IM 7061-Delay In Completion Coverage Part

BUILDERS’ RISK DELAY IN COMPLETION ANALYSIS

(February 2018)

 

The Builders’ Risk Coverage Form insures the direct damage to the building or structure being covered. Delay in Completion Coverage complements that coverage in a similar way that Loss of Income complements direct damage to building and contents coverage. The Delay in Completion covers advertising expenses, design fees, additional financing costs, lease administration expenses, professional fees, and permit fees plus additional soft costs of interest payments, realty taxes, lease expenses, and insurance premiums incurred when a project is delayed due to a covered direct loss.

 

American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) provides three different coverage parts to provide this coverage and each has its own schedule of coverages.

 

This analysis will review the IM 7061–Delay in Completion Coverage Part and its schedule.

IM 7079 and IM 7099 and how they differ from IM 7061 is discussed at the end of this article.

IM 7062–DELAY IN COMPLETION SCHEDULE

Jobsite

Covered jobsites must be entered in the space provided. IM 7096–Additional Delay in Completion Schedule is used if the number of jobsites to be covered cannot fit into the space this schedule provides.

Coverages

Two coverages are available. A limit must be entered for each coverage desired. Additional Soft Costs has spaces for a 30-Day Limit and an Occurrence Limit.

These are limited to Advertising, Design Fees, Financing, Lease Administration, Permit Fees, and Professional Fees as IM 7061 describes.

These are limited to Insurance Premiums, Interest Payments, Lease Expenses, and Realty Taxes as
IM 7061 describes.

Optional Coverages

Sewer Backup Coverage is the only optional coverage available. The box for coverage provided must be checked and a limit entered in the space provided if coverage is desired. The box for coverage not provided must be checked if coverage is not desired.

Coverage Extensions

There are four coverage extensions.

Coverage is provided. An entry is not required.

Coverage is provided. An entry is not required.

If more than the two weeks the coverage form provides is needed, the total number of weeks needed (not just the additional number of weeks) must be entered in the space provided.

If more than the 30 days the coverage form provides is needed, the total number of days needed (not just the additional number of days) must be entered in the space provided.

Supplemental Coverages

General Administration Expenses is the only supplemental coverage. A limit higher than the $50,000 limit the coverage form includes must be entered in the space provided.

Waiting Period

The number of days waiting period must be entered in the space provided that a waiting period is desired and the box checked. The waiting period may be waived by checking the box for waiting period does not apply.

IM 7061–DELAY IN COMPLETION COVERAGE PART ANALYSIS

Introduction

This is not just an endorsement. It is a coverage part. It opens by stating that its coverage is subject to the terms and conditions that are part of the specific sections in the applicable Builders’ Risk coverage form. Those sections are the following:

Because this form can be used with the IM 7054–Builders’ Risk Coverage–Rehabilitation and Renovation Form a statement is made that when this endorsement is attached to the IM 7054, the term “building or structure” is replaced by "rehabilitation and renovation project."

Additional Definitions

Three definitions are added.

1. Delay

An interruption in the constructing, fabricating, or erecting of a building or a structure. A covered peril must cause the interruption. Those interruptions that are due to change in orders, design changes, or other actions and are not related to direct physical loss or damage due to a covered peril are not considered delay.

2. Delay period

The amount of time that the construction, fabrication, or erection is delayed because of a covered direct physical loss. The coverage's expiration date does not limit the amount of time.

Delay period does not mean any of the following:

3. Expenses and losses

Expenses and costs described under Additional Construction Expenses and Additional Soft Costs. These apply to only the definition of expenses and losses if coverage for one or both of these is selected on the schedule of coverages.

Coverages

There are two coverages. They apply if there is an entry for them on the schedule of coverages.

1. Additional Construction Expenses

a. Coverage

Coverage applies for only those additional construction expenses incurred during a delay period.

b. Coverage Limitation

Coverage is restricted to only those expenses incurred because of a delay related to a building or structure at a jobsite listed on the schedule of coverages.

c. Additional Construction Expenses

Reasonable and necessary expenses that are related to the construction project are covered. The amount paid is the amount above that which would have been incurred had there been no delay period. The following are the only covered additional construction expenses:

Note: This means that expenses for professional services that began after the loss are excluded even if they were due to the period of delay and are reasonable and necessary.

d. Limit

The most paid in any one occurrence is the limit entered on the schedule of coverages.

