Insurance for Property Developers
Protecting Your Development — From Groundworks to Handover.
Property development involves long timelines, multiple stakeholders, and significant financial exposure. From site acquisition to project completion, ERM Financial Services helps Irish developers secure the right insurance for each phase of their development — with expert guidance and fast turnaround.
We work with developers across residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes — including those operating under SPVs, joint ventures, and phased construction.
Who We Work With
Residential developers and housebuilders
Commercial and mixed-use developers
Development SPVs and investment-backed projects
Small-scale and multi-phase developers
Insurance for Irish Developers
Key Insurance Covers for Property Developers:
Contractors All Risks (CAR) Insurance
Protects works in progress, site materials, and temporary structures from fire, theft, storm, and accidental damage during construction.
Public Liability Insurance
Covers injury or damage to third parties arising from the development site — essential from site prep through to final clearance.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
Required if the developer directly employs staff or uses labour-only subcontractors.
Property Owners Insurance (Post-Completion)
Once a development is complete but unsold or retained, this covers the physical structure, liability to third parties, and loss of rent or service charges.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (where design responsibility exists)
Needed if the developer is contractually responsible for any design elements or signs off on third-party professional input.
Optional Add-Ons:
Cover for show homes and marketing suites
Non-negligent liability (where contractually required)
Environmental or pollution liability (site-specific)
Structural warranty cover referrals (10/12 year latent defects)
Why ERM?
- Over 30 years of experience advising Irish developers
- Expert in aligning cover with funding, contract, and legal requirements
- Fast turnaround and dedicated account management
- Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What insurance is needed before construction starts?
Typically CAR and Public Liability cover are needed as soon as you take possession of the site and begin enabling works, fencing, or access.
2. Do I need PI if I'm not doing the design work myself?
If you’re contractually responsible for sign-off or coordination of design teams, you may still face exposure. PI Insurance is often a lender or client requirement.
3. When do I need Property Owners Insurance?
Once a building is complete but not yet sold or tenanted, standard construction policies lapse. A Property Owners policy is needed to protect against fire, escape of water, vandalism, and third-party liability.
4. Can I insure an SPV or development company separately from my main business?
Yes. We regularly arrange cover for single-project SPVs, JV entities, or holding companies. Each is structured to reflect ownership, risk, and funder needs.
5. What about cover for show homes and site offices?
We can extend or schedule cover for marketing suites, show houses, furnishings, and other non-construction site assets.
6. Is non-negligent liability insurance relevant in Ireland?
It may be, especially on urban infill or tight boundary projects. We’ll arrange cover where required by contract — subject to underwriter approval.
7. Can all policies be bundled under one programme?
Yes. Many developers prefer a combined project cover that includes CAR, liability, plant, and post-completion policies — reducing complexity and delays.
8. Is ERM Financial Services regulated?
Yes. ERM Financial Services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.