Building and construction projects are complicated with no shortage of things that can go wrong. With everything that can happen during the construction process, it is essential to have the proper insurance in place. Of all the different insurance coverages to consider, builders risk insurance is one of the most essential for companies in the construction industry.
While builders risk insurance, also sometimes referred to as course of construction insurance, is important, it is also very complex and easily misunderstood. This article examines what you need to know about builders risk insurance and how it can protect your company.
Builders risk insurance is a specialized type of property insurance that is intended to provide protection for buildings and structures that are under construction. These policies protect project owners, general contractors and subcontractors against direct physical loss or damage to covered property.
In many instances, builders risk policies also provide coverage for materials and supplies that are on-site, in transit and being stored temporarily at off-site locations if they are intended to become a permanent part of a building or structure. What’s more, builders risk policies can be written to include coverage for loss of income and additional expenses. This coverage would apply if the completion of a project is delayed due to property damage caused by a covered cause of loss.
Builders risk coverage is a temporary form of insurance. Coverage applies only during the course of construction, erection and fabrication. In most cases, this coverage stays in force until a construction project is accepted by the project owner or once construction is considered complete. Once construction is completed, it is up to the owner of the building or structure to secure traditional property insurance.
Another thing to keep in mind is that there is no standard form of builders risk insurance. Policies can vary between insurance companies, and, in many instances, the coverage terms of a builders risk policy can be negotiated. In most cases, builders risk policies are written on an “all risk” basis. This means that coverage applies for all causes of loss except those specifically excluded by the policy.
Builders risk insurance can cover a wide range of causes of property damage. The exact parameters of your policy may vary, but in general, this type of insurance includes coverage for the following causes of property damage:
It is important to review your policy carefully in order to make sure you are aware of what is and isn’t covered under the insurance policy. Builders risk policies often do not provide coverage for property damage caused by flaws in design, planning or workmanship. Other specific exclusions may be included in your policy. While exclusions vary from policy to policy, the following causes of loss are typically not covered under builders risk policies:
Builders risk insurance is necessary coverage for many businesses. Remember, we’re here to help you with all of your construction industry insurance needs. Protect your project, your wallet, and your company by contacting RMC Group to discuss your insurance today at 239-298-8210 or rmc@rmcgp.com.
This Coverage Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2019 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.