Understanding Subcontractor Default Insurance

Understanding Subcontractor Default Insurance

Understanding Subcontractor Default Insurance

The financial well-being and stability of subcontractors is an ever-present concern for most general contractors. When subcontractors fail to complete the full scope of their work, projects can stall, leading to frustrating and costly delays. Subcontractor Default Insurance can help manage your risk.

To protect against subcontractor default, general contractors have traditionally relied on performance bonds. However, given increases in cost to acquire performance bonds and the prolonged investigation process required should a subcontractor default, more and more general contractors are turning to subcontractor default insurance (SDI) to help manage their risk.

What Is Subcontractor Default Insurance?

SDI, which entered the U.S. market in the late 1990s, is an insurance product designed to protect businesses from losses arising when a subcontractor defaults on its obligations.

Under an SDI policy, a general contractor enrolls all prequalified subcontractors for a specific project or policy term. The general contractor is then indemnified by the insurance company for any covered direct or indirect costs incurred if one of the subcontractors defaults on performance. It’s not uncommon for contractors to have annual subcontracted values of $75 million or more, so, when a subcontractor defaults, it can seriously impact a general contractor’s profitability.

SDI policies generally cover losses related to first-tier subcontractors (contractors in direct contract with the general contractor) and second-tier contractors (contractors in direct contract with first-tier subcontractors, including suppliers). SDI policies also provide coverage for losses that are the indirect result of a subcontractor default, such as liquidated damages, acceleration of other subcontracts and extended overhead.

Subcontractor Default Insurance vs. Performance Bonds

The fundamental distinction between SDI and performance bonds relates to the relationships created by the two products. Surety, including performance bonding, is always a three-party relationship between the contractor (the obligee), the subcontractor (the principal) and a surety company.

When performance bonds are used, the surety company initiates the process by thoroughly screening the subcontractor. The surety reviews a number of factors, such as the subcontractor’s financial well-being, credit history and ability to perform the work. If a subcontractor passes scrutiny, it is bonded, and the surety assumes the risk of the subcontractor defaulting. 

SDI, conversely, only involves two parties—the insurer and the insured general contractor. The general contractor purchases SDI to insure the performance of its subcontractors. Contractors typically purchase one SDI policy and enroll all of their subcontractors under that policy.

SDI policies do not provide a guarantee of performance or payment. Rather, in the event that an enrolled subcontractor defaults on its obligations, the insurer directly indemnifies the contractor for costs related to the subcontractor’s default. Typically, the general contractor must absorb some of the costs associated with resolving the subcontractor’s default, often up to the deductible amount.

One of the reasons contractors may prefer SDI to bonds is because, with SDI, the claims process is faster and more reliable. Whereas with bonds, if a subcontractor defaults, the contractor has to wait for the surety to investigate the claim, which can create frustrating delays on time-sensitive projects.

Subcontractor Default Insurance

Benefits of SDI for General Contractors

SDI can provide a number of important benefits to general contractors. The following is an overview of what SDI can bring to the table:

  • Coverage limits—Unlike surety bonding where coverage is limited to the penal sum of the bond, SDI coverage is not tied to the value of the subcontract. SDI coverage extends to the limits of the policy, which can be as high as $50 million. Accordingly, in instances where the cost to remedy a subcontractor default is more than the penal value of a bond, there would be greater protection for the general contractor under SDI.
  • Consistency—As previously mentioned, bonds are a three-party agreement. Using bonds, general contractors are left having to manage agreements across multiple sureties and projects. SDI replaces this complicated system with one policy and one set of terms and conditions. As a result, SDI reduces administrative costs, improves the effectiveness of a response to a default and enhances the efficiency of the claims process.
  • Broader coverage—In addition to direct costs, SDI includes coverage for indirect expenses. This can include things like liquidated damages, acceleration of other subcontracts and extended overhead. With SDI, a contractor’s loss is not capped by a bond, and default insurance typically has higher limits.
  • Control—SDI policies allow general contractors to control which subcontractors are enrolled under the policy. Policies also permit general contractors to exercise judgment on how to remedy a subcontractor’s default. Contractors that are suitable for an SDI program will often have a well-developed process to screen unqualified subcontractors and suppliers.

