Does Builders Risk Cover Commissioning?
Not necessarily; commissioning may be treated as testing or startup and often needs explicit policy wording.
The ISO specimen has a defined testing extension and a mechanical-breakdown exclusion with a testing exception. A separate sample builders risk form and market applications ask applicants to state commissioning or testing exposures, underscoring that terms vary by insurer. Give the insurer the systems, procedures, schedule, and whether testing is hot or cold. Check if commissioning is included in the testing definition, any waiting or time limit, and when coverage stops at acceptance or occupancy. A broad construction limit does not itself answer whether startup damage is covered. If an installed system is being tested after the construction policy ends, the building owner’s equipment breakdown coverage may be relevant, but confirm the transition date first. Describe each commissioning stage and the equipment under load. Ask the insurer whether its definition includes commissioning, hot testing, and startup, and whether additional premium, notice, or a separate limit applies.
Related Coverage
Sources
- Builders Risk Coverage Form. Insurance Services Office, Inc.; hosted by Touchpoint Markets; IH 00 70 05 17, A.1.c and A.2 pp. 1–2; A.3 and A.4 pp. 2–5; A.5 and A.6 pp. 5–8; B.2–3 pp. 10–11; C–E pp. 12–13; copyright 2017, illustrative specimen. Accessed 2026-09-25.
- Insurance Clauses – Builders Risk. Oregon Department of Administrative Services; Builders Risk: Clause, When do they apply?, Notes, Additional Information; Builders Risk Installation Floater. Accessed 2026-09-25.



