First and foremost a builder’s risk insurance policy protects the home builder or contractor, not the home owner. This insurance is temporary – usually for the term of the construction effort or until the home owner accepts the home and occupies it. This insurance coverage protects the contractor from theft, weather and other “natural acts,” vandalism, etc. Different carriers and policies cover different hazards, so make sure it covers everything needed – including a reasonable profit! Premiums are set by the value of the property(s), so don’t overestimate.
Types of builder risk insurance policies:
- Single Shot – a policy for one home. Has the least expensive premium.
- Monthly or Annual Rate/Monthly Report – a policy that covers all the builder’s inventory, is paid for monthly or annually, and requires a monthly report to the carrier
- Blanket Annual Deposit – premium based on estimated value of inventory and anticipated starts in next 12 months.