Does Builders Risk Cover Mechanical Breakdown?

Generally no for ordinary mechanical breakdown, although a limited testing provision may apply.

The ISO specimen excludes mechanical breakdown but makes an exception for its defined testing additional coverage. That testing grant applies to covered property at the jobsite and is subject to the form’s requirements and limit. A boiler or installed system can be property within the project and still have breakdown damage excluded. Check the definition of covered equipment, testing phase, limit, and any equipment-breakdown endorsement. Confirm whether the policy applies during startup, hot testing, commissioning, or after handover. For an operating building, equipment breakdown coverage may be available under a separate policy or endorsement; it can be distinct from the narrow construction-testing provision. Ask whether damage occurred during testing, startup, or normal operation, and which machines qualify as covered equipment. Compare the breakdown limit, deductible, resulting-damage treatment, and date the builders risk protection ends.

Sources

  1. 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.

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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