Does Builders Risk Cover Delay?
A delay by itself is generally not insured; coverage may be available for specified extra costs after covered physical damage.
An illustrative ISO form excludes delay and other consequential loss. Oregon’s guidance explains that soft-cost coverage is added by endorsement and may cover certain project expenses caused by a covered physical loss. A late delivery, labor shortage, permit delay, or contractor default is different from delay caused by insured physical damage. Ask whether the quote includes delay-in-completion or soft-cost coverage, what event triggers it, which expenses qualify, and the maximum period and dollar limit. If the delay follows only a late permit, labor shortage, or contractor dispute, business interruption insurance may not answer it because property coverage usually requires insured physical damage. If a covered loss causes delay, ask whether a delay-in-completion or soft-cost endorsement applies. Compare the trigger, time deductible, maximum restoration period, scheduled expenses, and proof required for each cost.
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.



