Builders Risk Insurance
Builders risk covers a structure while it is being built or renovated, along with the materials, fixtures, and equipment intended to become part of it.
How this coverage works
Setting the limit and term
The limit should reflect the total completed value of the project, including labor, materials, and overhead, but generally excluding land. Underinsuring triggers coinsurance issues at claim time.
Policies are written for a defined term tied to the construction schedule. If the project runs long, request an extension before expiration rather than after.
Who should be named
Owners, general contractors, and lenders typically all have an insurable interest. The contract usually specifies who buys the policy and who must be named.
Once construction is complete and the structure is occupied, coverage should transition to a permanent commercial property or homeowners form.
Details to review
- Limit set to completed project value including labor and materials
- Term matched to the construction schedule with extension options
- Soft costs and delay in opening available on many forms
- Named insureds coordinated among owner, contractor, and lender
What the coverage includes
Coverage names, terms, and availability vary by insurance carrier and state. These descriptions are educational and are not a policy contract.
Common optional add-ons
Endorsements change what a policy covers. Availability differs by insurance carrier and state.
Additional insured
Extends certain liability protection to a party you contract with, as required by the written agreement.
Waiver of subrogation
Gives up the insurance carrier's right to recover from a party named in your contract. Availability varies.
Blanket certificate handling
Sets up recurring certificate issuance for landlords, clients, and general contractors.
Primary and non-contributory wording
Commonly requested in commercial contracts to establish how policies respond to a shared claim.
Who this is generally written for
Eligibility is set by each insurance carrier and can differ by state. Nothing here is a guarantee of eligibility or coverage.
Commonly a good fit
- Businesses with an active operation, revenue history, and a described scope of work
- Owners who can describe payroll, locations, and subcontractor use
- Operations that meet the insurance carrier's underwriting appetite for the class of business
Worth a conversation first
- Recent claims activity, lapses in coverage, or a change of ownership
- Work performed at heights, below grade, or on critical infrastructure
- Contracts with insurance requirements above standard limits
Availability varies by state
State regulation notice
- Monopolistic workers compensation states
- A small number of states require workers compensation through a state fund rather than a private insurance carrier.
- Catastrophe-exposed regions
- Coastal wind, wildfire, and earthquake exposures often require separate deductibles, sublimits, or specialty markets.
- Licensed trades and permits
- Some states and municipalities require specific bond forms or minimum liability limits before a permit is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Coverage that often comes up next
Related coverage worth reviewing at the same time. Nothing is added without your direction.
- Business Owners PolicyPackages general liability and commercial property for eligible small businesses.
- Liability and property in one policy with one renewal date
- Built for eligible small businesses with modest property values
- Optional add-ons for equipment, data, and hired autos
- Workers CompensationStatutory benefits for work-related injury and illness.
- Medical care and lost wages for work-related injuries
- Employers liability protection for injury lawsuits
- Rated on payroll, so accurate class codes matter at audit
Program review: liability, property, and workers compensation
Most businesses are better served by a coordinated program than by separate unrelated policies. A licensed insurance professional can review how your liability, property, auto, and workers compensation coverage fit together, and where a package or umbrella changes the outcome. Availability and pricing vary by insurance carrier and state.
- Business Owners Policy or Commercial Package Policy
- Workers Compensation
- Commercial Auto
- Commercial Umbrella
- Commercial UmbrellaAdditional limits above general liability, auto, and employers liability.
- Adds limits above liability, auto, and employers liability
- Responds when an underlying policy's limits are used up
- Often required by contracts asking for higher limits
Ready to compare your options?
Start online in a few minutes or speak with a licensed insurance professional. There is no obligation, and quoting does not bind coverage.
Insurance coverage is not bound or effective unless and until it has been confirmed in writing by TruvaLink Insurance Agency or an authorized representative of the applicable insurance carrier. Submission of a quote request, application, payment, or other information does not guarantee coverage or constitute proof of insurance.