---
title: "When Should Builders Risk Insurance Be Purchased?"
description: "Buy builders risk before materials arrive or work starts, whichever comes first, and confirm it’s bound for that date."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/when-should-builders-risk-insurance-be-purchased"
page-type: "faq-question"
updated-at: "2026-09-25"
---

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# When Should Builders Risk Insurance Be Purchased?

Buy builders risk before materials arrive or work starts, whichever comes first, and confirm it’s bound for that date.

Buy builders risk before materials arrive or work begins, whichever comes first. A quote request is not proof that coverage has started, so confirm the policy is bound for the right date and locations. Builders risk addresses construction-stage property, and the NAIC definition includes buildings in the course of construction plus certain materials and equipment. A quote request alone does not mean the policy has taken effect.

The date may need to precede ground-breaking if building materials will be stored or delivered earlier. US Assure’s application guidance asks applicants to address policy timing and construction stage; its program also requires additional review for submissions made after a stated completion threshold. That threshold applies only to its program.

Give the insurer the expected delivery date, work start, completion percentage, project schedule, and requested policy term. Confirm binding, effective date and time, covered locations, and any underwriting conditions in writing. Coordinate the start with the construction contract and any existing property insurance.

## Related Questions

- [When Does Builders Risk Coverage Start?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/when-does-builders-risk-coverage-start)
- [Can You Get Builders Risk After Construction Starts?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/can-you-buy-builders-risk-after-construction-starts)
- [When Does Builders Risk Coverage End?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/when-does-builders-risk-coverage-end)
- [Can You Buy Short-Term Builders Risk Insurance?](https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/short-term-builders-risk-insurance)

## 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. [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.
3. [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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