Builders Risk Insurance

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Builders Risk Insurance
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Builders Risk Insurance

Builder’s Risk Insurance—also called Course of Construction Insurance—is a specialized property policy that protects buildings and structures during construction or renovation. Unlike your general liability policy (which covers your work), Builder’s Risk protects the project itself: the building, materials, and equipment from fire, theft, vandalism, and other perils.

The “Risk Reality”: Your Biggest Investment is Unprotected

A construction project represents a massive investment at its most vulnerable. The structure isn’t yet complete—there are no locks, no alarm systems, no fire suppression. A fire, storm, or theft can destroy months of work and materials in minutes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, construction sites are at elevated risk for fire due to exposed materials, hot work, and open structures. Standard property insurance doesn’t cover buildings under construction—you need Builder’s Risk.

Who Needs Builder’s Risk Insurance?

Responsibility for purchasing Builder’s Risk depends on the construction contract and project type. The policy should name all parties with a financial stake in the project to avoid disputes after a loss.Select your role below to understand your coverage needs.

Builder’s Risk Insurance Coverage

We design Builder’s Risk Insurance policies that protect your project from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting, covering the structure, materials, and soft costs.

What is Covered
Structure Under Construction: The building or structure itself as it’s being built, including foundations, framing, and permanent fixtures.
Materials & Supplies: Building materials at the job site, at temporary storage locations, or in transit to the construction site.
Temporary Structures: Scaffolding, temporary fencing, construction trailers, and other temporary structures needed during construction.
Soft Costs: Additional loan interest, taxes, lost rental income, and other indirect costs caused by covered construction delays.
What is NOT Covered (Exclusions)
Flood & Earthquake: These perils are typically excluded and require separate endorsements—especially important in coastal or seismic zones.
Faulty Workmanship: Damage resulting from poor construction quality is excluded. Builder’s Risk covers perils, not defects.
Contractor’s Tools & Equipment: Your tools and machinery need a separate Construction Insurance (Inland Marine) policy.
Bodily Injury Liability: Builder’s Risk is property coverage only. Liability requires a separate General Liability policy.

Covered Perils vs. Common Exclusions

Understanding what’s covered—and what’s not—helps you avoid gaps in protection.

✓ Typically Covered Perils ⚠ Common Exclusions
Fire and smoke damage Flood (separate policy available)
Wind and hail Earthquake (endorsement available)
Theft and vandalism Faulty workmanship or design
Lightning strikes Mechanical breakdown
Explosions Employee theft
Vehicle collision damage Normal wear and deterioration

 

 

Builder’s Risk vs. Construction Insurance

These two coverages serve different purposes—most projects require BOTH for complete protection.

Feature Builder’s Risk Insurance Construction Insurance
Primary Purpose Specific construction project Ongoing business operations
Duration Project duration only (3-12 months) Annual, renewable policy
What It Covers Building structure & materials Liability, workers, vehicles, equipment
Who Purchases Property owner or contractor Contractor (required)
Covers Building During Construction Yes No
Covers Third-Party Injuries No Yes

Need ongoing business protection? Learn about Construction Insurance → 

Builder’s Risk Insurance Cost

“How much does Builder’s Risk cost?” Premiums are based on project value, construction type, and location.

  • Premium Estimates: Builder’s Risk typically costs 1% to 4% of total project value. A $500,000 residential project might run $2,500-$10,000 for the policy term. Commercial projects with higher risk factors may be more.
  • Cost Factors: Construction type (frame vs. fire-resistive), project location, coverage limits, deductible amount, and project duration all impact premium.

The “Independent Difference”: Why Dream Assurance?

Captive agents only have one price. “Independent Means Multiple Choices.” We shop 30+ top-rated carriers to find the best rate for your specific project.

  • Specialty Markets: From single-family home builds to multi-million dollar commercial developments, we have a market for every project size.
  • Bundling with GL: We can often package Builder’s Risk with your General Liability and Workers’ Comp for streamlined coverage and potential discounts.
  • Claims Advocacy: We don’t work for the insurance company; we work for you. Our team guides you through the claims process to ensure fair payouts.

Experience the confidence shared by the contractors and developers we protect, and let us turn these options into a clear, comprehensive protection plan for your project.

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5.0
Based on 144 reviews
powered by Google
Samuel Gonzalez profile pictureSamuel Gonzalez
16:24 15 Dec 25
Michell is great 100%recomended
Marques Sanders profile pictureMarques Sanders
20:19 08 Dec 25
Very nice representatives and excellent service 👌
Red Lightning profile pictureRed Lightning
04:58 22 Nov 25
Andre helped me get a great insurance for my new vehicle.
Kyle Bragg profile pictureKyle Bragg
18:22 19 Nov 25
Mr. Andre was a massive help beginning to end! He helped us get a great deal on our insurance, and explained everything thoroughly. It isn’t every day you get an insurance agent that you feel actually know what’s they’re talking about AND has your best interest in mind, but he definitely cares about his clients! Thanks Andre, and thanks Dream Assurance!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Builder’s Risk Insurance cover?
Builder’s Risk Insurance covers the structure being built, building materials, fixtures, and equipment at the construction site. It typically protects against fire, wind, theft, vandalism, lightning, and explosions. Coverage can extend to materials in transit and stored off-site, as well as temporary structures like scaffolding.
Either the property owner or the general contractor can purchase Builder’s Risk Insurance. The responsibility is typically outlined in the construction contract. Owners often purchase it for new construction where they have the largest investment, while contractors may purchase it for renovation projects or when contractually required.
Builder’s Risk policies are project-specific and typically last 3-12 months, depending on the expected construction timeline. Coverage ends when the project is complete, the building is occupied, the policy expires, or permanent property insurance takes effect—whichever comes first. Extensions are available if construction is delayed.
No. Builder’s Risk is project-specific property insurance that covers the building being constructed. Contractor’s (Construction) Insurance covers the contractor’s ongoing business operations—liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and equipment. Most construction projects require both types of coverage for complete protection.
Builder’s Risk premiums typically range from 1% to 4% of the total project value, depending on the construction type, location, coverage limits, deductible, and project duration. A $500,000 residential project might cost $2,500-$10,000 for the policy term, while commercial projects with higher risk factors may be higher.
Builder’s Risk covers damage to the project itself, regardless of who causes it. However, it does not cover subcontractors’ liability or their tools and equipment. Subcontractors need their own liability insurance. If a subcontractor damages the project, the Builder’s Risk policy would pay for repairs, potentially with subrogation against the responsible party.

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