Starting a contracting business?
Set up insurance right from day one.

Year one is when you build insurance habits. Do it right now and the next 20 years are easier.

Get in touch

If I'm not the right fit for your business, I'll tell you — and I'll point you to someone who is.

Your first year as a contractor

[Infographic #7 — Napkin AI: Stack diagram. Foundation (GL, WC, Commercial Auto) at bottom, recommended (Installation Floater, BPP) in middle, case-by-case (Professional Liability) at top.]
Ben: generate this in Napkin AI using the text input from the Roadmap row.

The foundation

  • General Liability (GL) — covers bodily injury and property damage on jobsites.
  • Workers Comp — required if you have employees. Owners and officers can usually be excluded.
  • Commercial Auto — if you drive to jobsites, period.

Strongly recommended

  • Installation Floater (Inland Marine) — your tools and customer materials on jobsites. Most standard policies don't cover them on-site.
  • Business Personal Property — the office/shop side if you have one.

Case-by-case

  • Professional Liability — if you do design-build, mechanical/electrical engineering work, or anything consultative.

I have programs designed for new contractors. If you're starting and you want to build insurance habits that protect you for the next 20 years — text me.

Ben's Take

Year one is when you build insurance habits. Do it right now and the next 20 years are easier. Do it wrong and you'll spend the next 20 cleaning up the mess. The hardest part isn't the premium — it's knowing what to set up in what order.

Already established?

Full programs for established crews — workers comp savings, audit prep, certificate management.

Established contractors →

Q&A

I'm just starting. What coverage do I actually need, and what can wait?
Foundation: General Liability, Workers Comp (if you have employees), and Commercial Auto (if you drive to jobsites). Strongly recommended: Installation Floater for tools and materials on-site. Case-by-case: Professional Liability if you do design-build work.
Can I use my personal truck for work or do I need commercial auto?
If you drive to jobsites, you need commercial auto. Your personal auto policy likely excludes business use. One claim denied for that exclusion and you're uninsured.
Do I need workers comp if it's just me?
Owners can usually be excluded. But if you hire anyone — even one part-time helper — you likely need it. And many GCs won't let you on a jobsite without it regardless.
What's an installation floater and do I need one in year one?
It covers your tools and customer materials on jobsites. Your standard policy probably doesn't cover them when they leave your shop. If you carry tools to jobs, yes — get it in year one.
I'm bidding a job that asks for a certificate of insurance. What does that mean?
The GC wants proof you carry liability coverage and may want to be listed as an additional insured. Standard request. Your agent handles it — should be same-day.
Will my insurance company drop me if I make a mistake?
One claim usually won't get you dropped. A pattern of claims or misrepresentation on your application will. Build clean habits from year one and you'll have access to the best programs for the next 20.
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