Tell us about the project
Start a business insurance request. A broker may follow up for plans, values and site details; submitting does not bind coverage.
Request a construction quote →Terms and eligibility are subject to insurer review.Course of construction • British Columbia
Course of construction insurance in BC.
Protect the project as it takes shape.
A fire damages framing before handover. Materials disappear from a secured site. Course of construction (COC), also called builder’s risk insurance, may help protect an insured building project against covered physical loss or damage during construction.
The online form starts a quote request. A broker may contact you to review your operations; coverage is not activated by submitting it.
Prefer to talk? 1-833-660-9926
From site preparation to handoverBuilders • contractors • property owners
Projects under constructionCovered physical loss or damage
BC building risksFire, theft and weather exposures
Broker guidanceCompare terms and deductibles
Plan your project protection
Request construction insurance options
Tell Western Coast about the build, its estimated completed value and schedule. As your broker, we can discuss available insurer options and explain project-specific conditions.
Review the construction risks
Discuss building type, trades, security, site location, start and completion dates.
Call 1-833-660-9926Find advice close to home
Explore Western Coast locations and call ahead to confirm construction insurance support.
Find a branchWhat should I have ready for a construction quote?
- Project address, owner and general contractor details
- Construction type, scope, plans and intended occupancy
- Estimated completed project value, including labour and materials
- Start date, completion schedule and any phased occupancy
- Site security, fire protection, loss history and subcontractor arrangements
- Lender or contract requirements and requested deductibles or extensions
Who needs it
Construction coverage for BC projects
Course of construction insurance is designed around a specific project, rather than every risk faced by a contracting business.
Home builders
A new house under construction may be exposed to fire, vandalism and theft before completion.
General contractors
Projects involving multiple trades require clear decisions about insured parties, values and responsibility.
Property owners & developers
Owners financing a new build may need evidence of construction property coverage under lender terms.
Renovations & additions
Major alterations can expose new work and existing structures to different risks; confirm how each is insured.
Commercial builds
Retail, office and mixed-use projects may need project-specific limits, extensions and occupancy conditions.
Specialty & trade contractors
Subcontractors should confirm whether they are included on the project policy and insure their own tools separately.
Protection during the build
What can course of construction insurance cover?
Builder’s risk policies may cover direct physical loss or damage to insured construction works from specified or otherwise covered perils. The insured property, period and extensions depend on the wording.
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| Protection | Example | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Building under construction | Fire damages partially completed framing. | Confirm insured works, valuation basis and applicable deductibles. |
| Materials at the site | A covered theft removes installed or stored construction materials. | Review theft conditions, security warranties and sublimits. |
| Materials in transit or storage | Materials are damaged before delivery or while stored away from site. | Off-site storage and transit may need specific extensions. |
| Temporary works | Scaffolding or temporary structures are damaged by an insured peril. | Confirm which temporary works are included or excluded. |
| Weather-related loss | A windstorm damages insured work in progress. | Review flood, earthquake, water and wind restrictions. |
| Delay-related soft costs | A covered property loss delays completion and creates eligible additional costs. | Soft costs and delay-in-start-up require specific terms and waiting periods. |
Examples are illustrative. Theft, transit, flood, earthquake, existing property and soft-cost coverage may be excluded, limited or available by endorsement. Review policy wording.
Discuss construction coverage →Important distinctions
What construction insurance may not cover
A builder’s risk policy protects eligible project property; it is not a substitute for a contractor’s full insurance programme.
Faulty work & wear
The cost of correcting defective design, materials or workmanship may be excluded. Resulting damage can be treated differently under some wordings.
Liability & employees
Injuries to third parties, vehicle accidents and employee workplace injuries generally require separate liability, auto or WorkSafeBC arrangements.
Special property & perils
Contractors’ tools, mobile equipment, existing buildings, flood, earthquake and pollution may be excluded or need separate coverage.
Project cost & value
What affects construction insurance premiums?
Insurers assess the project itself and the protection requested. Costs vary with the risk, schedule and insurer underwriting.
- Project value & materials
- Completed value, building type and construction methods.
- Site & location
- Fire protection, security, exposure to weather and surrounding property.
- Schedule & occupancy
- Project duration, delays, testing, commissioning and intended use.
- Coverage terms
- Limits, deductibles, flood or earthquake options and extensions.
Why Western Coast
Local knowledge.
More choice.
Advice that stays with you.
Western Coast is your insurance broker. We help BC project owners and contractors compare available course of construction options, identify gaps and understand coverage from groundbreaking through handover.
Compare project policies
Review covered works, deductibles, named insureds and optional extensions.
BC site considerations
Discuss construction methods, weather exposures, site security and lender terms.
Help through project changes
Ask about changes in project value, timing, scope or occupancy before they affect your cover.
“I was very well served here by Thomas, issuing the registration and insurance for my company's commercial vehicle.”
Jacob W. · Vancouver, BC · See branch information ↗“Kevin Ferris was very helpful in understanding my insurance requirements.”
Karen B. · Coquitlam, BC · See branch information ↗Customer feedback can help you assess local service, communication and support.
Western Coast branch directory · See branch information ↗Check the source and date of current reviews before making a decision.
Western Coast branch directory · See branch information ↗Local advice, close to home
Find local advice for your construction project
Discuss construction insurance with a Western Coast broker. Call ahead to confirm the branch can help with your project.
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Lower Mainland
Looking for another location? Open the full branch locator or call 1-833-660-9926.
Frequently asked questions
Construction insurance questions, answered
What is course of construction insurance in BC?
Course of construction (COC), also called builder’s risk insurance, may cover insured buildings and materials against certain physical loss or damage while a project is underway, subject to policy terms.
Who should arrange construction insurance?
The owner, developer or general contractor may arrange a project policy, depending on the contract and financing. Confirm who is insured and whether subcontractors are included.
Does construction insurance cover tools and equipment?
Not automatically. Contractors’ tools and mobile equipment often require separate coverage. Check any specific inclusions, sublimits and exclusions.
Does builder’s risk cover faulty workmanship?
The cost of correcting defective work is often excluded. Some policies may cover resulting damage, subject to precise wording and exclusions.
Are flood and earthquake covered?
Flood and earthquake may be excluded or available as optional coverage. Site location, insurer availability and deductibles affect the options.
When does course of construction coverage end?
Coverage can end at completion, occupancy, acceptance or another policy-defined trigger. Confirm the dates and handover arrangements with your broker.
Does a construction policy include general liability?
Course of construction primarily addresses insured project property. Third-party injury and property damage liability generally need separate CGL or project wrap-up liability coverage.
What affects construction insurance cost?
Completed project value, building methods, location, fire protection, project duration, claims history, limits, deductibles and extensions can affect premiums.
What happens after I submit the business quote form?
The form starts a quote request. A broker may contact you for project details; an insurer must agree to terms and an effective date before coverage starts.
Keep exploring
Helpful guides for BC businesses
Builder’s risk basics
How builder’s risk insurance can benefit a BC business
Read the guide Contractors & liabilityHow to insure your BC contractor business
Read the guide Business protectionInsurance considerations for concrete businesses
Read the guide More resourcesExplore commercial general liability insurance
Read the guideYour next step
Plan coverage before the first build milestone.
Tell us about your site, schedule and completed project value. Western Coast can help compare available course of construction policies.
Submitting a request does not activate insurance.
Coverage is subject to insurer eligibility, underwriting, policy terms, limits, conditions and exclusions. The policy wording governs.
Western Coast Insurance Services is a wholly owned division of Western Financial Group Ltd. Insurance products are underwritten by certain licensed insurance companies and are only available throughout British Columbia, Canada.