ISR is distinct from contract works or construction all risks insurance, which covers individual projects. Instead, ISR protects your business infrastructure - the depot, office, workshop, stored materials and the revenue you earn. Together with project-specific cover, ISR forms the backbone of a comprehensive construction insurance programme.
Builder & Construction
Insurance
All-risks property and business interruption cover for builders, contractors and construction companies operating across Australia.
Get a Quote
Tell us about your property and we'll find the right ISR cover.
No-obligation enquiry. We reply within one business day.
Why Construction Businesses Need ISR Insurance
Construction companies invest heavily in plant, equipment, vehicles and materials - assets that are often stored at depots, workshops and temporary site compounds. These assets are exposed to theft, fire, storm damage and accidental destruction on a daily basis. Industrial Special Risks insurance provides the broad, all-risks cover that construction businesses need to protect their permanent premises, owned equipment and revenue.
Common Risks Facing Construction Businesses
Theft of Tools & Plant
Construction sites and depots are frequent targets for theft. Power tools, generators, excavators and other plant can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and are difficult to recover once stolen.
Fire at Depot or Workshop
Storage of fuels, solvents, timber and other combustible materials at depots and workshops creates significant fire risk. A fire can destroy equipment, vehicles and building materials simultaneously.
Storm & Weather Damage
Severe weather can damage site offices, temporary structures, stored materials and plant - particularly in exposed or coastal locations where construction activity is common.
Accidental Damage
The physical nature of construction work means accidental damage to owned property - from crane strikes to vehicle collisions at the depot - is an everyday reality.
Business Interruption
Damage to your head office, depot or key equipment can delay project starts, disrupt project management and result in lost contract revenue for extended periods.
Vandalism
Unoccupied site offices and compounds are vulnerable to vandalism, graffiti and malicious damage, particularly on projects in urban or publicly accessible areas.
Recommended ISR Extensions for Construction
Expand your ISR cover with these extensions to address the unique exposures of construction businesses.
- Portable Tools & Equipment
Extends cover to tools and smaller equipment taken off-site to project locations, subject to security requirements.
- Machinery Breakdown
Covers mechanical and electrical failure of owned plant and equipment, including generators, compressors and workshop machinery.
- Temporary Site Premises
Extends property cover to site offices, sheds and demountable buildings at project locations.
- Extra Cost of Working
Covers the additional expenses of maintaining operations - such as hiring replacement plant or leasing temporary office space - while your premises are being restored.
- Employees' Tools & Effects
Provides limited cover for employees' personal tools and belongings kept at your premises or worksites.
Construction ISR FAQs
Contract works insurance (also known as construction all risks) is project-specific and covers the works being constructed, including materials and labour, for the duration of a single project. ISR insurance, by contrast, is an ongoing annual policy that covers your permanent premises, equipment, stock and business interruption. Many construction businesses carry both - ISR for their depot, offices and owned plant, and contract works insurance for each active project.
ISR can cover tools, plant and equipment at your permanent premises and, with appropriate extensions, at temporary project sites. However, cover for tools at unfenced or unsecured sites may be subject to specific security requirements and sub-limits. High-value mobile plant may need to be individually specified on the policy.
Absolutely. If your main depot, workshop or office is damaged by an insured event, business interruption cover responds to lost revenue and ongoing fixed costs while you are unable to operate. For construction businesses, this can include the cost of hiring temporary premises, re-establishing project management systems and the revenue lost from delayed contract starts.
Generally, no. ISR covers property you own or are legally responsible for. Subcontractors are typically responsible for insuring their own tools and equipment. However, if you have a contractual obligation to insure subcontractors' property, this can be arranged as an extension. It is important to check contract terms and ensure there are no coverage gaps.
Get Started
Protect Your Construction Business
Get tailored ISR cover for your depot, plant and equipment. Our specialists understand the insurance needs of builders and contractors.
Get a Free Quote or call 02 9000 1155