Summary: Get builders risk insurance from independent insurance agencies or an independent insurance broker. It is easier for owner builders.
Carl, you may want to mention on your web site that Course of Construction or Builders Risk Insurance is very difficult to obtain when you are acting as an "owner builder".
We have been turned down by five insurance companies, and still have no insurance.
Regards, Cindy
Hi Cindy,
Many Insurance companies and their agents want the insurance underwriting path of least resistance so they stick to the basics and avoid non-standard policies.
I have found that an independent insurance agency or an independent insurance broker will work hard for you to find a company that will issue an owner builder policy.
The keyword here is "independent”. Here is a quote from such an independent agency’s web site:
“Whether you are an individual owner/builder constructing a new home for the first time, a custom home builder or a large home builder with many starts per year we can offer a policy to cover your project.
Owners: Builders risk insurance is available directly to the owner of residential and commercial projects. Developers and speculative projects are also eligible. If you are acting as the owner/builder, the actual construction work must be done by licensed and experienced contractors.”
The last sentence, “If you are acting as the owner/builder, the actual construction work must be done by licensed and experienced contractors.” This is the same advice I give.
Let a professional independent insurance agency do the job you are trying to do.
Good luck, Carl Heldmann, byoh.com
