Niche Guide

Best Carriers for Contractors

Which carriers actually want contractor business? GL, workers comp, commercial auto, inland marine, and builder's risk — ranked by agents who write this niche daily.

Employers Holdings
Workers Comp Specialist
4.6
The gold standard for contractor workers comp. Broad class appetite including roofing, framing, HVAC. Quick quotes and competitive pricing on difficult classes most carriers decline.
Workers CompAll Trades43 States
New biz commission12–15%
AppetiteBroad — incl. high-hazard
Acuity
Contractor Package Specialist
4.5
Best-in-class contractor package policies combining GL, commercial auto, tools/equipment, and inland marine in one policy. Strong in residential and light commercial trades.
GLComm AutoInland Marine26 States
New biz commission15–17%
AppetiteStrong for residential trades
The Hartford
Small Contractor BOP
4.3
Strong small contractor program with BOP + WC bundling. Good pricing for electricians, plumbers, painters, and handymen under $500K revenue. Agent portal is fast and easy.
BOPWorkers Comp50 States
New biz commission15%
AppetiteSmall contractors, low hazard
Builders Mutual
Southeast Contractor Specialist
4.4
Regional carrier focused exclusively on the construction industry. Deep expertise in builder's risk, wrap-ups, and contractor-specific endorsements that standard carriers miss.
Builder's RiskGLSoutheast only
New biz commission12–14%
AppetiteConstruction-only carrier
biBERK (Berkshire)
Small Contractor WC + GL
4.0
Competitive WC and GL for small contractors under 25 employees. Quick online quoting. Recently expanded construction class appetite including framing and concrete.
Workers CompGL50 States
New biz commission10–12%
AppetiteSmall contractors, expanding
NEXT Insurance
Digital-First Contractor
3.8
Fast online quotes and instant COIs for small contractors. Best for sole proprietors and micro-contractors who need coverage quickly. Not ideal for larger or high-hazard operations.
GLComm Auto50 States
New biz commission10%
AppetiteSmall/micro contractors only

What contractors actually need

Most contractors need at least 3–4 coverage types. Here's what to quote and why each matters.

General Liability

Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. Required on virtually every jobsite and subcontract agreement. Limits typically $1M/$2M.

Workers Compensation

Required in nearly all states if you have employees. Covers medical bills and lost wages for on-the-job injuries. Rates vary dramatically by trade classification code.

Inland Marine / Tools

Covers tools, equipment, and materials in transit or at jobsites. Standard property policies usually exclude mobile equipment. Essential for any trade using power tools.

Commercial Auto

Covers work trucks and vans. Personal auto policies exclude commercial use. Fleet discounts available for 5+ vehicles at most carriers.

Builder's Risk

Covers buildings under construction against fire, wind, theft, and vandalism. Usually required by GCs on projects over $100K. Written per-project or as a blanket policy.

Professional Liability

Covers design errors and faulty workmanship claims. Important for architects, engineers, and design-build contractors. Not all GL policies cover completed operations adequately.

Writing contractor business?

Compare all carriers by state, commission rates, and appetite. See which ones pay the most for the classes you write.

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