CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE IN MASSACHUSETTS

Looking for construction insurance in Massachusetts? With more than 60 years of experience in the construction sector, C & S Insurance is uniquely equipped to safeguard your business based on your specific needs.

Our construction practices group works closely with your team to develop a risk management solution that reduces costs associated with long-term loss and enhances your company’s productivity.

What Is Construction Insurance?
Who Needs Construction Insurance?
Types of Construction Insurance
Construction Insurance Requirements
Construction Insurance Costs
The Best Construction Insurance Companies for Contractors and Commercial Developers
The Best Construction Insurance Companies for Homeowners
Testimonials
FAQs

What Is Construction Insurance?

Construction insurance is designed to protect your business, workers, and contractors from unexpected events and losses that may occur during the course of a construction project.

At C&S Insurance, we understand the unique risks and challenges that go hand-in-hand with the construction industry, and we’re committed to providing tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each client. With more than 60 years in the construction sector, our construction practices group works closely with your team to develop a risk management solution that reduces costs associated with long-term losses and enhances your company’s productivity.

Here are just a few of the key benefits of carrying construction insurance:

Protects your construction project, workers, and business from financial losses resulting from accidents, injuries, or other unforeseen events
Ensures compliance with local regulations and laws

Provides peace of mind for you and your workers, allowing you to focus on your construction project without worrying about potential financial liabilities
Covers a wide range of specialized trades in the construction industry, including excavation, home improvement, remodeling, and more

Who Needs Construction Insurance?

The construction industry is a dynamic and ever-changing field that involves a wide range of businesses and individuals. From contractors and builders to developers and property owners, everyone involved in the construction process faces certain hazards and complexities that require careful consideration and planning.

The different groups and individuals who need construction insurance coverage include:

Contractors: Whether you specialize in home building, remodeling, or commercial construction, you face numerous risks and liabilities on the job site. Construction business insurance can help protect you from financial losses resulting from accidents, injuries, property damage, and other unexpected incidents.
Builders: As a builder, you are responsible for managing complex projects that involve multiple contractors, workers, and vendors. Construction insurance can provide you with the necessary protection against potential financial losses due to project delays, equipment failure, or other unintended events.
Developers: If you are a developer, you oversee the entire construction project from start to finish. Construction insurance can help you mitigate risks and liabilities associated with land acquisition, zoning and permitting issues, environmental hazards, and other challenges that arise during construction.
Property Owners: If you own a property undergoing construction or renovation, you face a distinct set of risks and liabilities. Construction insurance can help protect you from financial losses resulting from property damage, accidents, and injuries on the job site, as well as liability claims from workers or third parties.

Remodelers: Whether you are a handyman or a specialized contractor, you need construction insurance coverage to protect yourself and your clients from potential financial losses associated with accidents, property damage, or other unexpected mishaps.
Trade/specialty contractors: If you specialize in a specific trade, such as plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC, you need construction insurance coverage to protect yourself and your business from potential financial losses due to accidents, equipment failure, or other incidents.
Light commercial general contractors: If you are a general contractor who specializes in small to mid-size commercial projects, you need construction insurance coverage to protect yourself and your business from potential financial losses resulting from project delays, property damage, or other unintended events.

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Types of Construction Insurance

When it comes to protecting your construction business, various types of insurance coverage may be included in a construction insurance package. Understanding these coverages is essential to ensuring your business is properly protected against unexpected events and losses. Standard construction insurance packages include:

General liability: A must-have for any construction business, as it provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage that may occur on the job site, protecting you from legal and financial liabilities.
Commercial auto: Another essential coverage for construction businesses that utilize vehicles in their operations. This coverage protects your business vehicles and drivers in case of accidents or other incidents.
Commercial property: Covers the buildings and equipment used in your construction business and protects against damage or loss due to natural disasters, theft, or other unforeseen events.
Workers’ compensation: Crucial for protecting your employees in case of injuries sustained on the job. It provides medical benefits and lost wages for injured workers and protects your business from potential lawsuits.