 

Example: Dave's Delinquent Dwellings (DDD) constructs single-family homes and small apartment buildings. When a fire damaged one of its apartment buildings under construction, it delayed by three months it's being ready for the tenants who had already signed leases. The repairs that had to be done would take three months and require re-doing the leases based on the original proposed opening date. This coverage applied to the lease administration expenses DDD incurred to do so. Fortunately, every lease was re-done and none of the proposed tenants backed out of their previous commitments.

 

2. Additional Soft Costs

a. Coverage

Soft costs that are incurred during the delay period are covered.

b. Coverage Limitation

Only those soft costs that are incurred because of a delay that is related to a building or structure at a jobsite listed on the schedule of coverages are covered.

c. Soft Costs

Reasonable and necessary expenses that relate to the construction project and that are over and above those incurred had there been no delay period are considered soft costs. Only the following soft costs are covered:

d. Interest Payments Do Not Include

Any loss of ownership interest that occurs due to a delay in the project is not considered a covered soft cost.

 

Example: A contract, agreement, or law requires that payment of a finance agreement by a certain date or equity/ownership will be relinquished.

 

e. Limits

There are two limits for this coverage.

 

Example: Continuing the example above, Dave's Delinquent Dwellings (DDD) had to extend its Builders’ Risk Coverage an additional three months because of the delay, as well as the lease on the compressors and lifts it rented for this specific project. This coverage responded to the additional premium to extend the insurance and the additional rental charge for the equipment.

Optional Coverages

Provisions that Apply to Optional Coverage

There is one optional coverage. Its limit is separate from and not part of the limits that apply to the coverages listed above. It is the only limit available and is not added to the limit for expenses and losses. It is not added to or combined with limits for any other coverage extension or supplemental coverage.

Sewer Backup

1. Coverage

Coverage under this coverage part extends to apply to those expenses and loss incurred during a delay period caused by physical loss or damage to covered property caused by or that results from water or water-borne material due to any of the following:

·         Discharged through a sewer, drain, sump, or septic tank in any way

·         Below the ground's surface. Some examples are water or such material that applies pressure on or flows, seeps, or leaks through or into a covered building or structure, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool, or other structure.

2. Coverage Limitations

Coverage does not apply to delay when the loss or damage is caused by or results from the following:

·         Any escape from a sump pit that does not have a sump pump

·         Failing to properly maintain and repair sump pumps and related equipment

·         Failing to routinely maintain sewers and drains. This includes failing to remove obstructions in them when the named insured is responsible for such maintenance.

3. Limit

The most paid in any one occurrence is the Sewer Backup Limit on the schedule of coverages.

Coverage Extensions

These four coverage extensions are part of the limits that apply for the coverages listed above, not in addition to them.

1. Expenses to Reduce a Loss

Expenses that the named insured incurs during the delay period that will expedite repairing or replacing the part of the damaged covered property are covered but only for the amount that it actually reduces the amount of loss or damage otherwise payable.

 

Example: Continuing the example above, Dave's Delinquent Dwellings (DDD) took advantage of its relationship with its fixture supplier and moved to the top of the supplier's list by paying a $5,000 fee to immediately replace the fixtures destroyed in the fire. Doing so got DDD the replacement fixtures 30 days sooner, reduced the delay to two months, and the lost income loss was reduced by $10,000. Because the fee was less than the benefit obtained, the insurance company paid the $5,000 and saved itself $5,000 by having the delay reduced to two months. This also reduced DDD's Builders’ Risk other charges.

2. Ordinance or Law

a. Coverage

Ordinances, laws, or decrees may force an additional time delay. If so, this insurance covers expenses and losses related to that additional time delay but only for those ordinances, laws, or decrees that regulate the construction, repair of covered property, or its use. Coverage applies even for laws that require totally or partially demolishing the undamaged property.

b. Coverage Limitations

This coverage does not apply when the law was not in force at the time the loss occurred or that requires pollutants related action.

