As a contractor, you're responsible for coordinating projects, managing subcontractors, meeting deadlines, and keeping job sites safe. While you focus on delivering successful projects, the right insurance coverage can help protect your business from unexpected losses and liability exposures.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we help contractors secure customized insurance solutions designed to protect their operations, employees, equipment, and reputation.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we help contractors secure customized insurance solutions designed to protect their operations, employees, equipment, and reputation.
What Is Contractor Insurance?
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Contractors Insurance is a customized package of coverages designed to protect construction businesses from financial losses resulting from accidents, lawsuits, property damage, employee injuries, and other business-related risks.
Every contractor has different exposures based on their trade, project size, equipment, and workforce. That's why we work with you to develop an insurance program tailored to your specific operations. |
Who Needs Contractor Insurance?
Insurance is essential for contractors of all sizes, including:
Whether you're overseeing a single project or managing multiple job sites, proper insurance protection is critical.
- Commercial Contractors
- Residential Contractors
- Construction Management Firms
- Design-Build Contractors
- Remodeling Contractors
- Specialty Trade Contractors
- Developers and Builders
- Tenant Improvement Contractors
Whether you're overseeing a single project or managing multiple job sites, proper insurance protection is critical.
Types of coverage you should consider
When it comes to protecting your business, having the right insurance coverages is essential for contractors in industries like janitorial, HVAC, landscaping, and plumbing. Here’s a breakdown of the key types of coverage you should consider:
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This coverage is crucial for any contractor, as it protects against
third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. For example, if a client or bystander gets injured on a job site, or if you accidentally damage someone’s property while performing services, general liability insurance helps cover legal fees, repair costs, medical expenses, and any settlements or judgments. General Liability Insurance helps protect your business against claims involving:
Many clients, project owners, and municipalities require proof of General Liability Insurance before work can begin.
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Many construction projects require contractors to meet specific insurance requirements before work can begin. Project owners, developers, general contractors, and government agencies often include insurance provisions in their contracts.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we can help you understand these requirements and ensure your policy includes the endorsements needed to comply with your contracts.
Common General Liability requirements may include:
Additional Insured Endorsements
Many contracts require contractors to add a project owner, general contractor, property manager, or other party as an Additional Insured on their General Liability policy.
An Additional Insured endorsement extends certain liability protection to the designated party for claims arising out of your work. The standard Additional Insured endorsement protects the other party for claims arising out of your current or ongoing operations (i.e. a job in progress). Some contracts require Additional Insured protection for completed operations as well - meaning after the work is completed. Additional Insured endorsements are often added for an additional premium cost. These endorsements are written on a named basis or on an "automatic when required by contract" basis.
Contract holders often require that the Additional Insureds be written on a "primary and non-contributory" basis, meaning that the Additional Insured protection that your policy provides will respond first and not seek contribution from other available insurance policies.
Waiver of Subrogation
A Waiver of Subrogation endorsement is another common contractual requirement in the construction industry. In this endorsement, your insurer agrees to waive its right to seek reimbursement (or subrogate) from another party after paying a covered claim. Similar to Additional Insureds, Waiver of Subrogation endorsements are written on a named basis or on an "automatic when required by contract" basis.
Our experienced commercial insurance team can review your contracts, explain common insurance requirements, and help ensure your General Liability policy includes the endorsements necessary to keep your projects moving forward with confidence.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we can help you understand these requirements and ensure your policy includes the endorsements needed to comply with your contracts.
Common General Liability requirements may include:
- Additional Insured endorsements
- Waiver of Subrogation endorsements
- Primary and Non-Contributory wording
- Specific liability limits
- Certificates of Insurance (COIs)
- Completed Operations coverage
- Contractual Liability coverage
Additional Insured Endorsements
Many contracts require contractors to add a project owner, general contractor, property manager, or other party as an Additional Insured on their General Liability policy.
An Additional Insured endorsement extends certain liability protection to the designated party for claims arising out of your work. The standard Additional Insured endorsement protects the other party for claims arising out of your current or ongoing operations (i.e. a job in progress). Some contracts require Additional Insured protection for completed operations as well - meaning after the work is completed. Additional Insured endorsements are often added for an additional premium cost. These endorsements are written on a named basis or on an "automatic when required by contract" basis.
Contract holders often require that the Additional Insureds be written on a "primary and non-contributory" basis, meaning that the Additional Insured protection that your policy provides will respond first and not seek contribution from other available insurance policies.
Waiver of Subrogation
A Waiver of Subrogation endorsement is another common contractual requirement in the construction industry. In this endorsement, your insurer agrees to waive its right to seek reimbursement (or subrogate) from another party after paying a covered claim. Similar to Additional Insureds, Waiver of Subrogation endorsements are written on a named basis or on an "automatic when required by contract" basis.
