---
title: "When Do You Need Builders Risk Insurance?"
description: "Buy builders risk before project materials or work are exposed if your existing property policy does not cover them."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/insurance-faq/builders-risk/when-to-buy-builders-risk-insurance"
page-type: "faq-question"
updated-at: "2026-09-25"
---

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# When Do You Need Builders Risk Insurance?

Buy builders risk before project materials or work are exposed if your existing property policy does not cover them.

Buy builders risk before project materials or work are exposed if your existing property policy does not cover them. The NAIC definition includes buildings under construction and related materials, but your own policy and contract determine who needs coverage. The NAIC glossary describes coverage for buildings in the course of construction and related equipment and materials, so the need usually follows the period when those project assets are exposed. Whether a separate policy is needed depends on existing insurance and the project contract.

Think about when the first materials arrive, when a contractor takes responsibility, and whether the structure will be vacant or partly occupied. A homeowners or commercial property policy may have conditions for building work; do not assume it automatically covers every project stage.

Before work begins, compare the existing policy with the proposed project coverage. Ask who is insured, which property and locations qualify, whether storage and transit are included, and how the term ends. Match the policy’s effective date to the first exposure and have the insurer confirm binding in writing.

## 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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