Does Builders Risk Cover Commissioning?

Commissioning may be covered under a testing extension, but limits, breakdown exclusions, and startup procedures control coverage.

Builders risk may cover commissioning under a testing extension, but the cited specimen limits the extension and excludes some mechanical breakdown; confirm whether your startup procedures and equipment are included. A separate sample builders risk form and market applications ask applicants to state commissioning or testing exposures, underscoring that terms vary by insurer. Give the insurer the systems, procedures, schedule, and whether testing is hot or cold. Check if commissioning is included in the testing definition, any waiting or time limit, and when coverage stops at acceptance or occupancy. A broad construction limit does not itself answer whether startup damage is covered. If an installed system is being tested after the construction policy ends, the building owner’s equipment breakdown coverage may be relevant, but confirm the transition date first. Describe each commissioning stage and the equipment under load. Ask the insurer whether its definition includes commissioning, hot testing, and startup, and whether additional premium, notice, or a separate limit applies.

Sources for Builders Risk Insurance Answers

  1. Builders Risk Coverage Form. Insurance Services Office, Inc.; hosted by Touchpoint Markets; IH 00 70 05 17, A.1.c and A.2 pp. 1–2; A.3 and A.4 pp. 2–5; A.5 and A.6 pp. 5–8; B.2–3 pp. 10–11; C–E pp. 12–13; copyright 2017, illustrative specimen. Accessed 2026-09-25.
  2. Insurance Clauses – Builders Risk. Oregon Department of Administrative Services; Builders Risk: Clause, When do they apply?, Notes, Additional Information; Builders Risk Installation Floater. Accessed 2026-09-25.

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