What insurance does a property owner need in Thurgau? Learn which construction insurance policies are important for new builds, renovations, and refurbishments – from builder’s liability insurance to construction all-risk insurance.
Anyone planning a construction project in the canton of Thurgau – whether a new build, renovation, or refurbishment – should arrange the right insurance coverage at an early stage. Construction sites can quickly lead to unexpected damage: accidents involving pedestrians, damage to neighbouring properties, or weather-related issues during the structural phase.
The right construction insurance protects property owners from major financial risks and is sometimes even legally required or requested by banks. In this article, you will learn which insurance policies are truly important when building or renovating a house in Thurgau.
Builder’s liability insurance is one of the most important insurance policies for property owners in Thurgau. In many municipalities, it is already required as part of the building permit process.
This insurance protects the property owner against compensation claims if third parties are harmed by the construction site, for example:
Especially in densely built residential areas, a single incident can quickly lead to substantial costs.
In conclusion
Builder’s liability insurance should always be arranged before construction work begins.
Die Bauwesenversicherung – auch Bauleistungsversicherung genannt – deckt unvorhergesehene Schäden am Bauwerk während der Bauzeit.
Typical covered risks include:
For larger construction projects, banks often require this insurance as a condition for financing.
In conclusion
Highly recommended for new buildings, renovations, and major refurbishments projects.
In Thurgau, the cantonal building insurance authority is responsible for fire and natural hazard coverage.
Insured events include:
As soon as a building reaches an insurable stage – for example after completion of the shell structure – it is registered with the cantonal building insurance.
In conclusion
Building insurance against fire and natural hazards is mandatory in Thurgau.
If a property owner employs workers or temporary helpers directly, accident insurance in accordance with Swiss UVG regulations is mandatory.
This insurance covers:
Without appropriate insurance coverage, the property owner may be held personally liable.
In conclusion
Mandatory when employing workers or construction helpers directly.
Many property owners receive support from friends, relatives, or acquaintances during construction work. However, these helpers are not automatically insured on the construction site.
Construction helper accident insurance protects voluntary helpers in cases of:
This type of insurance is especially useful for DIY work and personal contributions.
In conclusion
Strongly recommended when family members or friends actively help on the construction site.
Construction projects can involve disputes with contractors, neighbours, or authorities.
Legal protection insurance for property owners typically covers:
Typical disputes include:
In conclusion
A valuable addition, particularly for larger or more complex construction projects.
During renovation or refurbishment projects, clubs or volunteer groups sometimes assist with demolition, dismantling, or renovation work.
Important to know:
Additional recommended coverage includes:
In conclusion
Volunteer helpers should always have adequate insurance coverage, especially for physically demanding or hazardous work.
Construction delays can lead to significant additional costs, including:
Important: Pure scheduling delays without insured damage are generally not insurable.
Coverage only applies if the delay results from an insured event, such as:
Possible additional coverages include:
Rental Loss Insurance
Covers loss of rental income following insured damage.
Construction All-Risk Insurance with Additional Coverage
Covers extra costs caused by delays resulting from insured events.
Contractual Protection
For organisational problems, only clear construction contracts, deadlines, and penalty clauses will help.
In conclusion
Standard construction insurance does not cover ordinary project delays. Extra costs incurred are only reimbursed when the delay is caused by an insured loss.
Anyone building or renovating in Thurgau should organise the appropriate insurance coverage at an early stage. The most important policies include:
Well-structured insurance coverage not only protects against financial risks but also provides greater peace of mind throughout the entire construction process.
| Insurance | Mandatory in Thurgau | Purpose |
| Builder’s Liability Insurance | ✅ | Protection against third-party damage |
| construction all-risk insurance | ❌ | Protection against damage to the building |
| Cantonal Building Insurance - KGT Fire & Natural Hazard Insurance | ✅ | Protection against fire and natural events |
| Accident Insurance (UVG) | ✅ if employing staff | Protection for employees |
| Construction Helper Accident Insurance | ❌ | Protection for voluntary helpers |
| Legal Protection Insurance for Property Owners | ❌ | Protection in legal disputes |
| Association Accident Insurance (for volunteer club work) | ❌ | Protection for volunteer club members |
| Construction Delay / Loss of Income Add-On | ❌ | Coverage for financial losses after insured damage |