Finding the Right Fit

Subcontractor Default Insurance can provide a sound alternative to performance bonds for general contractors in many settings. Large general contractors that possess the resources to properly vet subcontractors’ qualifications can benefit from the cost savings generated by SDI.

It is important for all general contractors to remember that both performance bonds and SDI have their place in the construction industry and each services a different purpose. Be sure to contact your GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. representative to discuss which product best fits the needs of your next project.

GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive contractor insurance quote!

Construction Safety Hearing Protection

Construction Safety Hearing Protection

Construction Safety Hearing Protection

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 1 in 4 construction workers suffers from some degree of hearing loss. Power tools, heavy equipment and even hand tools like hammers can all generate significant levels of noise, which, in turn, can negatively impact hearing. Hearing protection is an important step in your construction safety program.

Prolonged exposure to excessive noise is particularly dangerous and can lead to tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing, buzzing and roaring in the ears. In some cases, harmful levels of noise can lead to permanent hearing loss.

To keep employees safe, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific regulations related to workplace noise exposure. This Safety Matters provides a general overview of these regulations and ways you can stay safe on the job.

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OSHA’s Noise Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

Noise is measured in units of sound pressure levels called decibels (dB). Often, decibels are expressed as dBA, which refers to A-weighted sound levels. Essentially, this measurement is more specific than dB alone, as it accounts for relative loudness perceived by the human ear.

To protect workers and their hearing, OSHA has a specific level of how much noise an employee is allowed to be exposed to called the permissible exposure limit (PEL). Per OSHA, the PEL for noise is 90 dBA over an eight-hour workday. At this level, employees are required to wear hearing protection. In addition, for every 5 dBA above the action level, the duration of employee exposure to noise must be cut in half (e.g., 85 dBA/eight hours, 90 dBA/four hours, 95 dBA/two hours). Furthermore, exposure to noise should not exceed 140 dBA.

Beyond adhering to OSHA’s PEL, employees should avoid noise levels above 85 dBA without protection. Additionally, OSHA recommends following the 2-3 foot rule. This rule states that if you have to raise your voice to talk to a co-worker that is 2-3 feet away, you should assume noise levels are 85 dBA or above.

Protecting Yourself From Harmful Noise

Tinnitus and hearing loss can be debilitating and irreversible. However, being aware of the symptoms of hearing loss can go a long way toward ensuring your health and safety at work. Common symptoms of hearing loss include the following:

  • Straining to understand conversations
  • Needing to have things repeated frequently
  • Increasing television or radio volumes to excessive levels
  • Ringing in your ears or feeling dizzy
Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection Devices

Your ears are very sensitive. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing damage and even cause you to go deaf. OSHA recommends that workers use hearing protection should noise levels reach or exceed 85 decibels across an eight-hour workday. Should noise exceed 90 decibels, hearing protection is required.

Hearing protection

Noise Reduction Rating

All hearing protection devices have a noise reduction rating (NRR) listed on their respective packaging. The NRR refers to how many decibels by which an environment’s noise levels will be reduced. For example, in an environment of 90 decibels, a hearing protection device with an NRR would reduce the noise levels to 57.

But, research suggests that NRRs tend to overestimate the effectiveness of devices. It is therefore suggested that devices undergo a “derating” process. Derating refers to the assumption that devices will generally not perform perfectly to their NRR due to them not fitting everyone perfectly. One method by which a device can be derated is to subtract seven from its NRR and divide the result in half. For example, an NNR of 33 would result in a derated rating of 13. In the previous example, the device in question would actually only reduce noise levels from 90 to 77, not 57.

According to industry experts, earmuffs are generally most accurate when it comes to NRR, while earplugs might have their ratings derated by as much as 70%.

