Neutral’s Post

The insurance landscape for mass timber construction has evolved significantly over the last few years. Neutral has recently contributed to WoodWorks's new Mass Timber Insurance Playbook (MTIP) adopted for the United States. This comprehensive framework, developed through collaboration between insurance carriers, developers, and industry experts, addresses a critical market need. Mass timber creates distinct insurance considerations for owners, particularly its combustible and hygroscopic nature. While the material's natural charring process provides inherent fire protection, limited loss history data leads insurers to take conservative underwriting approaches. This reality necessitates enhanced safety protocols not typically required for non-combustible construction: comprehensive moisture management plans, heightened site security measures during construction, and navigation of varying building codes that can affect coverage terms. The success of mass timber projects hinges on early planning and strategic risk management. Insurance carriers require detailed documentation 8-10 months before construction, including moisture management protocols, site security measures, and construction sequencing. Major carriers like Zurich Insurance have developed standardized approaches, now adopted by CNA Insurance, Chubb, and AXA XL for quota-share arrangements, streamlining the process for experienced development teams. You can find the new MTIP at the link in the description below, with a summary of the MTIP on our website. #MassTimber #Construction #RiskManagement #Insurance #CommercialRealEstate #Development

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