What is damage to works insurance (assurance dommages-ouvrage)?
Who needs this cover?The Building Damage Guarantee (Dommages Ouvrage) is a compulsory cover, taken out by firms or individuals commissioning building works, new or additional constructions. It enables the insured to claim for building defects in the following circumstances:Where the defect affects the structural integrity of the buildingWhere the building can no longer be used as a result of (1) aboveJust part of the building is affected by (1)Why take it out?All constructors must carry decennial liability Insurance and the Insurer of “Dommages Ouvrage” recovers amounts paid from the decennial liability policy. This means that dangerous or uninhabitable buildings are rectified quickly, avoiding lengthy proceedings directly against the decennial insurer. If there is an insured defect in the building, the owner claims against the DO policy for repairs to be carried out. The DO insurer then has rights of recourse against the building contractor’s decennial liability policy.Cover can include- 10-year cover for faulty parts, called inseparable parts (e.g. heaters/glass doors)- Damage to existing building structure due to work being carried out now (e.g. adding an extension). This is an additional cover and is usually limited to a maximum of 15% of the value of the new works, and an additional premium is charged.- Claims made during the first year following acceptance of the building are usually the responsibility of the offending contractor.
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