Insurance · Course of construction

Course of construction insurance for new builds. Ground up, start to finish.

Course of construction insurance covers a new building from the first day on site until it is complete, including materials, soft costs and property in transit. Residential and commercial projects up to $2,000,000.

Lloyd's CoverholderDomestic and international underwriters, including Lloyd's24/7 live receptionist 1-877-495-8777

The 60-second version

What you need to know before you call the client back.

Three answers for the broker with a client on the other line. The full guide is below for when you have ten minutes.

What it is

Property insurance for a building under construction. It responds to fire, theft, vandalism and weather damage to the structure and materials while the project is being built.

When your client needs one

Before the first shovel goes in: a lender asks for it, a custom home builder starts a project, or an owner builds a new house or small commercial building.

What you send

The address, project value, construction type, start date, schedule and the general contractor's CGL details.

The full guide

The broker's guide to course of construction insurance.

Course of construction or builders risk

Course of construction (COC) and builders risk mean the same thing in most markets: property cover while a building goes up. This program is for new construction. Renovations of an existing building go on builders renovation.

Program highlights

FeatureResidentialCommercial
New construction projects (Coverage A)Up to $2,000,000Up to $2,000,000
Theft of building materials$25,000 sublimit$25,000 sublimit
Soft costs$10,000 sublimit$10,000 sublimit
Property in transit and off site$10,000 sublimit each$10,000 sublimit each
FormsNamed perils and multi-perilsNamed perils and multi-perils
Replacement costAvailable on multi-perilsAvailable on multi-perils
LiabilityResidential premises liability up to $1,000,000Liability up to $2,000,000

Limits shown are program maximums from the current program highlights. Every risk is subject to underwriting, and terms are set on the file.

Also on the policy

  • Vandalism and malicious mischief.
  • Additional insureds, such as the lender, at no additional cost.
  • Policy terms of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.

The contractor's CGL requirement

The contractor must maintain commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Check it before you submit. A builder without CGL is the most common reason a COC file stalls. Approved also writes contractor liability if the builder needs it.

Before and after the build

Land or a building waiting for work can sit on vacant property cover. Builders who need bid, performance or developer bonds for the same project can send the bond request to the surety desk.

What to send

What to send for a course of construction quote.

Underwriters move fast on complete files and slow on files that make them chase. Send the package below to submit@approvedcasualty.com or through the submission form, and put the effective date in the first line.

  1. 01
    Project details

    Address, building type, size and construction materials.

  2. 02
    Project value

    Total completed value, up to $2,000,000.

  3. 03
    Schedule

    Start date and expected completion, to set the term.

  4. 04
    Contractor

    General contractor name, experience and CGL certificate ($1,000,000 minimum per occurrence).

  5. 05
    Lender

    Mortgagee or lender to add as an additional insured.

  6. 06
    Site security

    Fencing, lighting, monitoring and storage of materials.

The 60-second fit check

If the file clears all five, send it today.

  • It is a new build, not a renovation.
  • Completed value is $2,000,000 or less.
  • The contractor carries CGL of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence.
  • The build fits a 3 to 12 month term.
  • You know the lender to add.

Every risk is subject to underwriting. Limits shown are program maximums. Terms and premium are set from the file. Nothing on this page is an offer to bind cover.

Program notes

Before you place it.

Residential and commercial

Both are written. Residential premises liability goes to $1,000,000; commercial liability to $2,000,000.

Bonded projects

Tarion, developer and contract bonds for the same builder go through the surety desk.

Where we write

Canada outside Quebec.

Approved places insurance for Canadian clients outside Quebec. Report a claim to claims@approvedcasualty.com or through the claims page.

Broker FAQ

The questions brokers ask on the first call.

Not covered here? Call 1-877-495-8777 and ask for an underwriter.

What is course of construction insurance?

Property insurance for a building under construction, covering the structure and materials against fire, theft, vandalism and weather from the start of work to completion.

What project size can you write?

New construction projects up to $2,000,000, residential or commercial, subject to underwriting.

Are soft costs covered?

Yes, with a $10,000 sublimit. Property in transit and property off site each carry a $10,000 sublimit too.

Does the contractor need insurance?

Yes. The contractor must maintain CGL of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence.

Can the lender be added?

Yes. Additional insureds are added at no additional cost.

What terms are available?

3, 6, 9 or 12 months.

From the blog

Construction project articles for brokers.

Next step

Have a client who needs cover? Send the file.

Use the submission form below, email the file to submit@approvedcasualty.com, or call 1-877-495-8777 and ask for an underwriter. A person reads every submission and comes back with terms or questions.