CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE · NZ SPECIALISTS
Construction & contract works for NZ businesses
Cover that protects your project from the ground up. From residential builders and commercial contractors to subcontractors and project managers, we structure the right cover and have access to markets others can’t reach, including hard-to-place and high-risk projects.
- No obligation
- Fast response
- Practical solutions
Ready to chat?
Tell us about your situation. We will review your details and be in touch, typically within one business day.
Tell us about your situation. We will review your details and be in touch, typically within one business day.
Construction Insurance
Builders and Contractors
Construction projects come with tight deadlines, large financial commitments, and risks that can change overnight. Whether you’re a contractor, developer, or builder, the right construction insurance helps protect your project, your reputation, and your bottom line from unexpected setbacks. From securing bonds to protecting work in progress and meeting contract requirements, having the right cover in place means you can focus on delivering the job, knowing your project is properly protected from start to finish.
Builders
Commercial contractors
Residential developers
Civil contractors
Subcontractors
Project managers
Types of Construction Insurance
The cover you need to keep projects moving
Construction projects come with real risk and real requirements. We structure cover to protect your business, meet contractual obligations, and keep your project on track.
Core Construction Cover
- Contract Works
- Public Liability
- Machinery and Plant
- Tools
Project & Compliance Cover
- Contract Works
- Builders Warranty
- Professional Indemnity (if required)
- Advance Loss of Profits / Delay in Start-Up
Contract Requirements
Meeting contract insurance requirements
Many construction contracts require specific insurance structures, limits, and documentation. If cover isn’t right, projects don’t proceed. We make sure everything is structured properly, so you’re compliant and ready to move.
If your project has been flagged as difficult or declined, we can help get it placed.
High-risk or difficult projects
Projects with high earthquake exposure, unusual design, large values, or prior claims can be difficult to insure. Where most brokers run out of options, we will work with specialist markets to secure practical solutions when standard insurers decline.
We specialise in placing construction risks others can’t, so your project can get underway or doesn’t stall.
Why Choose Us
26 Years Experience
Personal advice
We take the time to understand how your business operates and what risks actually matter. Then we'll recommend cover that’s practical, not overcomplicated.
Industry know-how
We work with businesses across a wide range of industries and understand the common risks they face. That means better recommendations and access to quality cover at competitive rates.
Support when it counts
From getting set up properly to handling changes or claims, we're here to help you stay protected. You’ll have clear guidance at every step.
Solutions for hard to get insurance
If your business is high-risk or difficult to insure, we can help find the right cover through specialist markets.
Prefer to talk now?
021 333 712
We’re happy to have a quick chat about your situation, no obligation.
Email us:
ash@sib.co.nz
We typically reply within one business day.
Client Testimonials
Success stories
What New Zealand business owners say about working with us.
Business Owner
“I contacted Ash to make sure our current business insurance was protecting our business and couldn’t be happier. Rather than simply email me a quote, we had a call where Ash explained why our current policy wasn’t aligned with our services and did quite a bit of research on what we needed to protect my business in terms of online data and cyber security. Being a virtual business it was a shock to hear we’d been paying for physical risk protection all these years and I’m so thankful we now have Sentinel looking after us.
Fantastic advice, no pressure, 3 quotes and friendly, professional and approachable support.”
Managing Director
“We were introduced to Ash Greer at Sentinel Insurance when we were specifically looking for a broker with strong expertise in construction and liability, and from the outset, it was clear we were in capable hands.
After meeting with Ash, we appointed him as our broker, and he immediately undertook a comprehensive review of both our business operations and our existing insurance programme. Ash took the time to truly understand how our business operates and where our risks lie, and then rebuilt our insurance structure accordingly.
The results have been outstanding. In the first year, Ash made significant improvements, ensuring all of our assets were appropriately covered. In the second year, he went even further, re-marketing our programme again to deliver further improvements.
Ash’s attention to detail, deep understanding of both our business and the insurance market, and proactive approach have delivered exceptional outcomes for us. We now have complete confidence that our insurance programme genuinely supports and protects our business.”
Simple, expert-led insurance advice
We make complex insurance straightforward, from first conversation to cover in place.
Understand your risk
We take the time to understand your business, risks and current cover. No assumptions. No generic advice.
Structure the right cover
We design insurance that actually responds at claim time. Built properly from the start.
Place & support
We secure the right cover and support you ongoing. Especially when things get complex, or it's hard to get insurance in NZ.
Types of Insurance
Extra cover to consider
Depending on how your business operates, you may need additional protection beyond standard policies. We can help you identify optional extensions and specialist cover that strengthen your protection and reduce potential gaps.
Business Insurance
Even if your main risk is the advice you provide, your physical assets still matter. Business insurance can protect your office contents, equipment, and income if you experience damage, theft, or an unexpected interruption.
It brings together key covers like property, public liability, and business interruption into one practical policy, helping keep your business running if something disrupts operations.
Management Liability
If you run a professional services business, you carry responsibilities beyond client work. Management liability insurance helps protect you and your directors against claims relating to employment disputes, regulatory investigations, statutory breaches, and alleged mismanagement.
It’s designed to safeguard your leadership team and business decisions, not just your professional advice.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
If your business relies on cars, utes, vans, or light trucks, having the right cover in place is essential. Commercial vehicle insurance helps protect your vehicles against accidental damage, theft, fire, and third-party liability, whether you operate a single vehicle or a fleet.
It can cover response costs, legal expenses, client notification, and business interruption, helping you recover quickly and protect your reputation.
Faq
Answers to common construction insurance questions
Here are some of the most common questions New Zealand business owners ask when arranging construction cover. Not sure where to start? Contact us today.
In many cases, no, the head contractor or principal will arrange Contract Works insurance for the entire project. However, you should never assume this. Always check the contract to confirm whether you’re covered under the main policy or required to arrange your own cover for your portion of the works, tools, or plant.
It depends on the project, we’ll advise what’s required and structure it properly.
There isn’t one standard limit, but many councils and commercial principals in New Zealand require public liability limits of $10 million or $20 million. Contract Works limits typically need to reflect the full contract value of the project, including materials and labour. It’s important to match the limit to the contract to avoid non-compliance.
Yes, in many cases you can. A previous claim doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get insurance but it may affect terms, deductibles, or pricing. The key is presenting the full context of the claim and demonstrating what risk management improvements have been made since. Specialist placement can make a significant difference here.