Knowledge Corner

Last week, TSIB explored why Completed Operations coverage was important and who it affects. This week, we want to discuss the key time periods of completed operations.

It’s important to remember that Completed Operations is coverage that keeps you insured after the project has ended. It is a component of your General Liability policy that covers property damage and bodily injury claims. This coverage picks up your exposure for work that was installed incorrectly, or otherwise defective work that gives rise to property damage or bodily injury claim.

Completed Operations coverage is based on the following two key time periods: State of Repose and Statutes of Limitations.

Statutes of Repose

A Statute of Repose is a limitation on a party’s right to pursue legal action after a specified time period has elapsed, regardless of when the injuries or damages actually occurred. In construction, the statute typically begins from the time of completion of the project. The statue depends on the state to determine coverage, how long, and whom the statute protects.

Typically, the Statute of Repose is between 4 years and 10 years; but in New York, it is not time limited. To check what your state’s Statue of Repose is click here.

Statutes of Limitations

The Statute of Limitation is different from a Statute of Repose because the time of limitation does not begin until the injury or damage actually occurs. Limitation periods could range anywhere from 2 years to 10 years depending on the state. Similar to the Statues of Repose, these statutes vary widely from state to state with regards to limitations periods and how they apply.

If you have any additional questions regarding Completed Operations and their time periods or any other insurance policies, TSIB is ready to help! Give us a call at 201-267-7500.

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