Construction insurance

Contractors All Risk

Construction is risky – storms, theft, accidents, and unexpected damage can derail a project fast. CAR insurance protects your contract works, materials, and liability to third parties while you build.

Start the CAR Quote → See what's covered

Specialist cover for construction projects

Single project or annual CAR available

Third-party liability included

SASRIA extension on request

Why it matters

Get Covered Before You Break Ground

CAR is often required under contract, but more importantly, it protects your project and your reputation.

CivilSure specialises in construction insurance for South African contractors. We make sure your cover fits the real risks on your site, not just what's on paper.

Whether you are a main contractor, subcontractor, or principal, CAR ensures that if something goes wrong, you can put it right and keep building.

Start the CAR Form & Calculator Common questions

Request your non-obligation quote online

To get a quick ballpark figure for your CAR cover, start with the short form below. It gives you an upfront estimate so you know what to expect.

Upfront estimate Online

Broker review & accurate quote Included

Non-obligation Always

Start the CAR Form & Calculator →

Coverage

What CAR Insurance Covers

CAR insurance covers two core areas - the physical work on your site, and your liability to others if something goes wrong.

Contract works

The physical project: new work, temporary works, materials (including free-issue materials), and certain off-site storage.

Third-party liability

Your legal responsibility if you cause accidental damage or injury to others during the course of your construction work.

Included as standard

Core cover includes

Damage from fire, storm, flood, theft (with forcible entry), and accidental damage.

Professional fees to reinstate damaged works.

Removal of debris after an insured loss.

Maintenance / defects liability period cover after handover.

Liability for accidental damage or injury to third parties.

Optional add-ons

Useful Extensions

Tailor your CAR policy with extensions that match your project's specific risks and site conditions.

SASRIA

Riot, strike, public disorder.

Existing structures

When refurbishing or extending.

Surrounding property

Property near your site.

Lateral support

Neighbouring land and structures.

Own and hired plant

Plant, tools, and equipment.

Transit & off-site storage

Materials in transit or stored off site.

Spread of fire / veldfire

Especially near vegetation or farmland.

Limitations

What's Not Covered

Understanding exclusions is as important as knowing your cover. These items fall outside a standard CAR policy.

✕ Wear and tear, rust, or gradual deterioration.

✕ Deliberate acts or poor housekeeping.

✕ Penalties or late-completion damages (unless ALOP/DSU bought).

✕ Theft without meeting site security conditions.

✕ Employee injuries (covered under COID/WCA).

✕ Road accidents for licensed vehicles.

Getting it right

Setting the Right Sums Insured

Underinsurance is one of the most common mistakes on construction policies. We make sure your numbers are right from the start.

We make sure your policy includes:

Full contract value (including free-issue materials and temp works).

Professional fees and debris removal.

Escalation allowance for inflation and variations.

Separate plant and equipment cover where needed.

Important: If you underinsure, average applies – meaning you share the loss cost.

Cover type

Project vs Annual

Single project CAR

Tailored for one project, fixed period. The right choice for a specific contract with a defined start and end date.

Annual CAR

Covers multiple jobs under one policy, with larger projects listed separately. Better value if you run multiple contracts through the year.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions most contractors ask before taking out CAR cover.

Do I need lateral support cover?

Yes, if you dig near a neighbour's property. Example: Your excavation undermines a wall next door. Without lateral support cover, repairs may not be insured.

Does CAR cover existing buildings?

Not automatically. Add the "existing structures" extension for refurbishments or extensions.

Are free-issue materials covered?

Yes, but you must declare them in the sum insured. If the client supplies HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units and one is damaged, you want them included.

Are strikes and riots covered?

Only with SASRIA (South African Special Risks Insurance Association). We recommend adding it to most projects.

What about theft from site?

Covered if there's visible, forcible entry and you meet the site security warranties (fencing, lighting, locked containers, guards if required).

Request Your Non-Obligation CAR Quote Online

To get a quick ballpark figure for your Contractors All Risk cover, start with the short form. It gives you an upfront estimate so you know what to expect. This also alerts our broker team, so we can review the details and come back to you with a more accurate quote.

Start the CAR Form & Calculator → Get a Letter of Intent