Of course, different types of hearing protection have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Hearing Protection: Earplugs

Earplugs can be made from expandable foam or pre-molded using silicone, plastic or rubber. They provide blockage inside the ear canal.

Advantages:

  • Typically provide a high noise reduction rating (NRR)
  • Affordable
  • Compatible with other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, glasses and goggles
  • Small, light and easily transported
  • More comfortable in hot, humid or confined work areas

Disadvantages:

  • Easily misplaced
  • Require good hygiene practices
  • May be inserted incorrectly, resulting in inadequate protection
  • May irritate the ear canal

When an earplug is inserted correctly, the sound of your own voice should be muffled.

Hearing Protection: Earmuffs

While earplugs are inserted inside the ear canal, earmuffs provide protection by covering the canal and sometimes the entire ear.

Advantages:

  • Typically provide a high NRR
  • Fast and simple to put on and take off
  • One size fits most employees
  • Easy for others to see that you are using them at a distance
  • Not easily misplaced

Disadvantages:

  • Less portable, heavier
  • Sometimes incompatible with other PPE; however, there are special earmuffs that easily mount to hard hats
  • Can be uncomfortable or inconvenient in hot, humid or confined work areas

Hearing Protection: Canal Caps

Canal caps are somewhat of a hybrid between earplugs and earmuffs. They look similar to earplugs, but instead of being actually inserted into the ear canal, they form a lid over the entrance to the canal and are often connected by a band that can be worn around the head, around the neck or below the chin.

Advantages:

  • Fast and simple to put on and take off
  • One size fits most employees
  • Light and easily transported

Disadvantages:

  • Typically have a lower NRR than earplugs and earmuffs
  • Band may be uncomfortable or inconvenient for employees
  • More expensive than ear plugs

Summary

While there are some differences between different kinds of hearing protection equipment, their overall purpose remains the same: the safety of employees.

When using hearing protection, be sure that you are using it properly in order to make sure that it is as effective as possible. At times, it may be necessary to use two types of protection, such as both plugs and muffs, simultaneously. If you have questions or concerns about hearing protection devices, contact your supervisor.

GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive construction insurance quote!

Construction Safety – Arc Blasts

Construction Safety – Arc Blasts

Arc Blasts Can Be Instant Fire Starters

Dealing with high voltage while performing electrical work can be very dangerous and, when things go wrong, the results can be catastrophic. Of such events, arc blasts are near the top of the list when it comes to the most hazardous. Arc Blasts send a luminous, high voltage current through the air which can reach temperatures well over 30,000 degrees. At such high temperatures, an arc blast can not only cause severe injury or death but can also present a serious fire hazard. That is why it is extra important to recognize such risks and prepare for them in a way that ensures the safety of yourself and those around you.

Arc Blasts

Arc Blast Hazards

There are three primary hazards associated with an arc-blast:

  1. Arcing gives off thermal radiation (heat) and intense light, which can cause severe burns. Several factors affect the degree of injury, including the area of skin exposed and type of clothing worn.
  2. A high-voltage arc can produce a considerable pressure wave blast. A person 2 feet away from a 25,000-amp arc feels a force of about 480 pounds on the front of the body. The pressure wave can throw the victim away from the arc-blast and can cause serious ear damage and memory loss due to concussion.
  3. A high-voltage arc can cause the copper and aluminum components in electrical equipment to melt. These droplets of molten metal can be thrown great distances by the pressure wave. Although these droplets harden rapidly, they can still be hot enough to cause serious burns or cause ordinary clothing and nearby materials to catch fire, even at distances of 10 feet or more.

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Protect Against Arc Blasts

By using the appropriate control methods, the risk of arc blast can be greatly reduced.

