It depends on the policy type and your project value, but owner-builder construction works and public liability cover is typically a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for a build — priced on the contract value, site risk and cover limits.
There isn’t one “owner-builder insurance” — there are several
The cost question only has an answer once you know which cover you mean:
- Construction (contract) works insurance — covers the works, materials and often public liability during the build. Priced on the build value and site risk. This is the one most people mean, and building without it is gambling the project.
- Public liability — often bundled with construction works; can be standalone.
- Personal accident / workers compensation — relevant if you or unpaid helpers are on site, or if you directly employ workers.
- Owner-builder warranty / home indemnity insurance — this is the one bought at sale in some states (VIC, WA and others), not during the build, and it’s a specialist, limited market.
What drives the premium
The contract value, the state, your site’s risk profile, the cover limits and excess, and — for warranty cover at sale — your build records and the underwriter’s appetite. Two similar builds can price quite differently.
Get the number for your project
Ballpark figures online won’t match your build. Price the specific covers you need against your project value and state — the owner-builder insurance guide walks every policy, what it covers and when it’s required, so you know exactly what to quote.