Construction Insurance – Manitoba
Creating and building a commercial space is a complex project, to say the least. From the initial planning stages to handing over the keys, there’s a lot that goes on in between. Damages or losses to the building can happen at any time, and if the project goes without coverage while being completed, a significant investment is very much at stake. Construction and development coverage can help look after your construction project from the planning stage, right through to completion.
As your local insurance experts, we know that each business in Manitoba is unique in its own way. From large commercial builds in Portage la Prairie to those builds across the Pembina Valley every building project in between, we’ve got you covered. With all it has to offer, it’s not hard to understand why so many people decide to set up shop in Manitoba.
We understand it’s vital to protect what’s most important to you and your business. Our expert insurance advisors are here to ensure you’re protected and provide peace of mind so you can focus on nurturing your business for the future.
Why Choose Westland?
We know that your business insurance needs to match your goals, your business and your budget. Our expert business insurance advisors get to know you and your business, so that they can tailor a policy to your exact needs. We’ll work with you to build a risk management solution, ensuring coverages line up with your business needs.
We understand that insurance can be complex sometimes. Let our expert insurance advisors do the heavy lifting! We’ll help you find a policy that you feel is the best fit and provides peace of mind. To learn more about the benefits of being a Westland client, click here.
Construction & Development Insurance Explained
During construction, there’s a lot to keep on top of. To ensure that the project is completed on time, there are many moving parts to consider during the build. Before ground is broken, it’s essential to ensure that the project has coverage for the duration of the build. What would happen to the investment or your company if the build was 80% completed and suffered a fire resulting in a complete loss? Insurance isn’t just for finished, move-in-ready structures.
No matter the industry, our business insurance advisors can help you find the right coverage to ensure your business is covered if there’s a loss during the course of construction.
This is a bit of a trick question. A builders risk policy and a course of construction policy are essentially the same coverage. Builder’s Risk (also known as C.O.C.) policies insure the building against physical loss or damage while it’s being built or renovated.
Coverage can be placed by either the building owner or the general contractor. Both can purchase C.O.C. coverage for a project. Ultimately, the interest of both the owner and their contractors is covered under this policy.
The insured value on a Builder’s Risk policy or construction insurance should reflect the actual, completed Replacement Cost of the building. For example, if the project burns to the ground the day before handing over the keys, the limit of insurance needs to be adequate to replace what may be lost.
Before a shovel hits the ground, a Course of Construction policy should be in place. If the policy is placed later in the project, you may run the risk of the insurance company charging back for time since the project began. On the other hand, some may not want to insure the project if it’s started already. This is because insurers price construction policies based on both the completed value and the time it takes to complete. That’s why a C.O.C policy should be on your list very early on in project development.
All contractors should carry their own liability insurance policies. Still, it can be difficult and time-consuming for a general contractor or a project owner to chase down every sub-trade to make sure they have coverage on large builds. A wrap-up liability policy is a one-time, project-specific business liability policy that provides coverage for all parties involved in the project. Those include the owner, general contractor, contractors, sub-contractors, consultants and suppliers who perform work on the project site. It’s a safer and more time-effective way to ensure that nobody on your job site is uninsured against claims for third-party damage or injury.
- Certainty that all parties involved in the project have uniform business liability insurance coverage, limits, and deductibles
- These limits of liability are dedicated to the project and will not be eroded by claims that a contractor may have involving other projects or services
- Eliminates the administrative headache of collecting and managing Certificates of Insurance from each and every party involved in the project
- The claims management process is simplified with a single wrap-up policy vs. multiple insurance policies carried separately by each and every party involved in the project
- Cost savings
Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC), standard contracts typically call for project equipment breakdown insurance to be carried jointly in the names of the Owner, Contractor, Subcontractors and Consultants.
Course of Construction/Builder’s Risk insurance policies will exclude loss or damage that’s caused by impairment and/or breakdown of building mechanical and electrical equipment. Examples of breakdown include heating, ventilation air conditioning, boilers, pressure vessels, electrical switchgear, or other building systems.
On the other hand, Construction Project Equipment Breakdown Insurance Coverage insures against loss or damage arising from the sudden and accidental physical damage to equipment. This then requires its repair or replacement during the course of a building’s construction including the testing and commissioning phase.
We can help with your auto insurance needs too! Connect with us today to ensure you’re covered out on the road.
How Much Does Construction & Development Insurance Cost in Manitoba?
Just as businesses differ across Manitoba, so do the risks and exposures which impact the cost. The following factors will impact the cost of your construction and development insurance coverage:
- Value of the Building
- Equipment
- Misc. Tools
- Location
- Experience
- Time Length of Project
- Type of Construction
- Firehall Protection
Review Your Insurance and Get a Quote with Westland
Ready to discuss your insurance needs? Our expert advisors are here to review your current insurance policies, discuss your unique risks and operations, and find the perfect insurance policy for your business. Whether it’s over email, the phone or in person we are ready to help! To get started on a quote now and see price estimates for your business coverage, click the button below. Our advisors will contact you right away and help navigate your risk management needs. Of course, we are always available to talk over the phone or in person. Check out our locations page to connect with an office closest to you!
Claims Example
Construction claims can range from theft of equipment at the project to fire. For example, there could be torch work on the project site that sparks a fire. Depending on the severity of the fire, damages and resulting costs can add up quickly. The right construction insurance policy will help mitigate these risks and get you back to your normal as quickly as possible.
Our goal is to find the best coverage for your business so you can focus on what’s important. To learn more about being a Westland client, click here.
10 Manitoba Business Facts
- It should come to no surprise that the agriculture industry is a vital part of the economy in Manitoba. In fact, it’s found in almost all communities in the southern half of the province.
- Manitoba boasts the largest producers of sunflower seed and dry beans.
- Love fast food fries? They likely came from hard working potato farmers in Portage la Prairie and surrounding community. So much so there is the Potato Festival every year in celebration of just that, potatoes!
- The main tourist attraction in Manitoba is Churchill’s Arctic wildlife. Visitors can travel to northern Manitoba and become part of a sloth of polar bears.
- The oldest company in Canada finds its home in downtown Winnipeg. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is the oldest Canadian company and just the second oldest in North America.
- When you think of Manitoba, does the aerospace industry come to mind? It should! It is the largest in Western Canada and employs over 5,300 people.
- Manitoba is the cultural capital of Canada when it comes to festivals. Locals can take in Festival Du Voyageur, Folklarama, Trapper’s Festival and Manito Ahbee.
- Transportation and logistics are another strength of Manitoba. CentrePort Canada is a 20,000-acre inland port. It provides facilities for warehousing, manufacturing and distribution.
- Manitoba has some pretty creative residents! So much so in fact that it’s coined the name the Cultural Cradle of Canada. We have more than 4,600 business involved in visual arts, music and performing. We also have 400 in film, 900 design firms, and 300 marketing and advertising businesses.
- Food processing pulls in $4.7 billion in revenues with over 250 companies. Food items include pork, eggs and other meat products.
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Whether you’re looking for insurance for your first home or wanting to discuss your existing policy, our team is ready to help. Connect with us today.
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