When we bought our uninhabitable house in the 80's, Chubb wrote a fire policy on it until the time we moved in & then they changed it to homeowners. I don't have any idea if that practice still exists. You might also check with a Travelers' agent as they write policies on older homes.

You need an agent that can write you minimal coverage, not issue a standard homeowner's policy.

Isn't there something called builders' risk policies that cover liability, and may be materials on site? You may not be able to get fire insurance on the structure (depending on security and state of enclosure of the building) right away, but as the reno progress that will change.

But if you own the property you have liability risk that without insurance might expose you to ruinous expense. Say somebody wanders on to the property and is injured. It won't matter that you had posted No Trespassing signs; you'll still get sued. Even if you aren't forced to pay damages, just defending it will cost you $$.

And contracted workers (and subs), suppliers delivering materials, officials making inspections, utility installers, etc. all could be liability risks, as well.

Stop asking for "homeowners'" policies; obviously that's not the right thing. But there are policies for what you need. They may not be as cheap as homeowners' policies, but you won't have them for long. (With any luck!)

Chubb is reportedly good with old houses, as is Travelers (our carrier). We had a substantial claim (torando in upstate NY) and because we had cost of replacement in kind coverage, not standard coverage, they paid to replace 3-coat plaster, slate, carved wood trim, etc. If you have an old house (restored, or not) you need to delve more fully into insurance issues to make sure you have the coverage you need, anad think you are getting. It's more complicated than you may think. Find a good agent(s) and sit down and discuss, and get quotes.

There's insurance out there for every kind of risk.

HTH

L.

Another thought is an umbrella policy that would protect you if you're sued personally.