---
title: "Does a Homeowner Need Builders Risk Insurance?"
description: "A homeowner may need builders risk for new construction or a major renovation if the existing home policy does not cover the work."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/does-homeowner-need-or-buy-builders-risk"
page-type: "faq-question"
updated-at: "2026-09-25"
---

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# Does a Homeowner Need Builders Risk Insurance?

A homeowner may need builders risk for new construction or a major renovation if the existing home policy does not cover the work.

A homeowner may need builders risk for new construction or a major renovation if the existing home policy does not cover the work. For remodeling, confirm separately whether the existing house and new work are insured. Builders risk is designed for property losses during construction, but the NAIC definition is general; it does not promise that every project or homeowner qualifies for every policy.

For remodeling, ask separately about the existing house and the new work. An illustrative ISO builders risk form excludes the existing structure being altered, while a California Department of Insurance guide describes builders risk as available for a new structure or an existing structure undergoing work. That difference makes the exact form important.

Ask your homeowners insurer whether its policy remains in force during the work and whether it requires notice or a construction endorsement. Compare that answer with a builders risk quote. Confirm occupancy restrictions, covered property, limits, deductibles, and when permanent home coverage should begin.

## Related Questions

- [Can You Get Builders Risk for an Existing Building or Renovation?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/builders-risk-existing-building-or-renovation)
- [Builders Risk vs. Homeowners Insurance: What’s the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/builders-risk-vs-homeowners-insurance)
- [Builders Risk vs. Dwelling Under Construction Coverage: What’s the Difference?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/builders-risk-vs-dwelling-under-construction)
- [When Does Builders Risk Coverage Start?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/when-does-builders-risk-coverage-start)

## Related Coverage

- [Builders risk](https://spot.insure/coverage/builders-risk)

## Sources

1. [Glossary of Insurance Terms](https://content.naic.org/glossary-insurance-terms). National Association of Insurance Commissioners; Builders’ Risk Policies. Accessed 2026-09-25.
2. [Commercial Insurance Guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm). California Department of Insurance; Form 700, revised June 14, 2024: Commercial Property > Coverage Forms and Endorsements > Builder’s Risk; Inland Marine; How Can I Purchase Commercial Insurance?; What Should I Expect from a Broker-Agent?. Accessed 2026-09-25.
3. [Builders Risk Coverage Form](https://assets.touchpointmarkets.com/e8/58/dec27c1b462c8227b4693fb8ac81/ih-00-70-05-17-builders-risk-coverage-form.pdf). Insurance Services Office, Inc.; hosted by Touchpoint Markets; IH 00 70 05 17, copyright 2017 (illustrative specimen): A.1–3, printed pp. 1–2; B, printed pp. 9–11; C–E, printed p. 12. Accessed 2026-09-25.
4. [Builders Risk Application Tip Sheet](https://go.usassure.com/rs/381-ISO-510/images/us-assure-builders-risk-application-tip-sheet.pdf). US Assure; General policy application tips, p. 1; Remodeling policy application tips, p. 2. Accessed 2026-09-25.

More answers: [Builders Risk Insurance FAQ](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk).

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