Renovating the Classics

June 16, 2026

Creativity isn’t the first word people associate with insurance.

Yet behind many of the industry’s best products, services and client outcomes are teams willing to challenge assumptions, approach problems differently and find new ways to collaborate.

That’s why we’re delighted to be hosting a piece of artwork from Renovation Underwriting’s Renovating the Classics campaign – a project that uses creativity to shine a light on some very real insurance risks.

It’s a series that reimagines iconic works of art through the lens of renovation and insurance. This piece, inspired by Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam and retitled In Contracts We Trust, carries a simple but important message: when it comes to renovation, faith alone won’t protect your home.

“What I love most about this campaign is that it highlights something often overlooked, that creativity isn’t separate from insurance, it’s central to it. It’s also a timely reminder that, as AI becomes increasingly embedded in our working lives, human creativity and innovation remain invaluable.” Charlie Bishop, Marketing Manager.

It’s a clever idea, using creativity to reflect a reality we see time and time again. Renovation projects, whether large or small, are often built on assumption, and it’s those assumptions that tend to cause problems.

More than just a creative campaign

The campaign itself is designed to start a wider conversation about creativity within insurance, something the industry doesn’t always get credit for. But the message behind the artwork lands because it reflects a very real risk. Too often, people assume that their contractor’s insurance is enough.

In reality, that’s rarely the case. Liability, for example, is often overlooked. If something goes wrong, it’s not always as simple as pointing to a third party. It needs to be proven.

Renovation brings a level of complexity, properties are more vulnerable, whether from fire, structural issues or accidental damage during the works. A home insurance policy isn’t usually sufficient and that’s why it’s important to check and speak to a broker before starting works.

The value of your home can change, a Renovation Insurance policy covers the existing structure of your home and the value of the contract. Your contractors insurance policy will not cover your existing structure.

The assumption that catches people out

The idea behind the artwork ‘In Contracts We Trust ‘ is simple, but it highlights a common issue.

People rely on trust. A contractor is experienced, recommended and insured, so the assumption is everything must be covered. But insurance doesn’t work that way. Without clear agreements in place, and without understanding who is responsible for what, gaps can appear. And when they do, it’s often at the point where a claim needs to be made.

The reality is that renovation projects involve multiple parties, changing scopes and varying levels of risk. Relying on someone else’s policy, is not enough.

Bringing it back to the basics

It’s not about overcomplicating things. It’s about clarity:

Who is responsible for the works?
What is being covered, and under whose policy?
How is value being assessed as the project progresses?

These are the types of questions that don’t always get asked upfront, but they’re the ones that make a difference later.

“This project highlights the need for having the right renovation cover in place when taking on building works. It is a fantastic initiative, and we are proud to be included.“ Nicola Bromham, Head of Private Clients.

Creativity with a purpose

What makes this campaign so effective is that it uses creativity with purpose. By reimagining a familiar masterpiece, it draws attention to a risk that is often overlooked. Many homeowners assume that a contractor’s insurance will automatically cover any issues that arise during a renovation, but that isn’t always the case. A ‘thumbs up’ isn’t a guarantee, and an informal agreement is no substitute for a documented contract. Homeowners who take ownership of their insurance arrangements are far better positioned should something go wrong.

Renovating something classic, whether it’s a piece of art, a car or a property, is about preserving value while making it fit for today. But as the artwork suggests, that process needs more than good intentions.

Seek advice, put ‘you’ the homeowner in control of your insurance and your home.

Email Nicola at Nicola.Bromham@macbeths.co.uk or call us on 0118 916 5480.