Does Builders Risk Cover An Existing Building?
California’s Commercial Insurance Guide describes builders risk for existing structures undergoing additions, alterations, or repairs.
Oregon’s guidance also includes substantial alterations as a common use. The wording of the actual policy determines which existing components are insured. The policy may insure only the renovation value, not the full preexisting structure, unless the declarations and form say otherwise. Compare the building’s existing value, work in progress, and completed value. Ask about occupied portions, adjacent property, and damage caused by construction methods or defective work. The current building policy may remain relevant to portions excluded from builders risk, although renovation terms can change when work begins. Tell both insurers about the construction scope and ask which one covers the existing structure, the improvements, and loss caused by contractor operations. Compare limits, occupancy, protection conditions, and any vacancy or construction exclusion to prevent gaps between policies.