3. Interruption by Civil Authority

a. Coverage

Expenses and losses the named insured incurs because a civil authority issues an order that denies access to a covered building or structure is covered.

b. Coverage Limitations

The civil authority's order must be a result of direct physical loss or damage by a covered peril to property that is not at the named insured's jobsite.

c. Time Limitation

This coverage extension is limited to two consecutive weeks from the date of the order. This time period can be increased by entering a different time period on the schedule of coverages.

4. Limited Fungus Coverage

a. Coverage

This very limited coverage extends to the time during which construction is delayed due to a fungus caused direct physical loss or damage to a covered building or structure.

b. Coverage Limitations

The fungus must result from a non-fire or lightning specified peril or flood (if covered) that occurs during the policy period. A further limitation is that the named insured must have taken reasonable steps to protect the property from this type of damage at the time of the specified peril or flood.

Note: The reason damage due to fire or lightning is not covered is because the fungus is covered without limitation when caused by fire or lightning.

c. Time Limitation

The maximum number of days coverage provided is 30 days. The coverage may be needed because only the fungus damage caused the delay or because the fungus increased the time of the delay. Regardless, the maximum number of days, consecutive or not, is 30 unless increased on the schedule of coverages. 

Supplemental Coverages

There is one supplemental coverage. Its limit is separate from the limits for the coverages listed above, not part of them, and is the only limit available for it.

General Administration Expenses

1. Coverage

The costs of general administrative and overhead expenses because of additional clerical personnel, security costs, and other expenses that are incurred during the delay period.

2. Coverage Limitation

The only such expenses covered are those that are due to a delay in construction at a listed jobsite.

3. Expenses Means

The expenses must be reasonable and necessary, relate to construction activities on a covered building or structure, and be over and above those that would have been incurred had there been no delay period.

4. Limit

The most paid for general administration expenses in any one occurrence is $50,000 but the limit can be increased on the schedule of coverages.

 

Example: Dave's Delinquent Dwellings (DDD) also had to pay the costs to have security on the site for two extra months and the overtime pay to its employees to re-do the leases. DDD paid close attention to and kept meticulous records of every expense, regardless of the size, and was able to recover them from the insurance company.

Additional Perils Excluded

These excluded perils are in addition to those in the applicable Builders’ Risk Coverage Form. Any additional expenses, costs, or losses that are due to an increase in the delay period caused directly or indirectly by or that result from one or more of the following is not covered. These perils are excluded regardless of any other causes or events that contribute to the delay period, either before, during, or after the excluded cause or event.

1. Additional Time

There is no coverage when the reason for the additional time is that any part of a covered building or structure must be replaced or repaired due to any of the following:

Note: These are all indirect, consequential losses that the named insured cannot estimate or control. Several track with corresponding exclusions in the Builders' Risk Coverage Forms.

2. Change Order

Changes, orders, actions, or decisions that result in delays in completing the covered project when they are not associated with a covered direct damage loss.

3. Consequential Loss

Indirect or time element-type losses that follow a direct loss.

4. Customs Regulations

Expenses, costs, or losses that are due to any import, export, or customs regulations or restrictions.

5. Fire Extinguishment

The costs or expenses to extinguish a fire.

6. Interruption of Utility Service

Any expenses, costs, or losses that are due to the interruption of any utility service even though needed in order for a construction, erection, or fabrication project to proceed.

7. Lack of Funds

The inability of the named insured to finance the construction, erection, or fabrication project.

8. Leases, Licenses, Contracts, or Orders

Expenses, costs, or losses that are the result of the lease, license, contract, or order being suspended, canceled, or lapsing.  The exception is that the loss is covered if the reason for them being loss was a covered delay.

9. Property Not Covered

Loss or damage to property that is not covered property under the Builders’ Risk Coverage Form.

10. Strikes and Other Interference

Strikers or other persons interfering, at the site of the covered project, with its repairing or the replacing of covered property or resuming the construction activities.