Our experienced commercial insurance team can review your contracts, explain common insurance requirements, and help ensure your General Liability policy includes the endorsements necessary to keep your projects moving forward with confidence.
Your responsibility doesn't always end when the project is finished. Bodily injury and property damage claims may arise months or even years after the work has been completed.
Completed Operations coverage, which is generally included as part of a General Liability policy, can help protect your business if your completed work causes:
This coverage helps provide peace of mind long after the job is complete.
Completed Operations coverage, which is generally included as part of a General Liability policy, can help protect your business if your completed work causes:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
- Legal defense costs
- Covered lawsuits
- Repair-related liability claims
This coverage helps provide peace of mind long after the job is complete.
If you have employees, then you are most likely exposed to Workers' Compensation claims. Workers’ Compensation insurance is legally required in most states. Construction remains one of the highest-risk industries for workplace injuries. The average cost for a Work Comp claim nationally is about $50,000 including medical benefits and lost-time from work.
When an employee is injured in a work-related accident, Workers' Compensation Insurance covers:
When an employee is injured in a work-related accident, Workers' Compensation Insurance covers:
- Medical expenses
- Lost-time from work
- Rehabilitation costs
- Additional Liability claims arising from the injury
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Contractors often rely on vehicles to transport tools, equipment, and materials. Commercial auto insurance covers your business-owned vehicles in case of an accident, theft, or damage. It also provides liability coverage if your vehicle causes injury or property damage to others.
Whether you're transporting tools, equipment, or employees, company vehicles face risks every day. Commercial Auto Insurance covers:
Coverage can be customized for fleets of any size. |
Professional Liability Insurance, also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance, helps protect contractors against claims arising from professional services, recommendations, or designs provided during a project.
Even the most experienced contractors can face allegations of mistakes, oversights, or professional errors. If a client claims that your professional services caused financial harm, this coverage can help protect your business by covering legal defense costs and other covered expenses.
This coverage is especially important for contractors who provide professional guidance or specialized expertise, including:
What Professional Liability Insurance Can Help CoverProfessional Liability Insurance may help protect your business from claims involving:
When your expertise is part of the service you provide, Professional Liability Insurance offers an added layer of protection for your business, finances, and reputation.
Even the most experienced contractors can face allegations of mistakes, oversights, or professional errors. If a client claims that your professional services caused financial harm, this coverage can help protect your business by covering legal defense costs and other covered expenses.
This coverage is especially important for contractors who provide professional guidance or specialized expertise, including:
- HVAC system design
- Plumbing consultation
- Project planning
- Design-build services
- Construction management
- Technical recommendations
What Professional Liability Insurance Can Help CoverProfessional Liability Insurance may help protect your business from claims involving:
- Alleged negligence
- Errors in professional services
- Omissions or oversights
- Design-related issues
- Financial losses claimed by clients
- Legal defense costs
When your expertise is part of the service you provide, Professional Liability Insurance offers an added layer of protection for your business, finances, and reputation.
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Your tools and equipment are the backbone of your business. Whether you're working on a construction site, at a customer's property, or transporting equipment between jobs, a loss can lead to costly delays and unexpected expenses.
Tools & Equipment Coverage helps protect your business by covering the repair or replacement of covered tools and equipment that are lost, stolen, or damaged. This coverage is especially valuable for contractors who rely on specialized equipment to keep projects moving and meet deadlines. Coverage is available for:
Protection may extend to equipment while it is:
With the right coverage in place, you can minimize downtime, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and get back to work quickly when unexpected losses occur. |
Your building, office, warehouse, and business property are essential to keeping your operations running smoothly. Unexpected events such as fire, theft, vandalism, or certain weather-related incidents can result in costly repairs, replacements, and business disruptions.
Property Insurance helps protect the physical assets your business depends on every day.
This coverage may help protect:
Property Insurance can help cover losses resulting from:
For contractors who operate from a central office, warehouse, or storage location, this coverage can provide valuable financial protection and help your business recover quickly after an unexpected loss.
Property Insurance helps protect the physical assets your business depends on every day.
This coverage may help protect:
- Office buildings
- Warehouses
- Storage facilities
- Business personal property
- Furniture and fixtures
- Computers and office equipment
- Inventory and supplies
- Contractor-owned equipment stored on-site
Property Insurance can help cover losses resulting from:
- Fire and smoke damage
- Theft and burglary
- Vandalism
- Wind and hail damage
- Certain water-related losses
- Covered property damage events
For contractors who operate from a central office, warehouse, or storage location, this coverage can provide valuable financial protection and help your business recover quickly after an unexpected loss.
