Are you going to carry out large-scale construction or renovation work in your home soon? Have you thought about taking out building damage insurance?
If you are building or carrying out major renovation work, it is essential to protect yourself by taking out structural damage insurance. How much does this insurance cost? How to find the cheapest?
Definition of structure damage insurance
Work damage insurance allows you to obtain reimbursement and repair for problems that occur after the date the work is received. In the event of deficiencies of a ten-year nature, it provides for rapid repair of these shortcomings thanks to its pre-financing role. In this way, repair work can be started quickly.
When this protection is implemented, it is up to the insurer to take action against the manufacturer(s) responsible.
Is it obligatory to take out structural damage insurance?
Structural damage insurance is required for project owners, that is to say any person or entity carrying out large-scale construction, extension or renovation work, in accordance with the Spinetta law of 4 January 1978.
Are therefore concerned by this obligation: individuals, real estate developers (real estate development companies, social landlords), companies, co-ownership associations (for work affecting the common areas of the building).
In the event of non-subscription, the project owner is exposed to sanctions. First, if problems occur, he will have to advance the repair costs and initiate legal proceedings, which are often very long, to obtain compensation. Then, he may be held responsible for damages suffered by successive purchasers or owners due to the absence of this compulsory insurance. Finally, in the event of sale of the property within 10 years following the completion of the work, the absence of work damage insurance may constitute an obstacle because potential buyers will be reluctant to acquire an unprotected property. .
In summary, taking out building damage insurance is a legal obligation for all project owners. It aims to ensure effective protection against serious risks and disorders affecting construction.
Work damage insurance, perfect completion insurance and biennial insurance
Work damage insurance should not be confused with the insurance of perfect completion from which the owner of the property benefits. This covers all problems reported upon receipt using reservations expressed by the client or noted during the year following receipt of the work. In this situation, the company is required to repair them.
Work damage insurance should also not be confused with biennial insurance or guarantee of proper functioning which runs for the first two years following receipt of the work. It concerns equipment elements separable from the construction not covered by the ten-year guarantee (plumbing, electrical equipment, etc.).
What does construction damage insurance cover?
Structural damage insurance covers material damage affecting construction and falling under the ten-year guarantee.
Here are the main categories of damage covered:
Damage compromising the solidity of the work
These may include significant cracks in the load-bearing walls, sagging of the floor or frame, and foundation problems leading to instability of the structure.
Damage rendering the work unfit for its intended purpose
They include in particular major water infiltrations, thermal or acoustic insulation defects, major malfunctions concerning plumbing, heating or electrical installations.
Damage affecting inseparable elements
They concern equipment elements when their malfunction renders the work unfit for its intended purpose.
Damage to separable equipment
This damage is covered if its malfunction causes damage to the main structure or renders it unfit for its intended purpose.
Thus, structural damage insurance offers rapid coverage of damages without having to wait for a court decision to determine the responsibilities of the various parties involved.
Taking out structural damage insurance: the advantages
This insurance offers several advantages to project owners:
1 – Rapid compensation in the event of a disaster
As mentioned previously, in the event of a disaster, insurance allows you to quickly finance repair work. The insurer is required to make a proposal for compensation or provision within a maximum period of 105 days after the declaration of the loss.
2 – Extensive coverage
Work damage insurance covers damage covered by the ten-year guarantee (material damage affecting the solidity of the work or making it unfit for its intended purpose for 10 years from receipt of the work) and all types of serious damage.
3 – Financial security
The work damage guarantee represents protection against unforeseen events. Indeed, in the event of a major disorder, the project owner does not have to bear the repair costs immediately, which preserves his personal finances or those of his company.
After paying compensation to the project owner, the insurance company turns against the responsible builders to recover the sums paid.
4 – Valuation of the property
The presence of such insurance can facilitate the sale of a property because future buyers know that the work will be covered in the event of a problem.
5 – Supervision and assistance
Insurers often offer expertise and advisory services to support the project owner following a disaster. The management of technical and administrative problems is then facilitated.
How is the price of structural damage insurance set in 2025?
Several criteria are used to determine the cost of structural damage insurance:
- The amount of the work: the nature of the work (new construction, renovation or extension) as well as the overall cost of the project are taken into account;
- The type of building: the use (residential, commercial, industrial) and the complexity of the building can vary the cost of insurance;
- The characteristics of the site: location (higher prices in risk areas), nature of the soil (geotechnical characteristics of the land);
- The quality of the participants: experience and solvency of the manufacturers, guarantees and insurance held, etc.;
- The extent of the guarantees: the cost depends on the options and the level of coverage desired. The deductible (part of the damage remaining the responsibility of the insured in the event of a claim) can influence the price;
- The profile of the project owner: individuals who are building for the first time may be offered a high price;
- The duration of the construction site: long projects are potentially more expensive to insure.
To get an estimate of the cost of your structure damage insurance, do not hesitate to do a free, no-obligation online simulation.
How to compare the prices of structural damage insurance in 2025?
Finding cheaper structural damage insurance while maintaining an appropriate level of protection requires comparing offers. You can contact different specialized insurers to obtain quotes before comparing guarantees and prices. If you want to save time, use a property damage insurance comparator or go through an experienced broker.
In general, keep in mind that the cheapest is not always the best. It is essential to choose insurance offering a level of guarantee in line with your needs and good customer service.