11. Unnecessary Expenses

Expenses, costs, or losses that are considered unnecessary and that cost more the amount by which the loss is reduced because of them being incurred.

What Must Be Done In Case Of Loss

These terms are in addition to those that may apply in the applicable Builders' Risk Coverage Form.

1. Due Diligence to Rebuild or Restore

Only expenses and losses that occur during the time required to rebuild or restore the damaged building or structure with similar materials are covered. The named insured must exercise due diligence and take reasonable steps to minimize the expenses and losses.

2. Interference and Access

a. Minimize Interference

The named insured must minimize interfering with the construction schedule in order to avoid or reduce delays.

b. Allow Access

The named insured must let the insurance company have access to the covered building or structure to negotiate with any parties involved to do the following:

How Much We Pay

These terms are in addition to those that may apply in the applicable Builders’ Risk Coverage Form.

1. Deductible

Deductibles normally apply only to direct damage losses so having a deductible within this endorsement is unusual. Only the Additional Construction Expenses and the General Administration Expenses are subject to it. These expenses are combined with the direct damage costs of the builders’ risk coverage form to meet the coverage form deductible before payment is made. There remains only a single deductible and once that is satisfied there is no other deductible for these items.

2. Waiting Period

The soft costs are subject to a waiting period, which is a different type of deductible. The schedule of coverages must state a number of days. This endorsement will not pay any soft costs incurred during those initial days.

Additional Conditions

This condition is in addition to other terms that may apply in the applicable Builders’ Risk Coverage Form.

 

Appraisal for Delay in Completion

If the named insured and the insurance company do not agree on the amount of loss or expenses, the two parties must work together using Other Conditions–Appraisal in the applicable Builders’ Risk Coverage Form.

IM 7079–DELAY IN COMPLETION COVERAGE PART – INCLUDES RENTAL INCOME AND INCOME COVERAGE

 

1. IM 7080–Delay In Completion Schedule–Includes Rental Income And Income Coverage is identical to
IM 7062–Delay In Completion Schedule except that Rental Income and Income Coverage are listed in the Coverages Section and require both a 30-day limit and an occurrence Limit.

2. The coverage provided by IM 7079 to IM 7061 is identical except for the rental income and income coverage being provided. The changes due to the addition of those coverages are as follows:

Additional Definitions

The term Business is added and is defined as the anticipated business or occupancy upon completion of the covered building or structure.

The term Expenses and Losses is modified to be both the expenses and costs described in Additional Construction Expenses and Additional Soft Costs but also the loss of income as described under Rental Income and Income Coverage.

Coverages

Rental Income is added as a coverage that can be selected on the schedule of coverages.

The actual rental income that is incurred during the delay period is covered. However, it is restricted to only the income lost that is related to the building or structure at a jobsite listed on the schedule of coverages. Expenses that do not continue or that are not incurred are deducted from the loss of income before payment is made.

There are two limits. The first is the single 30-day time period and the second is single occurrence limit. No more than the 30-day limit will be paid in a single 30-day time period. However, no more than the occurrence limit will be paid for the entire period of the loss.

Income Coverage is added as a coverage that can be selected on the schedule of coverages.

The actual net income loss that incurs during a delay period is paid. There are two types of covered income. The first is the actual loss of net income that the business that was to occupy the building or structure being built would have earned. It also pays for continuing expenses that are normally incurred, such as payroll expense.

The second type is the loss of income because of a delay related to a building or structure at a jobsite listed on
the schedule of coverages.

There are two limits. The first is the single 30-day time period and the second is single occurrence limit. No more than the 30-day limit will be paid in a single 30-day time period. However, no more than the occurrence limit will be paid for the entire period of the loss.

 

Example: Melody’s Best is out six months of rental income from the proposed tenants because of the loss and the subsequent delay in opening. This coverage responds to that fact and reimburses Melody’s for the income it will not receive because of that delay.

What Must be Done in Case of Loss

The Intent to Start or Continue Business item is added that requires the named insured to start or continue work as soon as possible. This applies only if the named insured plans on doing so following a loss.