  • De-energize any equipment that needs to be worked on. Never use convenience or time constraint as an excuse for not turning the power off.
  • Use lockout/tagout practices to prevent accidental startup while you are performing work.
  • Test voltage before starting work to ensure that equipment has been de-energized.
  • Use the proper personal protective equipment, such as voltage-regulated gloves, fire resistant clothing and a face shield. Always use PPE in addition to other safety controls.
  • If you must work with live power, make sure that the immediate area is clear of any flammable materials or explosive vapors or gases that could ignite in the event of an arc.

Extinguishing Electrical Fires

If a fire does break out as a result of an arc blast or other electrical malfunction it is important to respond with the proper fire control method.

  • Use only fire extinguisher with a Class C rating on electrical fires. Extinguishers meant for other materials may make electrical fires worse.
  • Never use water to stop an electrical fire.
  • If the fire is beyond your ability to control, call 911 immediately.
GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive contractor insurance quote!

The Basics of Builders Risk Insurance

The Basics of Builders Risk Insurance

The Basics of Builders Risk Insurance

Building and construction projects are complicated with no shortage of things that can go wrong. With everything that can happen during the construction process, it is essential to have the proper insurance in place. Of all of the different insurance coverages to consider, builders risk insurance is one of the most essential for companies in the construction industry.

While builders risk insurance, also sometimes referred to as course of construction insurance, is important, it is also very complex and easily misunderstood. This Coverage Insights examines what you need to know about builders risk insurance and how it can protect your company.

Builders Risk Insurance

What Is Builders Risk Insurance?

Builders risk insurance is a specialized type of property insurance that is intended to provide protection for buildings and structures that are under construction. These policies protect project owners, general contractors and subcontractors against direct physical loss or damage to covered property.

In many instances, builders risk policies also provide coverage for materials and supplies that are on-site, in transit and being stored temporarily at off-site locations if they are intended to become a permanent part of a building or structure. What’s more, builders risk policies can be written to include coverage for loss of income and additional expenses. This coverage would apply if the completion of a project is delayed due to property damage caused by a covered cause of loss.

Builders risk coverage is a temporary form of insurance. Coverage applies only during the course of construction, erection and fabrication. In most cases, builders risk coverage stays in force until a construction project is accepted by the project owner or once construction is considered complete. Once construction is completed, it is up to the owner of the building or structure to secure traditional property insurance.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there is no standard form of builders risk insurance. Policies can vary between insurance companies, and, in many instances, the coverage terms of a builders risk policy can be negotiated. In most cases, builders risk policies are written on an “all risk” basis. This means that coverage applies for all causes of loss except those specifically excluded by the policy.

Builders Risk Insurance

What Am I Protected From?

This insurance can cover a wide range of causes of property damage. The exact parameters of your policy may vary, but in general, builders risk insurance includes coverage for the following causes of property damage:

  • Fire
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Theft
  • Lightning
  • Explosion
  • Impact by vehicle or aircraft
  • Vandalism

It is important to comb over your policy carefully in order to make sure you are aware of what is and isn’t covered under your builders risk insurance. Builders risk policies often do not provide coverage for property damage caused by flaws in design, planning or workmanship. Other specific exclusions may be included in your policy. While exclusions vary from policy to policy, the following cases of loss are typically not covered under builders risk policies:

  • Property damage caused by employee dishonesty or theft
  • Property damage caused by earthquakes
  • Acts of war
  • Government actions
  • Mechanical breakdowns
GDI Insurance

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

Builders risk insurance is necessary coverage for many businesses. Remember, we’re here to help you with all of your construction industry insurance needs. Protect your project, your wallet and your company by contacting GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. to discuss builders risk insurance today.

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive Contractors insurance quote!

OSHA Inspection Changes

OSHA Inspection Changes

OSHA Inspection Changes

On Oct. 1, 2019, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration began using a new OSHA Weighting System (OWS) for the 2020 fiscal year, creating OSHA inspection changes. The administration had used its previous weighting system since the 2015 fiscal year.

OSHA hopes that the OWS will encourage the appropriate allocation of resources to support its approach of balancing safety and health in the workplace. The new system is intended to develop and support a management system that focuses enforcement activities on areas where OSHA’s efforts can be most impactful.