Many construction projects require contractors to obtain bonds before work can begin. Bonds provide financial assurance to project owners, government agencies, and clients that contractual obligations will be fulfilled according to the terms of the agreement.
Being bonded demonstrates financial responsibility and can help your business qualify for larger projects and competitive bidding opportunities.
Contractor bonds may be required for:
Common types of contractor bonds include:
Contractor bonds help provide protection when:
Whether you're pursuing public contracts or expanding into larger commercial projects, obtaining the proper bonding can help strengthen your credibility and provide clients with confidence in your ability to successfully complete the work.
Being bonded demonstrates financial responsibility and can help your business qualify for larger projects and competitive bidding opportunities.
Contractor bonds may be required for:
- Public works projects
- Government contracts
- Municipal projects
- Commercial construction projects
- Licensing requirements
- Contract performance obligations
Common types of contractor bonds include:
- Bid Bonds
- Performance Bonds
- Payment Bonds
- Maintenance Bonds
- License and Permit Bonds
Contractor bonds help provide protection when:
- Contractual obligations are not met
- Work is not completed as agreed
- Suppliers or subcontractors are not paid
- Licensing requirements must be satisfied
Whether you're pursuing public contracts or expanding into larger commercial projects, obtaining the proper bonding can help strengthen your credibility and provide clients with confidence in your ability to successfully complete the work.
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For contractors in industries like landscaping, plumbing, or HVAC, pollution liability insurance covers environmental damage caused by your operations. If you accidentally spill hazardous substances or improperly dispose of waste, this coverage can help protect you from costly cleanup and legal claims.
Each of these coverages plays a critical role in safeguarding your business from unexpected risks and ensuring you can continue providing quality services without the worry of financial setbacks. Let us help you tailor a comprehensive insurance package that meets the unique needs of your contracting business. Environmental exposures can arise during many types of contracting operations, even for businesses that do not consider themselves high-risk. Accidental releases of pollutants, improper waste disposal, or contamination caused by construction activities can lead to significant cleanup costs, legal expenses, and liability claims. Pollution Liability Insurance helps protect contractors from the financial impact of environmental incidents related to their operations. This coverage may be especially important for:
Pollution Liability Insurance can help provide protection for:
Covered incidents may include:
Environmental claims can be costly and complex. Pollution Liability Insurance can help contractors address unexpected environmental risks while protecting their business, reputation, and financial stability. By incorporating this coverage into a comprehensive insurance program, contractors can better manage potential liabilities and focus on completing projects with confidence. |
Builders Risk Insurance helps protect construction projects while work is in progress.
Coverage may help protect:
Builders Risk coverage is often required by project owners and lenders.
Coverage may help protect:
- Structures under construction
- Building materials
- Temporary structures
- Certain project-related losses
Builders Risk coverage is often required by project owners and lenders.
Large claims can quickly exceed the limits of standard liability policies.
Umbrella Insurance provides an additional layer of liability protection above underlying policies, helping protect your business from catastrophic losses and expensive lawsuits.
Meeting Contract Requirements
Construction contracts often contain complex insurance requirements.
We can help contractors satisfy requirements such as:
Our team understands the insurance requirements common in today's construction industry.
Umbrella Insurance provides an additional layer of liability protection above underlying policies, helping protect your business from catastrophic losses and expensive lawsuits.
Meeting Contract Requirements
Construction contracts often contain complex insurance requirements.
We can help contractors satisfy requirements such as:
- Additional Insured endorsements
- Waivers of Subrogation
- Primary and Non-Contributory wording
- Certificates of Insurance
- Higher liability limits
- Bond requirements
Our team understands the insurance requirements common in today's construction industry.
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Risk Management for Contractors
Preventing losses is just as important as insuring them.
We help contractors evaluate risks related to:
Strong risk management practices can help reduce claims and control insurance costs. |
As your business grows, so do your responsibilities as an employer.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) helps protect your company against employment-related claims such as:
Whether you employ a small crew or a large workforce, EPLI can provide valuable protection against costly employment claims.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) helps protect your company against employment-related claims such as:
- Wrongful termination
- Discrimination
- Harassment
- Retaliation
- Failure to promote
- Employment-related legal defense costs
Whether you employ a small crew or a large workforce, EPLI can provide valuable protection against costly employment claims.
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Today's contractors rely on technology to manage estimates, payroll, invoices, project plans, customer information, and vendor communications.
