When you see your new home being constructed brick by brick, you can’t stop imagining the little cosmetic details that would make this house your home.
From cabinets to curtains, you have it all figured out well in advance.
And we all know you’ll connect with your insurance agent for a homeowner’s policy once you move in. But what about the risk of property damage when the building is under construction?
If you think, like many others, that your contractor carries insurance, you might be surprised to know that your contractor’s coverage might not cover all damages to your property.
And with all kinds of options for home insurance, there’s plenty of options to make sure that new dream home is covered.
What is Builder’s Risk Insurance or Course of Construction Insurance?
Builder’s Risk Insurance pays for the cost of repair, replacement, or recovery of the project value if there are damages to the structure or equipment in use due to a number of causes.
Usually, when a contractor builds a house, he buys Builder’s Risk Insurance, also known as Course of Construction Insurance, to protect the structure, equipment and tools (onsite, in-transit, or stored somewhere else temporarily) from any damage or theft.
Their coverage may or may not include protection for the structure and even when it does, it may not cover the accurate value of the construction project.
That’s why you should always read the contract carefully to know what exactly is covered under your contractor’s policy.
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What Is Covered Under The Builder’s Risk Insurance Policy?
Most policies cover damages from fire, wind, theft, lightning, hail, explosion, and vandalism.
They also cover foundations, underground pipes, wiring, machinery, fixtures, structures, fencing, scaffolding, and construction signs.
Do remember to note that events such as war, federal actions, earthquakes, floods, wind in coastal areas, employee theft, water damage, and mechanical breakdown aren’t usually covered under the policy.
There might be other exclusions as well in your policy, so read the fine print carefully.
Though there are exclusions to what is covered, some of the best insurers for Builder’s Risk Insurance cover a lot more such as debris removal, modular components, defective workmanship, and profits as well.
Would the homeowner need to buy coverage to protect the structure?
As the contractor may or may not carry appropriate coverage, the damage to the structure becomes the owner’s responsibility. If you’re the owner of the land on which the property is being constructed, then you should ideally buy coverage for protection, especially if you’re building a house from scratch.
In most cases though, you wouldn’t need to buy a policy if you aren’t the owner of the land. For instance, if your home is being built by a major builder in a community, the ownership of the lot lies with the builder.
Also, builders carry out many construction projects, so they are able to negotiate with insurance agents for a better deal on their policy.
An important point to note here is that the coverage doesn’t include damages from faulty designs or flaws in workmanship. That falls under the area of professional liability.
What should be the policy limit for Builders’s Risk Insurance?
The Builder’s Risk policy, like any other coverage, covers damages up to the policy limits.
If your contractor’s policy includes the structure, make sure that the policy limits are in line with the value of the completed building.
To make an accurate valuation of your house, you can calculate the construction budget around which the policy limit should be set.
For how long is the Builder’s Risk Insurance coverage valid?
Since the insurance covers damages during construction, it lasts until the building is completed.
It can be extended, however, if the construction isn’t over within the stipulated period.
Normally, this coverage is written in periods of three months, six months, or a year.
Whether you buy your own coverage or rely on your contractor’s policy, you must ensure that your property is safe from any damages.
If you want to understand what qualifies as construction for the purpose of a Builder’s Risk Insurance policy and what exactly is covered under the policy, you can watch this quick 3-minute video.
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How much does Builder’s Risk Insurance cost?
The premiums depend on the policy limit that you plan to purchase.
Naturally, if your home’s value is on the higher side, the premium cost would be higher.
That’s why it’s important that you accurately estimate the cost of your house so that you can buy the right amount of coverage.
You can also enjoy discounts from your existing insurer if you bundle your Builder’s Insurance with your current policies.
Though not every insurance company offers bundling with a Builder’s Risk policy, you can always check for discounts before buying.
Checklist - Before buying Builder’s Risk Insurance
- 1Connect With An Experienced Agent - Since Builder’s Risk is a specialized coverage, you need to find an agent who understands your unique needs and designs a policy that protects you from all damages.
- 2Make a list of your inventory - Make an inventory of all your equipment, tools, and other things that are stored, being used, or in-transit so that you can include everything in the policy.
- 3Keep an eye on the coverage start and end date - If you know the tentative completion date of your construction project, you can stick to that timeline for your coverage. However, if the construction isn’t completed by the initial deadline, you might have to extend your policy.
Taking Action
Now that you know if you need insurance while your home is under construction, you should be better equipped to purchase the best policy for you and your family.
You can get a quote by clicking here or on the buttons above, whatever you do, no matter what deductible you choose, pick a policy you will be able to afford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the builder required by law to carry insurance while your house is under construction?
The builder is usually required by the law to carry insurance that protects the materials or equipment being used for construction. In addition, the contractor is also responsible for personal injuries sustained by himself and other workers on site, which is covered under a separate general liability policy.
Would you need coverage if you’re financing your house?
Your lender would usually expect you to buy a Builder’s Insurance Coverage because they have a financial interest in your house. Plus, damages during the construction phase might set you back thousands of dollars if you aren’t covered.
What about insurance coverage while you’re renovating the house?
Even when you’re renovating your house, you need to take the same precautions as if you were building a new house. Minor renovations are usually covered under your homeowner’s policy, but if you’re making structural changes, then you would need a Builder’s Risk Insurance policy. It’s always recommended to connect with an insurance agent to assess your need for coverage during renovations.