Valuation

The following valuation item is added

The insurance company considers three general areas as it determines an income coverage loss:

How Much We Pay

The Waiting Period item is expanded to include loss of rental income and loss of net income.

IM 7060–DELAY IN COMPLETION COVERAGE PART–GREEN BUILDING FORM

1. IM 7099–Delay In Completion Schedule–Green Building Form is identical to IM 7080–Delay In Completion Schedule–Includes Rental Income And Income Coverage except that Energy Generating Income is listed on the schedule in the Coverages Section, references are made to the Green Coverage Extension and a selection can be made for an Alternate Certification Company.

2. The coverage provided by IM 7060 is identical to the IM 7079–Delay In Completion Coverage Part – Includes Rental Income And Income Coverage except for the added green building coverages. The changes due to the green coverage additions are as follows:

Additional Definitions

Expenses and Losses definition is changed to include loss of income from Energy Generating Income.

The following definitions are added:

Green Certification

A building's certification based on an environmental rating system. These systems evaluate the building's performance and sustainability through positive environmental design, operation, and management.

LEED or Green Globes are the standard but if an alternative certification is used, that Alternative Certification Company may be entered in the space provided on IM 7099. A building's certification as green is based on the environmental rating system that determines the performance and sustainability of the building through positive environmental design, operation, and management that company establishes.

Renewable Energy Generating Equipment

Equipment that generates electricity by using renewable resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal energy, low impact hydro, bio-mass, or bio-gas systems.

Water Conservation System

A water reclamation and conservation system. The plumbing system, underground pipes and pumps, reservoirs, holding tanks, and structures that collect rainwater and/or groundwater are all considered part of this system. However, in order to be considered part of the system, they must be at or within 500 feet of a covered building or structure and be designed to circulate gray water, groundwater, or rainwater to a building's non-potable water supply, an onsite water treatment facility, or an outdoor irrigation holding facility. Equipment that is intended solely landscape irrigation is not included unless it is part of the overall water reclamation and conservation system.

Coverages

The following four coverages are changed

Green Coverage Extension is added. This provides coverage for additional construction expenses incurred during the delay needed to return the building to the level of green certification that was incorporated into the building or structure's design.

There is no coverage for additional time the named insured must use in order to achieve a higher level of certification.

Professional fees is changed to specifically not provide coverage for such fees incurred for a green certification.

Green Coverage Extension is added. This provides coverage for additional construction expenses incurred during the delay needed to return the building to the level of green certification that was incorporated into the building or structure's design.

There is no coverage for additional time the named insured must use in order to achieve a higher level of certification.

Green Coverage Extension is added. This provides coverage for additional construction expenses incurred during the delay needed to return the building to the level of green certification that was incorporated into the building or structure's design.

There is no coverage for additional time the named insured must use in order to achieve a higher level of certification.

Green Coverage Extension is added. This provides coverage for additional construction expenses incurred during the delay needed to return the building to the level of green certification that was incorporated into the building or structure's design.

There is no coverage for additional time the named insured must use in order to achieve a higher level of certification.

Energy Generating Income is added as a new coverage

The actual loss of surplus power income incurred during the delay period is covered. This applies only if a direct physical loss or damage by a covered peril to building or structure delays the renewable energy generating equipment from becoming operational.

The surplus power income includes both credits and rebates.

Coverage applies only if the damaged building or structure is on the jobsite listed on the schedule of coverages.

Coverage applies only if the named insured had a documented plan that explained how the surplus power would be generated and how it would be sold before the loss occurred.

Note: Hopes and dreams are not covered.

Surplus Power is defined as income the named insured expected to earn for transferring surplus electricity from its renewable energy generating equipment to a public utility.

The most paid in a single occurrence is the Energy Generating Income Limit on the schedule of coverages.

Supplemental Coverages

General Administration Expenses is modified by the Green Coverage Extension which provides coverage for additional construction expenses incurred during the delay needed to return the building to the level of green certification that was incorporated into the building or structure's design.

There is no coverage for additional time the named insured must use in order to achieve a higher level of certification.

How Much We Pay

Waiting Period is changed by adding the loss of energy generating income into the descriptive paragraph.