Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to change insurance carriers, it pays to go with a company that has experience and knowledge in providing insurance for the construction industry. These days you can purchase insurance on your own or go through a local agent. Online options allow you to purchase and bind your insurance within minutes. Using an agent allows you to compare insurance companies, coverages, and costs, selecting the best one for you.
We’ve put together a list of the 10 best construction insurance companies. It’s always recommended that you do your own research or use an agent to help you select the best insurer for your situation.
Best construction insurance companies
1. The Hartford
The Hartford provides insurance for a variety of contractor types, including plumbers, electricians, painters, and carpenters.
They offer a full range of business insurance policies, including general liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and umbrella. They also have a dedicated team of underwriters with expertise specifically for the construction industry. And they offer risk specialists to help your business minimize losses.
You can get a price quote online, and bundle coverage as needed. However, policies are sold through agents, so you’ll have to contact one of them when you are ready to start coverage. The Hartford does not provide coverage in Alaska, Hawaii, or New Jersey.
2. Pathpoint
Pathpoint provides instant quotes and coverage for small contractors (under $2 million in revenue and up to $400,000 in payroll). They provide general liability, property, subcontractor, and cyber protection. They welcome new contractors.
Quotes are only available online and the application takes only minutes to complete. You can bind a policy instantly if you need immediate coverage.
3. Next
If you need contractors’ insurance fast, Next Insurance may be the company for you.
They offer 100% online policy quotes and purchase, and coverage can be effective immediately. Policies offered include general and professional liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and tools and equipment.
Next does not offer specialty coverage, like builders’ risk or pollution liability.
You can request a quote, purchase insurance, and get insurance certificates from their website, or you can talk to a customer service agent if you prefer. Next does not provide coverage in New York or Washington, D.C.
4. Nationwide
Nationwide Insurance provides specialized coverage packages to cover the risks that contractors face every day. Policy options include general liability, errors and omissions/professional liability, builders’ risk, equipment, workers’ compensation, inland marine, and surety and fidelity bonds. They are known for providing specialized coverage in high-risk industries, like construction and healthcare. Find an agent by clicking the button below, or by phone at 1-888-490-1549.
5. Hiscox
Hiscox provides specialty insurance packages designed specifically for construction professionals. Its low rates and flexible payment options are attractive to new businesses. They cover a variety of construction contractors, as well as design professionals like architects and engineers. Their general contractor package includes professional liability, contractor’s pollution, protective indemnity, and rectification coverage. It comes with optional crime, cyber risk, general liability, and technology coverage.
Policies can be purchased online or through a customer service agent. Coverage can be bound immediately for instant coverage. Hiscox is not available in Alaska.
6. Travelers
Travelers Insurance has a variety of coverages available for contractors and design professionals. The packages include standard coverages, as well as business income, and owner’s and contractor’s protective liability policies. Contractors can purchase basic coverages and add on specialty endorsements or higher limits as needed.
Purchases can be made only through an insurance agent. Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington DC.
7. Builders Mutual Insurance
Builders Mutual Insurance specializes in insurance for construction contractors and design professionals. A variety of policy types are available, including standard commercial insurance, inland marine, crime, commercial automobile, builders’ risk, and umbrella.
To purchase a policy, you must go through an agent. Builders Mutual provides coverage in the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States.
8. Zurich
Zurich Insurance provides worldwide coverage for contractors. Its offerings include general liability, property liability, wrap-up policies, umbrella, workers’ compensation, pollution liability, automobile, and surety bonds. Their years of experience in the industry can help you lower your risk for claims and prevent costly damages.
Contact an agent to purchase Zurich Insurance.
9. Thimble
Thimble Insurance provides coverage for a variety of professions and activities in the construction industry. It can be purchased to cover the job, the month, or the year with flexible options. Builders risk is not included in the coverage available from Thimble.
You can get a quote, purchase insurance, and get a certificate of insurance all through the Thimble app.
10. CNA
CNA Insurance offers custom coverage specifically for contractors, with a specialized team available to handle contractor issues. Policies available include standard liability, commercial auto, contractors’ professional liability, pollution, cyber, equipment, umbrella, and excess liability.
CNA can only be purchased through an agent.
What types of insurance do construction companies need?
Depending on the type of work you provide, you may need a variety of insurance types. Contractors are usually required to provide, at a minimum, general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial automobile insurance. Below is a list of the most common insurance that contractors may need to carry. Certain states and customers may require you to provide additional coverage, depending on the scope you’re providing and your role in the project.
- General liability insurance protects businesses from loss due to theft, accidents, vandalism, third-party injuries, and legal actions.
- Workers’ compensation insurance protects employees in case they are injured or get an illness on the job. It covers costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Professional Liability Insurance covers a contractor or design firm if they make a mistake in their professional services.
- Equipment rental insurance covers damage to equipment and tools you rent from a rental company.
- Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage when the limits of other policies are met. It can be used as an extension of any policy.
- Inland marine insurance usually protects tools and equipment that are not stored at the business location. This includes tools and equipment that are stored in vehicles or on a job site.
- Builders risk insurance protects work that has been installed on the job until the job is complete and the owner’s insurance takes over.
How much does it cost to insure a construction company?
The cost of insurance is based on a number of factors, so it’s hard to give an estimate. Agents and insurance providers look at the following to determine your rate:
- Amount of coverage needed
- Deductible
- Location of work
- Claims history
Some insurance companies will provide a quote over the phone or online. With others, you must contact an agent to purchase a policy. Both may require you to provide company information, like your claims history and financial statements. They may also ask for a list of projects completed and resumes for each of your key employees.
An agent can get quotes from multiple insurance companies, allowing you to shop and compare coverages. Agents can also be helpful if you aren’t sure exactly what coverage you need or need other assistance making a purchase.
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