Builders Risk Insurance for Construction Projects in Boston, MA

Protect Your Construction Investment

introduction

Boston’s construction scene is unique. Projects range from tight-space infill construction in Southie, to full gut-renovations of 120-year-old homes in Jamaica Plain, to major institutional expansions near Longwood. Every job carries risk — and when something goes wrong mid-project, the financial setback can be substantial.


That’s why many contractors, developers, and owners rely on Builders Risk Insurance to protect the work in progress, materials, and equipment throughout the build.

What Builders Risk Insurance Covers

Renovation-heavy areas like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Cambridgeport often involve older, delicate structures. Builders Risk can help protect high-value materials and partial builds while the job is underway.

A Builders Risk policy helps safeguard your job from unexpected losses such as:

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Damage

Damage from fire, storms, or sudden structural impact

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Theft or Accident

Theft of copper, tools, HVAC units, and job-site materials

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Vandalism

Vandalism or accidental damage during busy downtown activity

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Severe Weather

Water damage from severe weather or wind-driven rain

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Loss of materials

Losses to materials being stored in Somerville, Everett, or in transit across the city

Local Risks That Make Builders Risk Essential in Boston

01
New England Weather

A sunny morning can turn into a nor’easter by evening. Boston contractors routinely deal with:

  • Heavy snow loads
  • Rapid freeze/thaw cycles
  • Strong coastal winds
  • Intense rainstorms

Any of these can damage framing, windows, roofing, or stored materials.

02
Tight Job Sites

Construction in neighborhoods like South Boston, East Boston, and Roslindale often means:

  • No room for on-site storage
  • Higher foot and vehicle traffic
  • Greater exposure to accidental impact
  • Increased risk of vandalism

One mishap can cause thousands in unexpected repair costs.

03
High Material Value

Projects in Boston often use premium lumber, specialty finishes, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and expensive electrical components — making the financial stakes much higher than average.

Who Typically Carries Builders Risk in Boston?

Any party with a financial stake in the project should be listed on the policy.

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Contractors

General Contractors who need full site protection

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Developers

Developers handling large multifamily or mixed-use projects

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Property Owners

Property Owners doing major renovations or additions

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Lenders

Lenders who require insurance before funds are released

How Much Does Builders Risk Insurance Cost in Boston?

Older-building renovations usually cost more due to higher structural risk.

Pricing usually falls between 1% and 4% of total construction value, affected by
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Common Questions About Builders Risk in Boston City

Yes — most policies include wind, snow, and storm damage, but flood and storm surge require endorsements.

If you’re opening walls, replacing systems, or altering structural components, yes — most Boston renovations need it.

Tools are usually excluded. Contractors often buy separate equipment coverage.

Yes. Many Boston projects require subcontractors to be added as additional insureds.

 

When the project is completed, occupied, or a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Get Builders Risk Insurance for Your Boston Project

Protecting a Boston job site isn’t optional — the risks are too high, and delays too costly.
Get a policy designed specifically for the way Boston builds.