Does Builders Risk Cover Hurricanes?

A hurricane loss is not one single peril; wind, storm surge, and flooding may receive different treatment under the policy.

Builders risk generally addresses physical damage to construction property, but whether hurricane-related damage is covered depends on how the contract treats windstorm, flood, and water. Oregon’s model clause specifically names flood as coverage to require, rather than assuming it is included. Read the declarations and endorsements for named-storm restrictions, coastal exclusions, separate wind or flood deductibles, and any sublimits. Confirm the construction site, offsite storage, and transit are scheduled correctly, and ask whether protective measures must be in place before a storm. After construction, the building owner’s permanent property policy is the likely place to address ongoing building losses, with separate flood coverage potentially needed for water inundation. Ask for the builders risk and follow-on policy terms together: confirm the hurricane or named-storm definition, wind deductible, flood limit, covered parties, and the precise date each policy takes effect.

Sources

  1. Glossary of Insurance Terms. National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Builders’ Risk Policies; Business Interruption; Commercial General Liability; Contractor Equipment Floaters; Allied Lines. Accessed 2026-09-25.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Updated . Answers describe typical policies, not your coverage; your policy wording decides what is covered. See the editorial policy or contact Spot with a correction and supporting source.

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