Overview

From the time materials arrive, new home construction projects are subject to a variety of exposures. Many of these are not covered by a standard homeowners policy, which typically insures the building or structure only after construction is completed.

The US Assure Builders Risk Plan insured by Zurich is an inland marine policy for course of construction projects. Our builders risk insurance policy is specifically designed to cover that critical gap by protecting a person's or organization's insurable interest in materials, fixtures and / or equipment, from the first hammered nail to the final coat of paint — and even when materials are in transit.

FAQs

What policies are available for home construction insurance?

Agents and brokers can secure builders risk coverage for nearly any residential new construction project under a single structure policy (also known as a one shot) or a reporting form policy. Single structure builders risk policies are designed to cover one specific structure or project under construction. This policy is ideal for homeowners or contractors insuring one project within a given time. These policies typically have a 12-month policy term, with the option to renew. A residential reporting form is designed to help contractors and their insurance agents manage coverage for multiple new construction projects under the same policy. This policy must be issued under the contractor’s name and requires periodic reporting of new project starts or inventory depending on the annual or monthly rate selected by the contractor. If your client is comfortable managing the ongoing reporting requirements and associated premium payments, this might be a convenient policy to insure your contractor client.

What considerations are key when comparing homeowners and builders risk policies?

One of the biggest considerations when comparing policies for residential new construction is cost. It is typically more cost-effective to choose a builders risk policy than a homeowners insurance policy for residential new construction, because the policyholder is not paying to cover contents — just the structure to be built. Builders risk policies also include coverages that are not typically available in homeowners insurance policies, including debris removal, pollution clean-up, property in transit and even property stored offsite in a temporary location.

Should a builders risk policy be purchased in the name of the contractor or the homeowner?

One great feature of builders risk insurance is that a policy can be written in the name of either the contractor or the homeowner. Policy features, benefits and terms remain the same, no matter who is identified as the insured. Remember that the named insured has some contractual rights and benefits under the insurance contract. Your client will retain those rights as the policyholder, regardless of whether your client is the contractor, homeowner or other entity.

Is there an option to increase the coverage limits should the insured change materials or fixtures during the course of construction?

Homeowners often change their minds about building materials after the start of construction, and change orders are routine in residential construction. If policy limits are not properly adjusted to reflect the change in increased value, a loss could leave your client underinsured and with possible penalties. The Builders Risk Plan insured by Zurich offers additional protection to cover such change orders, helping homeowners to avoid possible coinsurance penalties if a claim should occur before the increase in completed value is properly reported to the provider. The added protection is done as a change order endorsement for additional coverage of up to 10, 20 or 30% increments should the total value increase during the policy term. The endorsement provides the insured with peace of mind knowing that coverage is in place if it is needed to protect them from additional loss.

Highlights

  • Rate, quote and issue most policies online in minutes through our standard application, or utilize XPressBIND if the project is valued at $1M or less
  • Insured by Zurich, an “A” rated carrier known for its superior claims handling
  • Eligible projects: One-to-four-family unit homes, custom homes, modular homes and tract homes; structures with more than four family units are considered commercial construction
  • Multiple policy options: single project, reporting form, blanket deposit premium
  • Standard and additional coverages available: arson, property damage, theft, vandalism, materials in transit and more
  • Optional endorsements: contract change order, flood, named storm, green building, soft costs and more
  • 12-month policy term starting at $375 with the option to renew
  • Coverage can continue after the project is finished
  • Direct bill, and premium payment installment options for policies over $500
  • A separate premises liability policy can be secured for the legal property owner

Availability

Nationwide on an admitted basis

Related Topics and Resources

View more
XPressBIND Application Summary
Overview Sheet 1 min read

Issue online in minutes for residential new construction projects valued up to $1M.

How to Calculate Total Completed Value
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Understand what to consider when calculating TCV to ensure your clients are protected.

Soft Costs Coverage Isn’t Just for Commercial Construction
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Show residential building clients why soft cost insurance coverage can be a valuable coverage addition.
How to Classify a Project as New Construction or Remodeling
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Uncover the critical differences between new construction and remodeling projects.
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