Security 01/11/2024

Prioritize Site Security to Save on Builder’s Risk Insurance

Sensera Systems’® SiteCloud™ Security Monitoring helps you save on more than just builder’s risk premiums.

There are a lot of unknowns during construction, which is why builder’s risk insurance, or course of construction insurance, is a lifesaver. One of the primary functions of a good builder’s risk policy is to reduce the contractor’s out-of-pocket cost when unexpected incidents affect a building during construction or renovation.

Builder’s risk insurance is less standardized than other types of construction insurance, which means that policies can vary significantly in coverage and cost. Fortunately, many insurance agencies offer discounts to contractors who prioritize site security.

Getting a good deal on builder’s risk insurance comes down to choosing the right policy and discounts. Follow the three steps below to get started.

Evaluate Builder’s Risk Options

Not all builder’s risk policies are created equal. Builder’s risk insurance covers the building during construction or renovation, but not all policies cover things like weather damage. While some policies cover materials and supplies stored off-site, others may not. So, finding the right policy could take time.

In addition to finding out what the policy covers, contractors should ask about available discounts and requirements for coverage during the initial evaluation process to ensure they’re getting the best deal.

When comparing builder’s risk policies, look for one that covers these common risks:

Theft
Vandalism
Explosion
Materials and supplies (on or off-site)
Fire and water damage

When deciding what coverage you need, consider the project’s size, individual risks, and any external requirements from the state or project owner.

Ask About Endorsements

Many insurance companies offer discounts to contractors who use certain protective safeguards, like burglar alarms, security cameras, and security monitoring services. These discounts are often called endorsements by insurance companies, and they’re one of the best ways contractors can save on builder’s risk policies.

A common way contractors can receive endorsement discounts is by agreeing to use an approved security monitoring service, like Sensera’s SiteCloud Security Monitoring. With this type of endorsement, using a professional security monitoring service is a requirement for coverage.

Since coverage hinges on the contractor meeting their requirements at all times, a good builder’s risk policy should state all protective safeguard requirements clearly from the beginning. Insurance agencies should also approve protective safeguards to ensure they meet the policy requirements.

SiteCloud Security Monitoring satisfies builder’s risk insurance discount requirements while providing live security monitoring. When using this service, a dedicated monitoring professional will review all motion-triggered events on the site, visually verify any possible threats in real time, and respond immediately.

Meet Discount Requirements

Once a discount gets applied to a policy, the contractor must maintain the agreed-upon requirements to guarantee coverage. Insurance agencies take these requirements seriously. They conduct thorough investigations into a claim case to ensure all parties have adhered to the policy.

Suppose a theft occurs while a contractor is receiving an endorsement for a security monitoring service. In that case, the insurance agency will verify that the service was active and met all requirements during the theft. If the insurance agency cannot verify this, they may deny coverage. That’s why a reliable, live monitoring service is an essential security upgrade for this type of endorsement.

Sensera Systems’ SiteCloud Security Monitoring meets the requirements of most builder’s risk insurance policies. It also protects against theft and vandalism, saving money on more than just insurance premiums.