Builders risk for a commercial project
Builders risk covers eligible work and materials during construction or renovation before the project is finished. The project owner, contractor, lender, and subcontractors can have different interests, so the application needs to describe the work and the handoff clearly.
Independent agency based in Twinsburg, Ohio, and part of Kaufman Insurance Group.
Access to multiple A-rated carriers, so we can compare available terms across different buildings.
Career insurance professionals who between them have written more than 10,000 policies.
Commercial property is the work this team has chosen to specialize in.
You’ll speak with an agent who can keep the building details, lease questions, and coverage terms in the same conversation.
Choose a property guide
The scope of work sets the starting point
Send the address, project value, plans, construction type, start date, expected completion, occupancy, contractor, and work being done. A roof replacement, interior remodel, addition, and ground-up build don’t create the same account.
I want to know whether the existing building stays occupied and whether any part of the project is already open to customers. Those details change the risk before the first hammer swings.
Work and materials need a value
The limit should account for the completed value of the work, materials on site, materials in transit when covered, temporary structures, debris removal, and allowed soft costs when the policy provides for them. The original contract price may not include everything the form needs.
Update the value when the scope changes. A change order can make the old limit wrong while the project still looks the same from the street.
The contractor has different coverage
Builders risk may cover the project property. The contractor still needs general liability, workers compensation, tools, vehicles, and coverage for its own business. A certificate from the contractor doesn’t replace the project policy.
Ask who owns materials, who carries the deductible, and who receives the claim payment. Put those answers in the contract and insurance request.
Existing buildings need a separate look
A renovation can damage the old structure while new work is underway. The existing building may need its own property coverage or an endorsement that addresses the project. A vacant building can also trigger vacancy conditions before construction is complete.
If the building has sat empty for 30 or 60 days, tell us before the project policy is chosen. The old property form may have reduced protection.
The schedule drives the premium
Project value, construction type, location, protection, contractor experience, occupancy, security, duration, deductible, and prior claims affect the quote. Delays can change the policy period and the value at risk.
A lender may require coverage from the day materials are delivered, not the day the contractor starts work. Check that date against the effective date.
Flood and theft deserve early attention
Flood is usually outside a standard builders risk form unless the policy says otherwise. Theft conditions may require fencing, locks, lighting, or a watch, especially when copper, appliances, or mechanical units are delivered before the walls are closed.
Don’t wait until materials are stacked on the site to ask what security the carrier expects.
Bring the project file
Send the plans or scope, contract, completed value, start and finish dates, lender requirements, site security, contractor information, existing building details, and any work already completed. Tell us if the building is occupied.
The policy should end when the project is completed or when the completed building moves into its regular property policy. Put that handoff date on the calendar.
What isn't covered?
Builders risk doesn’t replace contractor liability, workers compensation, equipment coverage, or professional liability. Flood, earth movement, theft, delay, faulty work, and existing building damage depend on the form and may need separate attention. For a quote, start here or call 330-486-8404.
Start with your building details
Send the address, property type, occupancy, and approximate value. If the roof age or loss history is handy, add that too. We can sort out the missing pieces by phone and show what each quote pays for.
Owner questions
What does builders risk insurance cover?
It may cover eligible construction work, materials, and project property before completion. The policy sets the covered causes, value, deductible, and exclusions.
Does builders risk cover the contractor?
It may cover project property, not the contractor’s general liability, workers compensation, tools, or vehicles. Those need the contractor’s own policies.
When should builders risk start?
Start it before materials or work are exposed, subject to the policy’s effective date. Check the lender and contract deadlines.
Related topics
Last reviewed: October 2026