Depending on the nature of your construction business, other types of accessory insurance coverage may be beneficial to include in your construction insurance package. These include:

Professional liability insurance
Inland marine insurance
Umbrella insurance
Builders’ risk insurance (also known as course of construction insurance)

Construction Insurance Requirements

As a construction business owner, it’s crucial to understand the various insurance requirements that may apply to your operations. While insurance requirements vary by region, several types of coverage are often required by law or contracts in the construction industry.

For example, federal or state law typically requires commercial auto insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Commercial auto insurance covers your business vehicles, while workers’ compensation insurance protects your employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses. The requirements for workers’ compensation insurance can vary by state and the number of workers employed.

For larger commercial projects, general liability insurance and builders’ risk insurance are typically required by the construction contract. General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that may occur on the job site, and builders’ risk insurance protects the construction project itself, including materials and equipment.

In addition to these coverages, surety bonds and inland marine insurance may also be required by contract. Surety bonds provide financial protection in case of contractor default or failure to meet contractual obligations, while inland marine insurance provides coverage for goods and materials transported over land, such as tools and equipment.

Construction Insurance Costs

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and costs can vary depending on several factors. As a construction business owner, it’s important to understand the variables that may impact the cost of your insurance coverage.

One key factor is the size of your business, as larger businesses with more employees and higher revenue may require more coverage and, therefore, may pay more for insurance. How you store your customer data can also play a role, as businesses with vulnerable data storage methods may face higher cybersecurity risks and may need to pay more for coverage.

Other factors that may impact your construction insurance costs include:

Whether you own business vehicles that tow equipment
The types and the number of business vehicles you use
The types of projects you carry out
The geographic location of your projects
Your experience and history in the industry, including past insurance claims

At C&S Insurance, we understand that insurance costs can be a concern for many construction businesses, so we work closely with our clients to help them select the coverage they need at a price they can afford. While costs can vary depending on your individual circumstances, here are some average costs for common construction insurance types based on national averages:

Commercial General: $500-$1,500 per year
Umbrella: $1,000-$3,000 per year
Professional liability: $800-$2,000
Builders risk: 1-5% of project cost
Workers’ Comp: $5,000-$8,000 per employee
Commercial auto: $800-$5,000 per vehicle
Surety bonds: $100-$10,000
Inland marine: $2,000-$3,000

Contact us today to learn more about our construction insurance solutions and how we can help you manage your insurance costs while protecting your business.

The Best Construction Insurance Companies for Contractors and Commercial Developers

When selecting a construction insurance company for your business, it’s essential to consider factors like financial strength, customer service, coverages offered, and cost. You’ll also want to ensure that your insurer can provide reliable coverage that meets the unique needs of your construction business.

With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right insurance provider. That’s why we’ve compiled a comparison chart of some of the most reputable construction insurance companies, including Progressive, Liberty Mutual, The Hartford, and C&S Insurance.

Insurance Company	Financial Strength Rating	Customer Service Rating	Cost Range	Key Coverage Offerings
Progressive	A+ (AM Best)	4.5/5 (J.D. Power)	$500 – $5,000 per year	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Contractor’s Equipment, Workers’ Compensation
Liberty Mutual	A (AM Best)	3/5 (J.D. Power)	$1,000 – $10,000 per year	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Contractor’s Equipment, Workers’ Compensation, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability
The Hartford	A+ (AM Best)	4/5 (J.D. Power)	$1,000 – $15,000 per year	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Contractor’s Equipment, Workers’ Compensation, Surety Bonds, Umbrella Liability
C&S Insurance	N/A (Private)	5/5 (Google Reviews)	Customizable	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Contractor’s Equipment, Workers’ Compensation, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs

Note: Financial strength rating is from AM Best, and customer service rating is from J.D. Power. C&S Insurance is a private company and therefore doesn’t have a financial strength rating. The cost ranges are estimates only and may vary depending on the project and business needs. It is important to obtain a customized quote from each insurance company.

