Confirm XCU Coverage in Demolition Contractor Insurance

Steps

1. Before binding a general liability policy for demolition work, confirm explicitly whether Explosion, Collapse, and Underground (XCU) hazards are covered or excluded — some CGL forms still carry an X, C, U exclusion endorsement rather than the now-standard inclusion.
2. If underground utility strikes, structural collapse, or blasting/explosion damage are realistic exposures for the project, get written confirmation from the carrier/broker that XCU exposures are covered under the policy as issued.
3. Match the policy's collapse and underground definitions to the actual demolition means and methods planned, since some policies narrow these definitions in ways that could exclude specific techniques.
4. Review the project contract's insurance requirements to confirm the owner/GC's required minimum limits and XCU-inclusion language are actually met by the policy, not assumed from a generic certificate.
5. Request a copy of the actual policy form and endorsements (not just the certificate of insurance) for high-risk demolition scopes, since a certificate alone won't show whether an XCU exclusion endorsement has been added.