construction and renovation protection
Protect your home investment – even before any work has begun – with builders risk insurance
Whether it's a small remodel or a new construction, don’t let unexpected incidents get in the way of completing your project
What is builders risk insurance?
Builders risk insurance can be complex and easily misunderstood, as coverage and policies vary from one insurance company to the next. But in a nutshell, builders risk insurance is property protection for your construction project, from start to finish.
Whether you’re completing a home construction, renovation, or installation, a builders risk policy protects the project structure, as well as any materials, supplies and equipment used in the course of construction from various types of damage or loss. A builders risk policy can be purchased by the contractor, property owner, or even a lender, and may also cover the architect or engineer involved.
Once your project is complete, your builders risk insurance policy ends, and you’ll want to consider a homeowners insurance policy (if you don’t already have one) to continue protecting your investment.
How a builders risk insurance claim can impact you
Unfortunately, the “unexpected” happens more frequently than we’d like, especially with home construction projects. Having the right insurance can help alleviate the incredible financial burden of a claim.
What is (and is not) covered by builders risk insurance?
Just like every construction project is different, no two personal builders risk policies are alike. Each policy has limitations, exclusions, and additional optional coverages that you’ll want to be aware of and have customized to fit your needs, before you break ground.
What is typically covered?
Building repair/replacement
Materials and supplies
Tools and equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Outdoor property
Debris removal
Property in transit or off-site
Theft
Damages from vandalism
Damages from fire
Damages from storms including lightning, hail, hurricanes, wind
Damages from earthquakes (optional)
Damages from flood (optional)
Soft costs (optional)
What is not typically covered?
Accidental damage (i.e. dropping something)
Damages to someone else’s property
Intentional property damage
Wear and tear
Claims of bodily injury
Got builders risk insurance questions? We’ve got answers.
Builders risk insurance may not be required for your project (unless you have a loan), but it is something you should consider. Let us help you decide whether this coverage is right before your project begins.
Do I need builders risk insurance?
Homeowners should always have builder’s risk insurance for any construction or major renovation. While you may think your project is covered under your current homeowners insurance policy, builders risk is actually the only type of policy that covers a construction or renovation.
If the project is being financed, the lender will typically require proof of a builders risk policy.
Small jobs where the homeowner is still living in the home during the work are typically covered by a home insurance policy rather than builders risk. For projects including renovations and small additions, check with your home insurance agent first to see if there is coverage under your homeowners insurance policy and if not, a builder risk is usually the answer.
For more information, read Do I Need Builders Risk Coverage for my Home Project?
What does a builders risk insurance policy cover?
A builders risk insurance policy can cover a new construction, remodel or renovation, or an installation. They can also be customized to cover one specific project or can be designed to cover many projects at the same time.
I’ve already started construction. Is it too late to get a builders risk insurance policy?
Most likely, yes it’s too late. Typically a builders risk insurance policy needs to be purchased before the project starts.
If your project takes longer to complete than planned (as most tend to do), you can extend your policy. But unfortunately, if you’ve started before you had coverage in place, most insurance companies won’t be able to help.
How much does builders risk insurance cost?
A standard builders risk insurance policy will generally cost 1-4% of the total construction cost. However, we’ve seen some policies cost even less than 1% of the project cost!
Of course the cost will vary depending on the type of policy, any extensions included, site address, type of project, project budget, number of stories, square footage, public protection class, security details, actual cash value of existing structure, year built, projected structural alterations, and more.
How builders risk insurance protects your project
While your home insurance covers your existing home, as soon as you make renovations to it, or start a new construction, that coverage has gaps. Keep your project protected and investment secured with a customized builders risk insurance policy.
Protection from natural disasters
Fire, wind, snow, ice, hurricanes, tornadoes, and water - we’ve seen it all in Massachusetts. And it all can cause some serious damage. But the right builders risk insurance can protect you from whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Protection before work begins
Materials and supplies have been delivered. Tools and equipment are onsite waiting for installation. The right builders risk insurance policy will reimburse you for damages even before work begins.
Coverage for only as long as you need
With builders risk insurance, your coverage begins before you break ground, and ends once your property is sold or occupied. Not a day longer. You never pay for more insurance than you need.
Compliance with your loan lender
Construction projects can be a significant investment. If you’ve got a lender backing your project, they’ll want to be sure you have coverage for their financial interest.
Simplifying builders risk insurance … one blog at a time
Find the answers to all your insurance questions through the helpful resources in our free online Learning Center.
We love our clients
Our clients are like family. See what they are saying...
“You will not find another insurance company that is more professional and honest than Berry Insurance!”
Jason E.
Get in touch
Keep your investment secured with builders risk insurance
Don’t let an unexpected claim keep you from getting your project completed. Simply fill out this form and a member of our personal insurance team will be in touch.