Construction Insurance – Nova Scotia

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 Nova Scotia is unique in its own way. From small commercial builds in Bridgewater to the large builds located in Halifax and 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 Nova Scotia.

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.

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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 Nova Scotia?

Just as businesses differ across Nova Scotia, 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

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!

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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 Nova Scotia Business Facts

  1. With all the surrounding beauty, the tourism industry is a large sector in Nova Scotia. In fact, more than 1.2 million visitors were welcomed in 2019.
  2. When you think of the East Coast, what comes to mind? Lobster fishing of course! The commercial fishing industry is a cornerstone of the province with exports of lobster totalling $570 million in 2014.
  3. With 75% of Nova Scotia covered with Acadian forest, the forestry industry is an economic anchor in the province. It attributed to over $2.1 billion in economic impact as well as 11,500 jobs.
  4. Downtown Halifax is the heart of Atlantic Canada’s big city. It features more than 400 retailers, restaurants, pubs and services.
  5. A popular attraction for visitors and residents alike is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Located in downtown Halifax, it’s the oldest maritime museum in Canada and features over 30,000 artifacts.
  6. Nova Scotia’s agriculture sector is heavily focused on dairy and poultry. Dairy production exceeds 206 million litres of milk as well as over 17 million dozen eggs annually.
  7. Halifax nurtures a large IT, gaming and digital media sector. Video game production has a home in Nova Scotia for companies such as Ubisoft Halifax, RedMeat Games and Silverback Games!
  8. With its location along the east coast, ocean technology is prominent in Nova Scotia. Technology includes acoustics, instrumentation and sensors in addition to ocean observation and defence and security.
  9. Nova Scotia is also known as the global gateway to the world, leading to a sophisticated transportation and logistics industry. By utilizing sea, rail, air and road Halifax is known as the transload hub when it comes to imports destined for central Canada and the US.
  10. With all of the fresh seafood, the restaurant industry in Nova Scotia features some of the best dishes. There are over 1,700 businesses employing over 30,000 employees across the province. Although not seafood, the official food of Halifax is the donair.
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