Cyber Liability Insurance can help your business recover from cyber incidents involving:
Even small construction businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, making cyber protection more important than ever. |
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Certificate of Insurance Services
Many project owners and general contractors require proof of insurance before work begins.
Our agency can provide Certificates of Insurance (COIs) for covered policies to help demonstrate compliance with contractual insurance requirements.
Certificates may be requested for:
Our team works to provide certificates promptly so your projects stay on schedule.
Our agency can provide Certificates of Insurance (COIs) for covered policies to help demonstrate compliance with contractual insurance requirements.
Certificates may be requested for:
- Property owners
- General contractors
- Municipal projects
- Government contracts
- Commercial developers
- Vendors and suppliers
Our team works to provide certificates promptly so your projects stay on schedule.
Insurance Designed for Your Trade
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Every contractor faces different risks depending on the type of work they perform.
We proudly help insure businesses including:
We'll help tailor coverage to your trade, equipment, and project exposures. |
Insurance for Construction Projects
Construction projects often involve larger budgets, longer timelines, multiple subcontractors, and increased contractual responsibilities. These factors can create unique risks that require specialized insurance protection.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we help construction companies protect projects ranging from office buildings and retail centers to industrial facilities, healthcare campuses, educational buildings, and mixed-use developments.
Whether you're managing one project or multiple job sites, we'll help you build an insurance program designed to support your business from groundbreaking through project completion.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we help construction companies protect projects ranging from office buildings and retail centers to industrial facilities, healthcare campuses, educational buildings, and mixed-use developments.
Whether you're managing one project or multiple job sites, we'll help you build an insurance program designed to support your business from groundbreaking through project completion.
Protecting Every Phase of Construction
Every stage of a commercial construction project presents different exposures. From site preparation to the final walkthrough, unexpected events can impact your timeline and budget.
Our insurance solutions can help protect contractors throughout every phase of construction, including:
No matter the stage of construction, we're here to help protect your investment and keep your projects moving forward.
Our insurance solutions can help protect contractors throughout every phase of construction, including:
- Site preparation
- Excavation
- Foundation work
- Structural framing
- Roofing installation
- Mechanical systems
- Electrical installation
- Plumbing systems
- Interior finishes
- Final project completion
No matter the stage of construction, we're here to help protect your investment and keep your projects moving forward.
Meeting Commercial Contract Requirements
Construction contracts often include detailed insurance requirements before work can begin.
We can help contractors secure coverage that satisfies common contractual requirements, including:
Our team understands the insurance requirements commonly found in construction contracts and can help ensure your business is prepared before work begins.
We can help contractors secure coverage that satisfies common contractual requirements, including:
- General Liability Insurance
- Additional Insured endorsements
- Primary and Non-Contributory wording
- Waiver of Subrogation endorsements
- Builders Risk Insurance
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Commercial Auto Insurance
- Umbrella Liability Insurance
- Certificates of Insurance
- Surety Bonds
Our team understands the insurance requirements commonly found in construction contracts and can help ensure your business is prepared before work begins.
Coverage for Large Construction Projects
As projects become larger and more complex, so do the risks.
Whether you're constructing:
We'll work with you to develop insurance solutions designed for the size and complexity of your projects.
Whether you're constructing:
- Office buildings
- Retail shopping centers
- Apartment communities
- Hotels
- Medical facilities
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing facilities
- Schools
- Government buildings
- Mixed-use developments
We'll work with you to develop insurance solutions designed for the size and complexity of your projects.
Managing Subcontractor Risk
General contractors often coordinate multiple subcontractors working on the same job site. While subcontractors perform specialized work, the general contractor may still face liability if something goes wrong.
We can help you develop an insurance program that supports your subcontractor management process by helping you understand:
Managing subcontractor risk is an important part of protecting your business and maintaining successful commercial construction projects.
We can help you develop an insurance program that supports your subcontractor management process by helping you understand:
- Insurance requirements
- Certificates of Insurance
- Additional Insured status
- Contractual risk transfer
- Liability considerations
Managing subcontractor risk is an important part of protecting your business and maintaining successful commercial construction projects.
Construction Equipment and Job Site Security
Construction projects often involve expensive machinery, building materials, and specialized equipment located at active job sites.
Unexpected losses from theft, vandalism, fire, or severe weather can delay projects and increase costs.
Insurance solutions can help protect:
Protecting these valuable assets helps keep your projects on schedule and reduces costly interruptions.
Unexpected losses from theft, vandalism, fire, or severe weather can delay projects and increase costs.
Insurance solutions can help protect:
- Heavy equipment
- Construction materials
- Temporary structures
- Job site offices
- Storage containers
- Tools and machinery
- Equipment awaiting installation
Protecting these valuable assets helps keep your projects on schedule and reduces costly interruptions.
