Inherent defects insurance

From unseen flaws to future-proof structures, Inherent Defects Insurance helps you safeguard assets, strengthen portfolios and build resilience.

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  1. Benefits
  2. Why Swiss Re
  3. Case study
  4. IDI guide
  5. Contact

Hidden defects, like errors in design or faulty components, can cause damage or threaten a building's structural integrity sometimes years after completion. The result can be catastrophic, threatening the stability of the structure and safety of the people. 

Inherent Defects Insurance (IDI) strengthens societal resilience by promoting durable, high-quality construction and reducing the chances of costly repairs or demolitions caused by hidden structural defects. By lowering environmental impacts, unlocking private capital, and enabling more affordable, climate-resilient housing and infrastructure, IDI supports long-term community wellbeing and fosters effective public-private collaboration.

For insurers, IDI isn’t just another line of business. It’s a gateway to new markets, long-term growth, and portfolio diversification. To unlock these markets however, insurers need the right partner on board. Our team provides quotations and technical assistance tailored to each project’s needs, covering every degree of technical as well as commercial complexity. We also provide our clients with digital tools to simplify and streamline the introduction of IDI to the market.

A solution that benefits the entire value chain

Homeowners

gain peace of mind with protection for the biggest purchase of their lives.

Developers

strengthen their value proposition with guaranteed quality assurance.

Lenders

and investors see developments as more attractive as IDI reduces long-term risk.

Governments

and regulators build more resilient societies through safer, higher-quality construction.

Why partner with Swiss Re?

  • A partner for the long term with technical knowledge depth

    IDI is, by its nature, a long tail product. We offer unique, industry-leading solutions, expertise, and advice that will be ready and available for you to access both now and in decades to come.​

  • Experience in new and existing markets

    With our strong security, underwriting experience and claims handling expertise, we are a committed leader in decennial and inherent defects insurance across the world.​

  • Digital tools to ease market entry

    Our Digital Engineering platform simplifies and streamlines the introduction of IDI to the market, giving tools to your agents and distribution partners to quickly price and issue policies, and for insurers to place facultative risks.​

From Legislation to Reality in Mauritius

Read how Swiss Re helped accelerate the market development of IDI in Mauritius with online reinsurance coverage, in turn improving the resiliency of the building stock on the island.

Discover about From Legislation to Reality: Enabling the growth of IDI in Mauritius

Download our IDI guide

Find out more about inherent defects insurance (IDI), the fundamental principles of coverage, and how Swiss Re’ Engineering reinsurance team can support you, whether tailored to your project’s needs or opening new markets. 

Download now about Inherent defects insurance (IDI) guide

Unlock new markets and long-term growth Start your IDI journey with Swiss Re

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