Insurance Security Requirements

It depends on your carrier, your policy type, and how well the system is documented. Many carriers give credit for documented site surveillance, and fully monitored systems tend to be viewed more favorably. Jobsite theft is a recurring source of claims, which is why insurers look closely at site surveillance. Ask your broker what your carrier credits, then plug your own numbers into the calculator above.

Insurance companies typically require: security system specifications, documentation of 24/7 monitoring (self-monitoring with real-time alerts, or a third-party monitoring agreement), site security assessment, incident response procedures, equipment maintenance records, and training certificates. If your system uses audio, keep Washington's Privacy Act (RCW 9.73.030) in mind: recording or transmitting a private conversation requires the consent of everyone in it. Most jobsite deployments record video only and use speakers for one-way warnings, and any two-way exchange should open with an announcement that is itself recorded. See our guide to Washington security camera laws.

Timing depends on your carrier and how quickly they review your documentation, so send it to your broker as soon as the system is running. Many insurers now require surveillance trailers for construction projects, and some won't insure projects without them, especially for high-value builds in Washington state.

Builder's risk tends to benefit most, because theft and vandalism of materials on site are core builder's risk exposures. Equipment coverage, general liability, and commercial property policies can benefit as well. Construction businesses typically pay 1-4% of project cost for insurance, so security is one of the few levers you have on that cost.

Not all of them, and terms vary, so ask your broker. Many major commercial carriers do offer a credit for documented security systems. The insurance industry increasingly requires surveillance trailers for construction projects. With Washington state experiencing high property crime rates, documented security measures are essential for coverage approval.