Zurich North America launches Construction Weather Parametric Insurance

Innovative solution for owners and contractors responds to severe weather events that can delay work, even if the project does not sustain physical damage.

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Zurich North America

Jan 05, 2021, 09:39 ET

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Jan. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As severe weather events grow in frequency and severity across the U.S., the risk of construction delays not covered by traditional Builders Risk insurance policies intensifies. To help fill this gap, Zurich North America has launched Construction Weather Parametric Insurance for project owners and contractors.

Traditional insurance products such as Builders Risk policies offer valuable protection for financial losses related to weather events, but only when those events cause physical loss or damage to a project. Zurich's Construction Weather Parametric policy doesn't require physical loss or damage for a claim to be paid.

Instead, claim payment is based on predetermined weather events occurring in the project's location, such as extreme rain, wind or temperatures (hot or cold). Any of these perils can cause project delays, resulting in severe financial losses, even when the project doesn't sustain physical damage. The coverage is highly customizable for the buyer —contractor or owner — with options to help optimize cost-effectiveness for customers who face varying consequences if a project is delayed. An owner, for example, could incur heavy revenue losses from operating profits that aren't being realized. A contractor who misses project deadlines could suffer penalties, including liquidated damages, as well as incur additional expenses.

"We are proud to offer this solution as a complement to our newly enhanced suite of Master Builders Risk and Project Builders Risk policy forms, which include flexible reporting options, as well as several new coverage enhancements attuned to today's evolving marketplace," said Kelly Kinzer, Head of Construction Property for Zurich North America.

"These innovative products demonstrate why Zurich has been a trusted leader in the construction space for 25 years. The Zurich Construction team is committed to putting our extensive knowledge, experience and financial strength to work for contractors and owners."

With Zurich Construction Weather Parametric Insurance, the perils, thresholds, limit, deductible and coverage duration can be individually tailored to meet the needs of the buyer. The threshold options for each peril are based on historical weather data at the location of the project. Parametric customers can purchase coverage for one or more weather perils, and coverage duration can be tailored to peak season for the weather risk and pegged to milestones in the construction schedule.

A simplified claims process helps expedite payouts. Because payment is based on objective weather data, there is little need to investigate the loss. Coverage responds as long as the trigger event occurs, the project is impacted within the agreed-upon dates, and the deductible has been met.

To learn more, read "Weather Parametric Insurance for Construction: Building Resilience for the Future."

About Zurich
Zurich North America is one of the largest providers of insurance solutions and services to businesses and individuals. Our customers represent industries ranging from agriculture to technology. Zurich North America is part of Zurich Insurance Group, a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. Read more here.

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SOURCE Zurich North America