OSHA Inspection

OSHA Inspection Changes and Adjustments

The OWS comes with several adjustments and adaptions compared with its predecessor, including additional enforcement initiatives, such as site-specific targeting. The new system also encourages the agency’s field staff to conduct compliance-assistance activities.

Previously, OSHA inspections were weighted heavily based on the amount of time that they took to conduct. With the OWS, OSHA is hoping to make time less of a factor when weighting the potential impact of an inspection while emphasizing other factors that have an effect on overall workplace safety and health.

The new OSHA Inspection Changes have been formulated based on a working group’s recommendations and evaluation of existing criteria.

OSHA Inspection

What has Changed?

The previous weighting system measured inspections using enforcement units. The OWS will continue to tally enforcement units, but will do so based on different factors, such as agency priorities and the impact of inspections. OSHA hopes that the OWS will further its goal of taking a balanced approach toward workplace health and safety and will properly incorporate the three major work elements performed by its field agents: enforcement activity, essential enforcement support functions and compliance-assistance efforts.

“Moving forward, inspections will be weighted based on a combination of factors, such as if the inspection targets a highly hazardous workplace, if it is conducted as part of a strategic hazard emphasis program or by the complexity of the inspection.”

According to OSHA, the changes in how inspections will be weighted under the OWS will make it impossible to fairly compare total enforcement units moving forward to numbers from past years. For example, the new system gives additional weight to programmed inspections targeting what the agency calls the “fatal four/focus four,” which refers to the leading causes of workplace fatalities: Falls, struck-by object, electrocutions and caught-in/between.

Under the previous system, the 2016-18 fiscal years consisted of 40,199, 38,692 and 38,760 total enforcement units respectively. If applied to the new system, those numbers would have all been over 60,000. OSHA does plan to apply the OWS retroactively for past years and compare both methods in order to assess the performance and appropriateness of the new system.

OSHA Inspection Changes Moving Forward

Moving forward, OSHA inspections will be weighted based on a combination of factors, such as if the inspection targets a highly hazardous workplace, if it is conducted as part of a strategic hazard emphasis program or by the complexity of the inspection.

Overall, OSHA’s goal for the OWS is to put an emphasis on enforcement and compliance assistance in order for the agency and its agents to be able to be proactive in promoting safety and health in the workplace, rather than being reactive to incidents after they have occurred.

Click here to read OSHA’s official press release regarding the OWS. For additional information from the agency, click here.

GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!

What You Need to Know About Contractor Insurance Services

What You Need to Know About Contractor Insurance Services

What You Need to Know About Contractor Insurance Services

You know that insurance is essential for your construction business, but did you know that not all contractor insurance services brokers are the same? If you tend to compare policies based solely on price and coverage, then you are missing vital services that only select brokers can provide—services that will save you time and money. An expert broker in the construction insurance industry knows that contractors need the right insurance coverage and services that include superior risk control, claims processing and underwriting service.

GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. your contractor insurance services experts! 209-634-2929.

Risk Management Part of our Contractor Insurance Services

Most, if not all, brokers offer some type of risk management control advice as part of their agency’s services. However, the quality and depth of their risk control offerings is the key differentiator. Many brokers will provide only general suggestions and generic safety programs. While those can be useful, a more comprehensive, in-depth risk control program is extremely advantageous for a contractor.

California's Leader in Insurance and Risk Management As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California's Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client's expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client's know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive insurance quote!

Rather than relying on general advice, brokers who specialize in the construction industry can give you tailored industry guidance. The most dedicated brokers will send a safety specialist to your worksite in order to observe your operations and create a customized risk control and safety program tailored to your unique business needs. Only after a broker understands your day-to-day needs and challenges can he or she provide meaningful solutions.

