Installing a new shelf, painting the walls or renovating entire rooms – DIY makes you independent, but also involves risks. Which insurance policies protect you in an emergency, what the limits of insurance coverage are and which mistakes can quickly become expensive.
Basic insurance for do-it-yourselfers: What you should definitely have
Many do-it-yourselfers start their projects full of enthusiasm – but in the background there is always the question of what basic protection is necessary if something goes wrong while drilling, sanding or renovating. Do-it-yourselfers don’t have to cover every eventuality, but a solid foundation of policies ensures that mishaps don’t immediately lead to expensive problems.
According to an article by the Netzwerk Deutschland (RND) editorial team, private liability and household contents insurance are the basic equipment that most households can already rely on. Liability insurance protects against damage to rented property or if helpers accidentally damage something. For owners, there is also residential building insurance, which is also part of this basis and covers damage to the building – although not damage caused by DIYers themselves through faulty work.
Household contents insurance also offers protection within the apartment, provided risks such as fire or pipe water damage are insured. As the RND further explains, the insurance company can even take recourse against the helper who caused the accident. However, there are limits to the personal responsibility of do-it-yourselfers: If damage is caused by improper or risky work, no insurance will cover the costs.
Insurance in the event of accidents: protection for do-it-yourselfers and helpers
When it comes to DIY, accidents usually arise from routine or carelessness – a wrong step on the ladder, an unfortunate grip on the saw or dizziness when working overhead. This makes it all the more important to have protection that protects both DIY enthusiasts and those helping them if injuries affect everyday life for a longer period of time.
Private accident insurance covers the serious consequences of your own falls or injuries, which can occur quickly, especially when doing unusual work – for example through falls or accidents, as described by the RND. Statutory accident insurance, on the other hand, only applies if helpers are actively involved in a project and their work has been reported to BG BAU. If it is just a short act of kindness for friends or family, there is no protection through statutory accident insurance, so the helper’s own private accident insurance becomes crucial.
Data from VHV Insurance shows which accidents occur particularly frequently: Falls from improvised ladders, cuts or physical overload are among the typical risks for which accident insurance companies can provide fixed benefits such as immediate payments for certain injuries.
Covering damage and risks to the project itself
Even if many things seem to be possible in your own home, do-it-yourselfers often carry considerable risk if they make mistakes. A mishap can result in high costs, particularly when work involves deeper work into the building structure. According to the RND, anyone who hits a line or damages a pipe while drilling is usually left with the damage in such cases. Activities with increased risk potential – including electrical, gas, water and heating work – must also only be carried out by specialist companies. If this is violated, insurers usually do not pay.
Involving helpers also carries risks. Private liability insurance does cover damage caused by supporters during permitted work. However, if activities are carried out that laypeople are not allowed to undertake, insurers often view this as gross negligence, which can limit or exclude regulation, as it goes on to say.
In addition, the VHV shows that the proper use of tools can not only prevent accidents, but also prevent material damage. Caution is particularly advised when dealing with power and water lines, as well as when using personal protective equipment. If a home improvement project ultimately changes the value of the house – for example by expanding a roof or cellar – the home insurance company should be informed so that the protection is adjusted, as the RND recommends.
Editorial team finanzen.net