Helping Your Construction Business Grow
As your construction company expands, your insurance program should evolve with it.
Whether you're:
We'll review your insurance program to help ensure your coverage continues to meet your changing business needs.
Whether you're:
- Hiring additional crews
- Purchasing new equipment
- Expanding into new markets
- Taking on larger commercial contracts
- Opening additional office locations
- Growing your fleet of vehicles
We'll review your insurance program to help ensure your coverage continues to meet your changing business needs.
Experience You Can Count On
Construction is a fast-paced industry where no two projects are exactly alike. Having an insurance agency that understands construction risks can make all the difference.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we take the time to understand your operations, evaluate your exposures, and recommend insurance solutions that support your long-term success. As an independent agency representing more than 65 insurance carriers, we can compare coverage options and help you find protection that fits both your business and your budget.
Whether you're building a single commercial property or managing multiple projects throughout the year, we're committed to helping protect the business you've worked hard to build.
These sections fit naturally into the same style as your Homeowners page—informative, customer-focused, and educational—while strengthening the page for construction-related search terms without overwhelming visitors with technical insurance language.
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we take the time to understand your operations, evaluate your exposures, and recommend insurance solutions that support your long-term success. As an independent agency representing more than 65 insurance carriers, we can compare coverage options and help you find protection that fits both your business and your budget.
Whether you're building a single commercial property or managing multiple projects throughout the year, we're committed to helping protect the business you've worked hard to build.
These sections fit naturally into the same style as your Homeowners page—informative, customer-focused, and educational—while strengthening the page for construction-related search terms without overwhelming visitors with technical insurance language.
Growing With Your Business
Your insurance needs change as your company grows.
Whether you're:
We'll review your insurance program to help ensure your coverage keeps pace with your business.
Whether you're:
- Hiring additional employees
- Purchasing new equipment
- Expanding into new states
- Taking on larger contracts
- Adding company vehicles
- Opening a new office
We'll review your insurance program to help ensure your coverage keeps pace with your business.
Claims Support When You Need It Most
Accidents can happen despite careful planning.
If you experience a covered loss, our team is here to help guide you through the claims process by:
We're committed to being a trusted partner before, during, and after a claim.
If you experience a covered loss, our team is here to help guide you through the claims process by:
- Reporting claims
- Answering coverage questions
- Coordinating with your insurance carrier
- Providing policy information
- Helping you return to business as quickly as possible
We're committed to being a trusted partner before, during, and after a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance does a commercial contractor need?
Most contractors carry a combination of General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto, Commercial Property, Builders Risk, Inland Marine, and Umbrella Liability coverage. Your insurance needs will depend on your trade, payroll, equipment, contracts, and project scope.
Is contractor insurance required?
Many states require Workers' Compensation coverage, and most clients, lenders, and project owners require contractors to carry General Liability Insurance before work begins.
Can I bundle my contractor insurance?
Yes. Many contractors combine multiple coverages into a customized insurance package that provides broader protection while simplifying policy management.
How often should I review my coverage?
We recommend reviewing your insurance annually or whenever your business experiences significant changes, such as hiring employees, purchasing equipment, expanding services, or taking on larger projects.
Most contractors carry a combination of General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto, Commercial Property, Builders Risk, Inland Marine, and Umbrella Liability coverage. Your insurance needs will depend on your trade, payroll, equipment, contracts, and project scope.
Is contractor insurance required?
Many states require Workers' Compensation coverage, and most clients, lenders, and project owners require contractors to carry General Liability Insurance before work begins.
Can I bundle my contractor insurance?
Yes. Many contractors combine multiple coverages into a customized insurance package that provides broader protection while simplifying policy management.
How often should I review my coverage?
We recommend reviewing your insurance annually or whenever your business experiences significant changes, such as hiring employees, purchasing equipment, expanding services, or taking on larger projects.
Why Choose Brock-Norton Insurance Agency?
At Brock-Norton Insurance Agency, we understand the unique challenges contractors face. As an independent insurance agency representing more than 65 insurance markets, we can help you compare coverage options from top-rated carriers and build a customized insurance program that fits your business.
We offer:
Whether you're a general contractor, specialty trade contractor, or construction management firm, we're committed to helping protect the business you've worked hard to build.
We offer:
- Personalized service
- Access to multiple insurance companies
- Industry-specific expertise
- Competitive coverage options
- Responsive claims support
- Ongoing policy reviews
Whether you're a general contractor, specialty trade contractor, or construction management firm, we're committed to helping protect the business you've worked hard to build.