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What is Contractors All-Risk (CAR) Insurance?

Contractors All Risk Insurance (CAR) is specifically designed to cover contractors and their projects. It protects against a wide range of construction-related risks, including damage to equipment, third-party liability, and unexpected events on-site. To better understand what to look for when choosing a policy, read our blog on How to Choose the Best Contractors All Risk Insurance.

What Coverage Options are Available?

Building Construction Works

Building construction works insurance covers the actual property being constructed, including materials, equipment, and any other items necessary for the completion of the project. This type of coverage protects against risks such as theft, fire, and damage to building materials.
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Mechanical & Electrical Works

Mechanical & electrical works insurance provides coverage for contractors who are working on construction projects that involve the installation, maintaining, and repairing that equipment. The policy typically covers damage to the equipment caused by accidents, as well as losses arising from design defects and other issues.
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Public Liability

Contractors' public liability insurance protects against damages or injuries caused to third parties during the course of the construction project. This type of coverage is essential for protecting the contractor and other parties involved in the project from potential legal liability.
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Why Is Contractors All Risk Insurance Needed?

CAR insurance is essential because construction projects are complex and inherently risky. From initial excavation to final construction, many unforeseen events can cause delays or financial loss. Risks include accidental damage, third-party liability, theft, and malicious damage.

CAR insurance offers comprehensive All Risks cover for a variety of structures—from private homes and small apartment blocks to large-scale developments like shopping centres, power stations, and infrastructure such as bridges and pipelines. It also applies to electrical, plumbing, and painting contracts.

This coverage helps ensure projects are completed successfully and is often a requirement from banks and funding institutions. Learn more in our blog post, What to Consider When Buying Contractors All Risk Insurance.

What Additional Coverages are Included?

Standard extensions in contractors' all-risk insurance is additional coverage that is included in the policy beyond the basic coverage provided. These standard extensions provide broader protection for a contractor against a more comprehensive range of risks, helping to ensure that they are adequately covered in the event of a loss or accident. Some of the types of coverage that may be included in a Contractors All Risk Insurance policy include:
The protection against the costs associated with removing debris that is generated as a result of a covered loss or accident. This can include things like debris from a collapsed building, materials that are damaged in a fire, or waste that is generated during the clean-up process. The Removal of Debris insurance helps to cover the costs of disposing of this waste, allowing the contractor to focus on repairing or rebuilding without worrying about the added expense of debris removal.

What is not covered?

  • Losses falling within the policy deductible.
  • Defective Design, Plan, Specification or Workmanship.
  • Lateral support risks (unless specified on Policy).
  • Losses by theft or disappearance that cannot be identified with a specific event.
  • Consequential loss and Advanced Loss of Profit / Project Delay / Penalties for delay etc.
  • Continuous dewatering of the contract site due to the ingress of naturally occurring groundwater.
  • Waterside risks, Harbours, Jetties, Tunnelling, Shaft sinking, underground mining.
  • Contracts involving Prototype or untried design.

For a deeper look at what’s typically not covered, read our blog on Common Exclusions in Contractors All Risk Insurance.

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Considerations When Taking Out A CAR Insurance Policy

When considering taking out a contractors all-risk insurance policy, there are several important factors to consider.

THE CONTRACT VALUE

This refers to the total value of the contract, and it is important to have adequate insurance coverage to protect against any potential losses or damages that may arise during the project.

THE LIMITATIONS

Make sure that the policy provides adequate coverage limits to protect your business in the event of a claim.

THE EXCLUSIONS

Understand what risks are excluded from the policy to ensure that your business is fully protected.

NON-STANDARD CONSTRUCTION

If the project involves non-standard construction methods or materials, it may be necessary to have specialized insurance coverage to protect against the unique risks involved.

PERIOD OF EXTENSION

Some insurance policies may include a period of extension, which allows the policy to remain in effect for a specified period of time after the completion of the project. This can be useful in protecting against any potential claims that may arise after the project has been completed.

THE DEDUCTIBLES

Consider the deductibles associated with the policy and whether they are affordable for your business.

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Most Frequently Asked Questions

Contractors All Risk insurance covers a wide range of risks, including but not limited to property damage, theft, and liability for injury to third parties. For a more detailed list on some of the extensions, refer to the section "What does Contractors All Risk Coverage Include".

Contractors All Risk insurance is essential for anyone involved in the construction industry, including general contractors, subcontractors, and construction professionals. It helps protect against a wide range of risks that can impact your work. To learn more about who needs this type of cover and why, read our blog on What to Consider When Buying Contractors All Risk Insurance.

The cost of Contractors All Risk insurance varies based on a number of factors, including the type of project, the location, the size of the project, and the level of coverage required. It's important to get a personalized quote to determine the cost for your specific needs.

If a claim is made under a Contractors All Risk insurance policy, the insurance company will investigate the claim and determine the appropriate compensation based on the coverage provided by the policy. It's important to have proper documentation and follow the claim filing process to ensure a smooth claims process. For any enquiries, you can email us at info@bi-me.co.za or call us at 010 446 7750.

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