.
✔ Your home insurance includes building and contents coverage – This helps cover accidental damage during renovations.
✔ You understand your policy’s exclusions – Some policies exclude damage caused during renovations.

💡 Tip: If you’re investing in a major renovation, review your insurance policy to ensure you’re fully covered.

Final Thoughts: Check Your Insurance Before Renovating

While insurance won’t cover voluntary bathroom renovations, it may cover repairs due to accidental damage or insured events. To avoid any surprises, always check your policy, notify your insurer, and work with licensed professionals.

At Custom Bathroom Creations, we ensure all our work meets industry standards, giving you peace of mind that your renovation is done right the first time.

Have questions about insurance and renovations? Contact us today!