A good risk control program should emphasize safety as paramount. Worksite accidents are expensive, both in terms of claims costs and future premium increases—but also in hidden costs. You may not realize just how expensive an accident can be:

  • Loss of profits: Accidents may interrupt work for a time period or even cause projects to run late. In addition, property damage involved in the accident may be time consuming and costly to repair.
  • Soft costs: Accidents may also require manpower to be redirected away from completing construction work to manage other responsibilities, such as additional paperwork, meeting with law enforcement or following up on investigations.
  • Market image: No one wants to hire a contractor prone to accidents, and one or two high-profile accidents could give your firm a bad reputation. Your safety track record is an important component to winning future bids.
  • Psychological impact: Other employees often have strong reactions following a serious or fatal accident. They may blame the company for not protecting their co-worker or may simply need time to deal with the trauma they witnessed or were a part of. This could impact your retention and ability to hire quality workers in the future.

These examples show just how important an effective safety program is, and a good broker will help you develop comprehensive safety initiatives to address any and all risks your company faces. Remember, too, that certain safety initiatives are mandated by law. Plus, many construction insurance policies will only pay claims if you can demonstrate that your company follows strict health and safety guidelines.

Safety Plan

Claims Processing

The aftermath of an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming time, and you need a broker who is quick, efficient and knowledgeable with handling claims and helping you manage the accident site. You may want to consider a broker whose agency has a local office, to ensure they are familiar with your geographic area and local nuances that can affect claims processing and settlement. In addition, your broker should have extensive experience with construction industry claims, so that your claim is properly handled.  A local broker can also prove more responsive after an accident. You may have to deal with the media or law enforcement officials, and your insurance representative can help manage that situation. Some agencies will insist on waiting for a claim to be processed before visiting the site, but dedicated brokers will be there immediately to help with preserving evidence, serving as a liaison and managing the accident site.

Breadth of Insurance Coverage

There are many types of insurance that a contractor needs, and only agents that specialize in the construction industry will be able to ensure that you are fully covered. If your broker takes the time to learn and understand your business operations and the unique risks of your company, he or she will be able to put together a comprehensive coverage package. Beyond the standard general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and excess liability and property insurance coverages, you may benefit from marine, professional liability, surety coverage and more.

Your broker should know how to coordinate your various policies to ensure that there are no gaps in coverage. When a claim occurs, a good broker will help liaise with the carriers to sort out who will handle the claim. Some policies may have exclusions that your broker should be aware of and can address with an alternative solution, such as a general liability policy that has a pollution exclusion. If you work in multiple states, that also may have implications for your coverages. Your broker must understand and manage all of these aspects to ensure that you are appropriately covered.

Another risk issue in the construction industry is subcontractors. You should be able to count on your broker to advise you on how to handle that relationship to best protect yourself. For instance, you may be sued for mistakes made by a subcontractor. So, in addition to including an indemnity clause in your contract, you may want to require the subcontractor to add you to their commercial general liability policy as an additional insured. A good broker will also assist you in handling any claims that arise due to a subcontractor’s mistake, which can potentially be messy and confusing.

Contractor insurance services

Underwriting Service

Underwriting can hold up the quoting process when putting together a coverage package. However, brokers who have relationships with carriers and underwriters they trust can work to ensure the quickest turnaround time for a quote. Though this behind-the-scenes exchange normally does not impact you directly, agents who work with reliable, responsive underwriters can save you time when quoting a renewal or new policy.

Obtaining contractor insurance services should be a strategic component of your business. Developing a comprehensive insurance program to support your unique business needs is not something just any broker can deliver. At GDI Insurance Agency, Inc., we specialize in construction insurance and our dedicated agents are committed to learning your business and developing a customized insurance and safety plan for you. Contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. today 209-634-2929.

GDI Insurance

California’s Leader in Insurance and Risk Management

As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more.

We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of California’s Central Valley, Northern California and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. We pride ourselves on exceeding our client’s expectations in every interaction to make sure that our client’s know how much we value and appreciate their business. Contact us today 1-209-634-2929 for your comprehensive contractor insurance quote!