When Does Builders Risk Coverage Start?

Use the effective date and time in the policy declarations or binder as the starting point. A specimen ISO builders risk form insures direct physical loss to covered property during the policy period and limits the property to the described construction project. The actual contract may add conditions, exclusions, or a different start trigger.

The project schedule can begin before the insurance does. Materials may be delivered, stored, or transported before ground is broken, so disclose those activities and check whether the policy addresses the jobsite, temporary storage, and transit. Do not infer those locations are covered just because the project itself is insured.

Ask the insurer or broker to confirm in writing that coverage is bound, the effective date and time, the named insured, and any outstanding conditions. Compare that date with the contract’s required insurance date and the first exposure to materials or work in progress.