Personal Insurance
Builders Risk Insurance in California
Building or renovating in California? Your investment is at risk from the moment ground is broken until the final inspection. Builders risk insurance protects the structure, materials, and equipment on your construction site from fire, theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
What Is Covered
Coverage at a Glance
Structure Under Construction
Covers the building as it is being constructed, from the foundation pour to the final coat of paint. Protection against fire, wind, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils.
Building Materials
Covers lumber, drywall, fixtures, appliances, and other materials on site or in transit to the job site. Materials are most vulnerable to theft and weather damage during construction.
Temporary Structures
Covers scaffolding, temporary fencing, construction trailers, and other temporary structures needed during the building process.
Soft Costs
Covers expenses that continue even when construction is delayed by a covered loss, including loan interest, architect fees, permits, and real estate taxes.
Equipment and Tools
Covers construction equipment, tools, and machinery on site. Some policies also cover rented or leased equipment.
Debris Removal
If a covered loss creates debris that must be cleared before construction can resume, this coverage pays for cleanup and disposal costs.
California Context
Why This Matters in California
A standard homeowners policy does not cover a home under construction. Until the building is complete and occupied, a builders risk policy is the only way to protect your investment.
California construction costs are among the highest in the nation. The average cost to build a new home in the Central Valley exceeds $200 per square foot. A fire or storm during construction could mean losing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
California's wildfire risk extends to construction sites. Unfinished structures with exposed wood framing are particularly vulnerable to fire damage.
Theft of building materials, especially copper wire, lumber, and appliances, is a growing problem on California construction sites. Builders risk coverage protects you from these losses.
California's seismic activity means even new construction can be damaged by an earthquake before it is completed. Make sure your builders risk policy includes earthquake coverage if available.
Important
If you are acting as your own general contractor on a home build, you are responsible for builders risk insurance. Do not assume your subcontractors' policies cover the structure. Get your own builders risk policy before construction begins.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Coverage Options
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