Each of these companies offers similar coverage options. However, Liberty Mutual offers additional coverage options, such as pollution liability and professional liability. The Hartford offers surety bonds and umbrella liability coverage options. C&S Insurance offers customizable coverage options including owner-controlled insurance programs.

When it comes to customer service, C&S Insurance has the highest rating according to Google Reviews. However, the other companies included in this comparison have varying levels of customer service ratings from J.D. Power.

Overall, it is important to carefully consider the specific coverage needs and budget of your construction business when selecting an insurance provider.

The Best Construction Insurance Companies for Homeowners

When it comes to construction insurance for homeowners, it’s important to find the right fit for your particular needs. While the best insurance companies for commercial developers and contractors may differ from those for homeowners and owner-builders, there are some key factors to consider when choosing a construction insurance provider.

Expertise in construction. You want an insurance provider that understands the challenges of building or renovating a home. They should be able to offer you comprehensive coverage that addresses all aspects of your project.

Customer service. You want to work with an insurance company that is responsive, helpful, and easy to communicate with. Look for a provider with excellent customer service and a reputation for putting their clients first.

Cost. You want to find a construction insurance provider with competitive rates without compromising coverage or quality. Be sure to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal.

Some of the most reputable construction insurance companies for homeowners include Zurich, State Farm, AIG, and C&S Insurance. Each of these companies offers a range of coverage options, competitive rates, and excellent customer service. Consider reaching out to multiple providers to learn more about their offerings and get a quote for your project. Review the chart below to compare companies.

Insurance Company	Financial Strength Rating	Types of Construction Insurance Offered	Coverage Limits	Special Features
Zurich	A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Workers’ Compensation, Professional Liability	Up to $50 million	Offers risk engineering services to help prevent losses
State Farm	A++ (Superior) by A.M. Best	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Workers’ Compensation, Professional Liability	Up to $10 million	Offers discounts for bundling policies
AIG	A (Excellent) by A.M. Best	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Workers’ Compensation, Professional Liability	Up to $100 million	Offers specialized coverage for large, complex projects
C&S Insurance	N/A (Private)	General Liability, Builder’s Risk, Workers’ Compensation, Professional Liability	Varies based on policy	Offers tailored coverage options for specific industries and risks

Note: The information provided in this chart is for general comparison purposes only and may not be comprehensive or fully up-to-date. It is important to research each insurance company thoroughly and consult with a licensed insurance agent to determine the best coverage options for your construction needs.

Testimonials

Our Clients Say it Best

I have been involved in our insurance policy decisions for the past 30 years, so I have had a lot of experience dealing with various insurance agents. Many insurance companies approach us to try to get our business at renewal. When I first met Keith and Bob from C & S Insurance, I could tell right away that they “knew their insurance.” I felt confident that if they were our agents we would be in good hands. We are a rather large aggregate, site work and utility contractor. We made the decision to move our insurance to C & S, and we’re very pleased with the service they have provided for us. They are very responsive, attentive, and helpful. They’ve also proactively saved us money by better tailoring our policy. I would definitely recommend C & S Insurance to any company who was thinking of changing insurance agents.

Debbie Dutra

Treasurer, G. Lopes Construction Inc.

Construction Insurance FAQs

What factors should developers, builders, and contractors consider when comparing construction insurance programs?

Developers, builders, and contractors should consider several factors when comparing construction insurance programs, including: The type and scope of projects they undertake The size and nature of th…

What factors should developers, builders, and contractors consider when comparing construction insurance brokers?

When comparing construction insurance brokers, developers, builders, and contractors should consider several factors, including: The broker’s level of expertise in the construction industry The …

What should construction and contracting professionals consider when choosing construction insurance protection?

Construction and contracting professionals should consider: The type of coverage and limits required to adequately protect their business The financial stability and reputation of the insurance compan…

Why do I need construction business insurance?

Construction business insurance is essential to protect your construction company against unforeseen risks and liabilities that may arise during your operations.

Is construction company insurance required by law?

Certain types of construction company insurance, such as workers’ compensation, are typically required by law in most states. The requirements vary by state and the number of employees employed.