Renovating: when should you notify your buildings insurance in advance?

Do you always need to notify your buildings insurer of a renovation?

No, not every home improvement project requires prior notification. Minor maintenance like painting, wallpapering or replacing a tap usually falls under normal use of the property. However, if the renovation affects the structure, rebuild value or introduces extra risk, it's wise to inform your insurer. This includes adding a dormer window, an extension, a load-bearing wall or a roof replacement. Most Dutch buildings insurance policies (opstalverzekering) contain a duty to report 'material changes in risk' or 'major renovations'. The exact threshold varies per insurer, so it's always safer to check early.

• Small DIY jobs: usually no notification needed unless they affect the structure or insured value.
• Medium changes: like a new kitchen or bathroom – check if the overall build value shifts or pipework changes create new risks.
• Major renovations: extensions, dormers, structural alterations – almost always notifiable and may impact your premium.

How a renovation affects your Dutch buildings insurance

Your opstalverzekering covers the cost of rebuilding your home if it's destroyed by fire, storm or water damage. The premium and insured sum are based on the rebuild value (herbouwwaarde) – the cost to reconstruct your home from scratch. A renovation can raise this value significantly. For instance, adding a 20 m² extension can cost €30,000 to €50,000, directly boosting the rebuild value. If you don't update your insured sum, you risk underinsurance. In the event of a claim, the payout is reduced proportionally, which could leave you tens of thousands short after a major fire. Beyond buildings insurance, your contents and liability policies may also be affected. For a broader look, see our guide on home renovation insurance in the Netherlands.

Beyond value, the construction phase temporarily alters the risk profile. Open roofs, scaffolding and building materials on site increase the chance of fire, storm damage or theft. Standard policies are often not fully equipped for this unless the insurer has been notified. Furthermore, the renovation may affect the liability section of your buildings insurance or your personal liability cover (AVP) if neighbouring properties are damaged or workers get injured.

• Rebuild value: rises with any expansion or quality upgrade; the insured sum often needs an upward adjustment.
• Temporary construction risks: higher chance of fire, water or storm loss; standard cover may be restricted.
• Liability: damage from a falling scaffold or leaks to neighbours may need extra attention in your policy wording.
• Materials and tools: goods stored on the building site are not always covered by standard home insurance and may require additional cover.

What is usually covered during a renovation – and what isn't

The exact cover during a renovation depends on your policy and whether you've reported the work. In most cases, basic perils like fire, storm, water and theft remain insured, but specific exclusions may apply to damage directly linked to the construction. Many insurers offer a standard 'renovation clause' that temporarily increases the insured sum by, say, 10–15% for up to six months. This prevents acute underinsurance without needing an immediate revaluation. Nevertheless, it's vital to know what your own policy states.

*Note: exact reporting duties and cover vary by insurer and policy. Always consult your own policy wording and schedule.

Common misunderstandings and exclusions during home renovations

• Misunderstanding: 'The contractor has CAR insurance, so I don't need to do anything.' That policy often covers construction faults and the contractor's liability, but not necessarily damage to your existing home or consequential loss. Your own buildings policy remains primary but may be limited if you haven't reported the work.
• Misunderstanding: 'I'll update the rebuild value after the renovation.' During the build, you remain underinsured. An unexpected fire during the works could leave you with a large shortfall.
• Misunderstanding: 'Storm damage is always covered, even if the roof is open.' Most policies require wind force 7 or higher and that you take reasonable precautions. Temporary covers or open structures may be excluded.
• Misunderstanding: 'Stolen building materials are automatically insured.' Buildings and contents policies often restrict cover for materials not yet incorporated or lying on site. Separate notification or extra cover may be needed.

Your policy wording likely contains a clause on 'change of risk' or 'renovation'. It often specifies a maximum sum that remains insured without notification. Read it carefully and get any agreements in writing to avoid disputes later.

How to check your policy before a renovation: a 5-step plan

Common mistakes when renovating and insuring your home

Even attentive homeowners regularly make insurance missteps during a renovation. Here are the most frequent ones, so you can sidestep them.

• Notifying too late: contacting the insurer only after damage occurs. The insurer may then argue you concealed a risk increase, refuse the claim, or at best adjust your premium retroactively as a gesture of goodwill.
• Failing to adjust the rebuild value: assuming your policy's annual indexation covers the renovation. Indexation tracks inflation, not your specific extension. You remain underinsured.
• Not keeping evidence: if you are underinsured, invoices and photos can prove the true higher value, reducing the proportional deduction. Without evidence, you're in a weak position.
• Forgetting to inform neighbours: major works can cause damage to adjacent properties (vibrations, leaks). Your liability insurance may cover this, but notify in advance and make clear agreements.
• Failing to check the contractor's insurance: ask for a copy of the contractor's CAR and liability policies. An uninsured builder could leave you with the bill for damage they cause.

When it makes sense to have an advisor review your cover

A renovation is an ideal moment to review your entire insurance package. Besides buildings insurance, your contents, liability and car policies may also need an update. A free, independent damage insurance check can prevent you from overpaying or missing cover. PolisMoment can connect you with one commission-free advisory office that looks at your situation without sales pressure. Find out how the free damage insurance check works.

Especially during a renovation, avoiding underinsurance is crucial. An experienced advisor can help you correctly assess the rebuild value and make sure you're not paying too much premium for too little cover. You can also explore whether a commission-free insurance advice route saves you hidden commissions. Consider using a buildings insurance comparison without commission to see if you can get a better deal without sacrificing cover.

Finally, this is a great time to check whether you're overpaying on other damage insurance policies. You might be able to find the cheapest damage insurance without losing cover. And if you're an expat who's just bought a home and is renovating, it's worth reviewing your car insurance without Dutch claim-free years – you could be paying more than necessary.