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Is ordinary home cover enough during a renovation?

Hong Kong Insurance Connect: Some home policies cover decoration, but the work’s nature or contract sum may exceed their limits. Check contractors’ all-risks and third-party liability cover, including your insured status. Checked on . [C1]

Checked on · Public sources; general information, not advice.

Can I assume my existing home policy covers the work?

The IA says some home insurance covers property damage and liability during decoration work. That is not a statement that every policy covers every renovation. Describe the actual work to the insurer and ask which existing section, if any, applies. [C1]

The IA explains that insurance rights and duties depend on the contract, and recommends asking the insurer to clarify uncertain terms. Before work starts, ask what information about the project it needs and request confirmation of the applicable cover. [C2]

What if the nature or value of the work exceeds the cover?

The IA says that where the work’s nature or contract sum exceeds the home policy’s benefit limit, the owner should require the contractor to arrange contractors’ all-risks and third-party liability insurance and include the owner as an insured person. [C1]

Ask for a written comparison of the proposed work against the home policy’s conditions and limits. There is no universal renovation allowance established by this guide. The answer depends on the particular works, contract and insurance terms, so clarify it with the insurer or licensed broker. [C1]

Why does my insured status matter?

The IA specifically highlights including the owner as an insured person when the additional contractor cover is needed. A contractor saying it has insurance is not confirmation that you are included. Ask to see the relevant policy details and your insured status. [C1]

Ask the insurer to identify the covered work, parties, period, property damage and third-party liability sections. Use the proposed contract and work description in that discussion. Ask a lawyer to clarify disputed contractual responsibilities; this guide cannot establish your rights under an unseen contract. [C1, C2]

What should be agreed before work starts or changes?

Give the insurer the work description and contract sum, then ask for confirmation of the applicable limits and any deductible. Home insurance can contain category limits and exclusions, so relying solely on a headline policy amount leaves important questions unanswered. [C1]

If the project changes, ask whether the new work still falls within the confirmed protection. Keep written coverage answers with the policy and contract. If an incident occurs, the IA advises prompt insurer notification, photographs or video, and retention of damaged items for inspection. [C1, C2]

What do readers ask?

Does every home policy cover decoration work?

No. The IA says some products provide that protection. [C1]

Is the contract sum relevant?

Yes. The IA identifies the work’s nature and contract sum when checking cover limits. [C1]

Does this guide set a universal works limit?

No. Check the individual home policy’s limits and conditions. [C1]

What cover does the IA say to ask the contractor for?

Where home cover is exceeded, contractors’ all-risks and third-party liability insurance. [C1]

Should the owner be included as an insured person?

Yes. The IA expressly highlights that step for the additional contractor cover. [C1]

Does the contractor saying it is insured settle my position?

No. Check that the relevant cover includes you as an insured person. [C1]

Should I tell the insurer about changed work?

Ask it to check the changed work against the policy’s scope and limits. [C1, C2]

Where can I read more or ask a process question?

What do insurance terms mean? How can I check an insurance intermediary?

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We provide information and referrals to a licensed Hong Kong broker; regulated advice and arrangements belong with that broker. Mainland visitors must sign in Hong Kong. Do not send identity, tax or medical documents through the general enquiry form. [C2]

General information, not advice.

Where are the sources?

Checked on . Public official sources; linked documents remain on their publishers’ sites.

Information, not advice; we refer to a licensed Hong Kong broker.

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