Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Metal theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. Copper, aluminum, nickel, stainless steel and scrap iron have become the desired target of thieves looking to make a quick buck.
Of particular concern is copper, which is found in gutters, flashings, downspouts, water lines and electrical wiring – all of which can be quickly stripped from vacant buildings, industrial facilities, commercial buildings and construction sites. Air conditioning units are especially attractive, and are often tampered with or stolen for their copper coils and pipes that connect to HVAC systems. The metal is then sold to recycling companies and scrap yards for a tidy profit.
Common Targets
Subcontractors who store material on jobsites overnight are a common target for metal theft. Typically, subcontractors are designated specific areas on jobsites for their product waiting to be installed. And, it remains common for this material to be stored over multiple nights. Electricians often leave copper wiring; HVAC contractors can store duct work; and, plumbing contractors may store valuable fixtures. Exposure to theft can come from employees of other trade contractors on the site, as well as professionals who monitor the job, picking the right time and place to strike.
Preventing Metal Theft
To combat theft of materials, many states and municipalities have passed laws tightening the restrictions on scrap dealers. In some instances, purchases of scrap metal are required to be held in reserve for a week or more before being resold in case they have been stolen. In other instances, states require dealers to record the seller’s name, address and driver's license.
Another approach to prevent metal theft involves reducing exposure to risk at the jobsite. Examples can include:
Installing security cameras with video recordings that are maintained for sufficient periods of time.
Securing all equipment and scrap metals in locked buildings or in properly lit areas secured by fencing.
Posting "No Trespassing" placards or signs indicating the presence of a surveillance or security system.
Removing access to buildings and roofs, such as trees, ladders, scaffolding, dumpsters and accumulated materials such as pallet piles.
Securing your building access with deadbolts on doors and window locks.
Increasing exterior lighting and protecting fixtures (such as AC units) with locked metal cages.
Protecting Contractors’ Equipment on the Jobsite
Insurance for contractors that wish to transfer risk of theft at jobsites is commonly seen with Installation Floaters and Builder’s Risk policies.
Installation Floaters cover business personal property and materials that will be installed, fabricated or erected by a contractor while away from their premises. They extend coverage to the property until the installation work is accepted by the purchaser or when the insured's interest in the installed property ceases.
Builder’s Risk policies protect insurable interest in materials, fixtures and/or equipment being used in the construction or renovation of a building. While trade contractors can be held responsible for securing a Builder’s Risk policy, it is more typical that general contractors and/or building owners carry these policies during the course of construction. As a result, these policy terms fluctuate based on the length and scope of each project.
Rely on your insurance advisor to discuss these and other exposures to risk on jobsites. In advance, consider the amount of product stored at any jobsite at one time, the amount of product that can be at risk in transit, the value of product stored offsite (i.e., storage units) and the protections in place that secure your product. These will offer your broker, and ultimately the underwriter, key information in developing the right program for coverage.
For more information, contact Rancho Mesa at (619) 937-0164.