Scope of Coverage, Covered Losses, Exclusions, AI Endorsements

Michael V. Pepe, Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C.
Patrick J. Wielinski, Cokinos Young
Christopher Yetka, Larking Hoffman Daly & Lindgren

Construction projects are always at risk for economic losses from unanticipated property damage, additional soft costs, and revenue loss that result in unbudgeted costs that can threaten project completion. Builders risk coverage is a crucial risk mitigation measure for building contractors and developers, as is adequate liability coverage through CGL policies and wrap ups.

Counsel to builders and developers must consider who is covered, what property is covered, what limits and sublimits apply, and when/how coverage applies. Because builders risk policies are not standardized, coverage varies dramatically between insurers. Coverage disputes often arise over the types of costs recoverable, calculation of economic damages, and the coverage exclusions and exceptions.
For liability disputes, CGL coverage must be adequately placed to cover construction risks during the course of construction as well as after. Typical issues include who is covered, the scope of coverage, and exclusions and conditions that apply.

Counsel often must also navigate the interplay between builders risk policies, CGL policies, including wrap policies, and professional liability policies. These issues are influenced by the language of the policies and the parties’ contractual obligations to each other. Attention to the details is necessary to ensure coverage is triggered when necessary.