Specified perils in construction contracts
Construction works involve large amounts of money and are at high risk of damage. As a consequence construction contracts will generally include an obligation to insure:
- The works.
- On-site materials or goods.
- Off-site materials or goods.
- Existing structures and their contents.
This insurance may cover all risks, or may be restricted to certain ‘specified perils.’
Specified perils tend to be significant events that would cause very significant damage, such as fire, explosions, earthquakes, flooding and so on. All-risks insurance will tend to cover a broader range of risks, albeit it may not cover every possible risk.
Policies may be taken out by the contractor or by the client depending on the form of contract and the options selected, and may be for all risks, specified perils, or a combination for different parts of the cover. For example existing structures might be insured against specified perils whilst the construction works might be insured against all risks.
Insurance will generally be in the form of a ‘joint names policy’ in the names of the contractor and the client. This gives both parties their own rights to claim against the insurer. Other parties, such as funders may also be added as a joint name.
Joint-names insurance will generally prevent claims against the co-insured party for an insured loss. Whether or not claims can be made by one party against the other for uninsured losses where one of the parties is at fault will depend on whether the contract permits this or not.
NB See also relevant events.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.