- Builder's risk insurance
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Builder's risk insurance is a special type of property insurance which indemnifies against damage to buildings while they are under construction.[1] Builder's risk insurance is "coverage that protects a person's or organization's insurable interest in materials, fixtures and/or equipment being used in the construction or renovation of a building or structure should those items sustain physical loss or damage from a covered cause."[2]
Contents
Necessity
Buildings are subject to many different risks while under construction. They may catch fire, be damaged by high winds, or fall victim to other force majeure. A principle of common law is that any new construction or other improvement to land becomes property of the owner of the land - the title holder - once there has been an "improvement" to the owner's site. The general contractor may be responsible for any losses caused by his own negligence, but the owner is responsible for most other losses. Builder's risk insurance indemnifies against some of these losses.
Coverage
Builder's risk insurance usually indemnifies against losses due to fire, vandalism, lightning, wind, and similar forces. It usually does not cover earthquake, flood, acts of war, or intentional acts of the owner. Coverage is typically during construction period only,[3] and is intended to terminate when the work has been completed and the property is ready for use or occupancy.
Who buys builder's risk insurance?
It is usually bought by the owner of the building but the general contractor constructing the building may buy it if it is required as a condition of the contract. It may be necessary to show proof of insurance to comply with local city, county and state building codes.
Alternatives
If the project involves renovations or additions to an existing building, the owner's existing property insurance may cover the work under construction, obviating the need for builder's risk insurance. (Policies vary.) However, in the case of new buildings under construction on vacant sites, the owner may not have an existing policy that provides coverage.
References
- ^ The Architects Handbook of Professional Practice, Twelfth Edition, American Institute of Architects
- ^ "Builder's Risk Insurance: Specialized Coverage for Construction Projects". Adjusting Today. http://www.adjustersinternational.com/AdjustingToday/ATfullinfo.cfm?start=1&page_no=1&pdfID=4. Retrieved 2011-05-06.
- ^ "Builders' Risk Insurance". University of Colorado. http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/civil/db/DBS/glossary.cgi?word=Builders'+Risk+Insurance. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
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