Does a General Building Contractor liability insurance policy provide cover for demolition?
Building Contractors are not always clear about what is covered under their liability insurance policy.
A common query is the issue of demolition work. Is it covered or not?
There are 2 key points to note here:
1. The business description on the policy is important. What does it say? Does it cover you as a ‘Building Contractor’ or a ‘Building Contractor & Demolition Contractor’? If you wish to do stand-alone demolition then the business description should include ‘Demolition Contractor’.
2. Read the policy terms & conditions – especially the exclusions. Here are 2 sample exclusions commonly found in construction liability insurance policies:
Example A
The policy does not cover any claim or claims arising out of or in connection with any demolition work undertaken by you or on your behalf other than:
1. the demolition of any building or part thereof not exceeding 7.5 metres in height or
2. where such work forms part of an erection, refurbishment or extension contract to be undertaken by you
Example B
This Section does not provide any indemnity in respect of liability:
1. arising out of any work of demolition, except demolition solely undertaken with hand held tools and of structures not exceeding 5 metres in height by Employees in the direct service of the Assured when such work forms an ancillary part of a contract for construction, alteration or repair carried out by the Assured;
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Disclaimer: The material contained is this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
