Whether you're building a new home, completing a major renovation, or managing a significant addition, Builders Risk Insurance provides essential protection during the construction phase. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover most construction‑related losses — which is why securing a dedicated builders risk policy is critical before construction begins.
Builders Risk Insurance covers the dwelling, materials, and equipment while your home is under construction. It protects you from the financial impact of accidental damage, weather events, theft, and other unexpected losses that can occur on a job site.
Builders Risk Insurance covers the dwelling, materials, and equipment while your home is under construction. It protects you from the financial impact of accidental damage, weather events, theft, and other unexpected losses that can occur on a job site.
What Builders Risk Insurance Covers
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A personal builders risk policy typically includes protection for:
Dwelling Under Construction Coverage for the structure itself — from the foundation to the roof — while it’s being built, remodeled, or expanded. Building Materials & Supplies Protection for materials stored onsite, in temporary structures, or in transit to your property. Theft & Vandalism Builders risk can cover stolen building materials or damage caused by vandalism — losses that are not covered by homeowners insurance. Fire, Wind, Hail & Lightning Coverage for many common weather events and accidental fires that can halt construction and cause major financial setbacks. Additional Structures Optional protection for detached garages, fences, sheds, and other improvements included in your project. Soft Costs (Optional) Reimburses certain financial impacts caused by a covered construction delay, such as:
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Why Builders Risk Coverage Matters
Home construction and renovations carry risks that traditional policies simply don’t address. A single incident — such as a storm damaging framing material or tools being stolen from the site — can lead to expensive delays.
Builders Risk Insurance helps protect you from losses related to:
Protecting your project upfront ensures you won't be left paying out of pocket for setbacks that are outside your control.
Builders Risk Insurance helps protect you from losses related to:
- Fire and smoke damage
- Weather-related events
- Vandalism and theft
- Collapse during construction
- Damage to materials in transit
- Unexpected cost overruns from delays
Protecting your project upfront ensures you won't be left paying out of pocket for setbacks that are outside your control.
Who Needs Builders Risk Coverage?
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You should consider a builders risk policy if you are:
If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, our licensed specialists can review your plans and help you determine the right policy. |
Available Enhancements
Just like with homeowners insurance, we can help tailor your policy with optional coverage such as:
Every project is unique — and so is the coverage that protects it.
- Equipment Breakdown
- Debris Removal
- Temporary Heating or Cooling Equipment
- Installation Floater Coverage
- Scaffolding & Construction Forms
- Fire Department Service Charges
Every project is unique — and so is the coverage that protects it.
Start Your Project With Confidence
Construction can be stressful, but your insurance doesn’t have to be. Our team at Brock‑Norton will guide you through coverage options, help estimate proper limits, and ensure your policy aligns with the complexity and scale of your build.
Secure your Builders Risk Insurance today and protect your investment — from blueprint to move‑in.
Secure your Builders Risk Insurance today and protect your investment — from blueprint to move‑in.
Frequently Asked Questions – Builders Risk (Personal Lines)
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What is Builders Risk Insurance?
Builders Risk Insurance is a temporary insurance policy that protects a home while it is being built, renovated, or significantly remodeled. It covers the structure, materials, and certain construction‑related risks that homeowners insurance won’t cover during active construction. Do I need Builders Risk Insurance for a renovation? If your project involves structural changes, additions, major remodels, or periods when the home will be unoccupied, then yes — most carriers require a builders risk policy instead of relying on a standard homeowners policy. How long does a Builders Risk policy last? Most policies run 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the expected construction timeline. Coverage can usually be extended if the project takes longer than anticipated. |
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When should coverage start?
You should activate your builders risk policy before any construction begins, including the delivery of materials. Losses that occur before coverage is in place are not insurable afterward.
Who is responsible for purchasing the policy — the homeowner or the contractor?
For personal lines projects (new homes or renovations to your residence), the homeowner typically purchases the policy. However, some contractors may carry their own builders risk or installation coverage. We can help determine the right setup for your situation.
Does Builders Risk Insurance cover theft of tools or equipment?
Most personal builders risk policies cover theft of building materials, but contractor tools, machinery, and equipment are often excluded unless additional coverage is purchased or provided by the contractor.
Are weather events covered?
Builders risk typically covers many common perils such as fire, wind, hail, lightning, and certain types of water damage. However, flood and earthquake coverage often require separate endorsements.
Will the policy cover injuries to workers?
No. Builders risk covers property, not people. Worker injuries fall under the contractor’s workers’ compensation policy.
What happens when construction is finished?
Once your home is ready to live in, the builders risk policy is converted or replaced with a standard homeowners policy. We can help ensure a seamless transition so you’re never left without coverage.
Does the policy cover delays or extra expenses?
Optional soft costs coverage can reimburse certain expenses resulting from a construction delay caused by a covered loss — such as additional loan interest, architectural fees, or permitting costs.
What information do I need to get a quote?
Typically:
You should activate your builders risk policy before any construction begins, including the delivery of materials. Losses that occur before coverage is in place are not insurable afterward.
Who is responsible for purchasing the policy — the homeowner or the contractor?
For personal lines projects (new homes or renovations to your residence), the homeowner typically purchases the policy. However, some contractors may carry their own builders risk or installation coverage. We can help determine the right setup for your situation.
Does Builders Risk Insurance cover theft of tools or equipment?
Most personal builders risk policies cover theft of building materials, but contractor tools, machinery, and equipment are often excluded unless additional coverage is purchased or provided by the contractor.
Are weather events covered?
Builders risk typically covers many common perils such as fire, wind, hail, lightning, and certain types of water damage. However, flood and earthquake coverage often require separate endorsements.
Will the policy cover injuries to workers?
No. Builders risk covers property, not people. Worker injuries fall under the contractor’s workers’ compensation policy.
What happens when construction is finished?
Once your home is ready to live in, the builders risk policy is converted or replaced with a standard homeowners policy. We can help ensure a seamless transition so you’re never left without coverage.
Does the policy cover delays or extra expenses?
Optional soft costs coverage can reimburse certain expenses resulting from a construction delay caused by a covered loss — such as additional loan interest, architectural fees, or permitting costs.
What information do I need to get a quote?
Typically:
- Project address
- Scope of work / renovation plans
- Estimated project cost
- Length of construction timeline
- Contractor information (if applicable)
How We Can Help
At Brock-Norton Insurance, we understand that every construction project is different — and so are the risks that come with it. Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing property, or managing a large-scale project, we’ll help ensure your investment is properly protected from start to finish.
We’ll work with you to:
Our goal is to make the process simple and clear, so you can focus on completing your project with confidence.
👉 Click below to request a quote or contact your agent today.
We’ll work with you to:
- Evaluate your project scope, timeline, and total construction value
- Identify key exposures such as weather, theft, vandalism, and material costs
- Determine the appropriate coverage limits and policy duration
- Explain what is — and isn’t — covered under a builders risk policy
- Customize coverage options to match your project and budget
- Coordinate with contractors, lenders, or property owners as needed
Our goal is to make the process simple and clear, so you can focus on completing your project with confidence.
👉 Click below to request a quote or contact your agent today.