SMA BTP: presentation, guarantees and limits in 2026

Frequent use of SMA BTP to cover ten-year civil liability, professional civil liability and damage to works during construction sites. Insurance is often chosen to secure construction projects and comply with legal obligations. Identified strength: adaptation of cover to the specific risks of construction and public works, with formulas including decennial liability and extensions for equipment and worksites.

SMA BTP shows marked relevance for craftsmen, SMEs and prime contractors working on medium- to large-sized worksites. The offer performs particularly well for profiles with needs for decennial coverage, guarantees linked to damage to works and worksite assistance. Legal protection and equipment insurance options facilitate the management of disputes and professional claims.

Limits observed according to usage: sometimes variable processing times for complex cases, deductibles applicable to certain coverages and exclusions on specific undeclared work. Some options can generate significant additional costs depending on the level of exposure, and indemnity conditions may provide for ceilings per claim or per annual period.

Access level suitable for first-time policyholders with basic knowledge of construction and civil engineering, but professional documents (Kbis extract, qualification certificates, lists of employees, equipment estimates or invoices) are required for risk assessment. Moderate complexity due to sector-specific features (work at height, subcontracting, temporary worksites) and special conditions for decennial insurance.

Elements facilitating underwriting and management:

• quote and underwriting in agency or via a specialized broker;
• online customer space for consulting contracts and attestations;
• claims management with online declaration and dedicated follow-up;
• accompaniment by technical advisors familiar with the BTP sector;
• possibility of adapting cover as activity progresses.

Basic formula (professional liability package): indicative price from €35/month for very small businesses, with main cover focused on civil liability. Main coverages: operational liability, post-delivery liability, legal assistance. Profiles concerned: self-employed craftsmen and small businesses with low sales.

Intermediate form (ten-year and structural damage): rates vary according to sales and type of project, generally calculated on the basis of an estimate. Main guarantees: ten-year, structural damage and post-delivery civil liability insurance. Profiles concerned: general contractors, craftsmen carrying out structural work.

Complete package (all-risk site and extensions): rates based on quotation, with options covering business interruption, equipment insurance and enhanced legal protection coverage. Coverages often included:

• site all-risk insurance;
• equipment and tooling insurance;
• extended legal protection;
• business interruption following claims.

Main warranty: decennial liability. Role: to cover repairs to damage compromising the solidity of a structure or rendering it unfit for its intended use for ten years after acceptance. General operation: subscription prior to work, with precise declaration of insured works, compensation according to technical assessment and compliance with contractual ceilings. Typical coverages:

• construction defect compromising solidity;
• major deterioration affecting the use of the building;
• costs associated with restoring defective works.

Second key coverage: all-risks worksite insurance (TRC). Role: to protect site components against accidental damage while work is in progress. How it works: coverage is triggered after a claim has been reported, the causes assessed and any deductibles applied. Situations covered: theft, fire, water damage, partial collapses and damage caused by third parties.

Optional and complementary coverages: options designed to supplement standard coverage according to specific needs. Examples of options: business interruption extension, site machinery and equipment insurance, deductible buy-back, enhanced legal protection, extended ten-year warranty for certain technical structures. These options make it possible to adjust the level of financial protection in the event of a major claim.

Interest of options according to profiles: relevant choice for companies exposed to high risks or long-term worksites. Frequently available options:

• extended business interruption;
• insurance for machinery and tools;
• excess purchase;
• extended legal protection;
• 24/7 worksite assistance.