When it comes to protecting your construction business, you count on your insurance company to have your back. You pay your premiums, stay on top of your certificates, and expect your claims to be handled fairly when something goes wrong. But behind the polished brochures and friendly customer service reps, insurance companies often have a very different playbook — one that isn’t always in your best interest.
Contractors across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have found themselves blindsided by fine print, hidden exclusions, and shady tactics designed to minimize payouts and maximize company profits. It’s not personal — it’s business. And the more you know about how the system really works, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your company, your crew, and your bottom line.
Here are 7 dirty little secrets insurance companies don’t want contractors to know:
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1. The Lowest Price Policy Is Often the Riskiest
Every contractor loves saving money, but cut-rate policies usually mean cut-rate coverage. Insurance companies know many contractors shop by price alone, so they strip out vital protections or hide limitations in the fine print. Later, when a claim hits, you’ll discover gaps you didn’t even know existed — and you’ll be left holding the bag.
Pro Tip: Always have a construction insurance specialist review your policy to identify what’s not covered.
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2. They Count on You Not Reading the Fine Print
Most contractors don’t have the time (or desire) to comb through 50+ pages of policy language. Insurance companies rely on this. Buried in those dense paragraphs are exclusions, endorsements, and special conditions that could limit or deny coverage for common job site risks — from employee injuries to third-party property damage.
Pro Tip: Know your exclusions. They can cost you big time if you don’t.
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3. Claims Are Often Delayed to Pressure Settlements
When you file a claim, insurance companies may drag their feet intentionally. The longer they delay, the more desperate contractors become to settle for less. Adjusters are trained negotiators who may underplay the value of your claim or suggest it falls into a gray area to minimize payouts.
Pro Tip: Partner with a broker who knows how to fight for your claim and hold carriers accountable.
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4. Your Policy May Exclude Subcontractor-Related Claims
Think your general liability policy covers you if a subcontractor causes damage or injury? Think again. Many policies exclude claims involving subs unless you meet strict conditions — like having specific written contracts or certificates of insurance on file. Miss a step, and your claim could be denied.
Pro Tip: Have a subcontractor risk management plan in place and make sure your insurance specialist reviews it.
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5. They Profit From Your Policy Not Being Audited
Did you know your workers’ compensation premium is based on estimated payroll numbers? Insurers hope you’ll underestimate — and then avoid audits. If you do, you could get hit with hefty adjustments later, or worse, face penalties for misreporting. Some insurers even profit from those back-end surprises.
Pro Tip: Work with a broker who proactively monitors your payroll classifications and audit preparedness.
6. Carriers Change Coverage Terms Every Year
Your policy from last year isn’t the same this year — even if the price didn’t change much. Insurance companies regularly modify forms and endorsements to reduce their risk exposure. Many times, those changes aren’t clearly communicated to policyholders. One year you’re covered, the next you’re not.
Pro Tip: Get a detailed, line-by-line renewal review every year from a construction insurance pro.
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7. They Favor the Broker Who Makes Life Easiest for Them
Not all brokers are created equal. Many big-name brokers work more for the insurance companies than for their clients. Why? Because brokers who minimize claims, discourage tough questions, and deliver clean, profitable accounts get preferential treatment. That often leaves hardworking contractors with little advocacy when it matters most.
Pro Tip: Find an independent, battle-tested broker who’s willing to go to war for you.
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The 7 Secrets, Summarized:
1. Cheap policies often mean dangerous coverage gaps.
2. Vital exclusions and limitations hide in the fine print.
3. Claims may be delayed to pressure lowball settlements.
4. Subcontractor-related claims are often excluded.
5. Insurers profit when you skip audits and adjustments.
6. Coverage terms quietly change year to year.
7. Some brokers serve the carrier, not the contractor.
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Meet the Straight-Shooting Pros: BGES Group
If you’re a contractor in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, it pays to work with an insurance broker who knows the streets, knows the job sites, and knows how to fight. BGES Group isn’t your typical cookie-cutter agency. We’re a mom-and-pop, old-school, roll-up-your-sleeves, tell-it-like-it-is insurance brokerage with over 45 years of street-smart experience protecting contractors just like you.
We specialize in construction insurance — from general liability and workers’ compensation to umbrella policies and risk management services. Our team knows where the traps are, how to plug the holes in your coverage, and how to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies to make sure you get what you deserve.
We don’t work for the carriers — we work for you. And we treat every client like family.
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Get in Touch Today
Ready for an honest, no-nonsense review of your construction insurance program? Want to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of by your current carrier or broker? Reach out to BGES Group today:
Contact: Gary Wallach
Phone: 914-806-5853
Email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
Website: http://www.bgesgroup.com
Let’s have a real conversation about your coverage — no corporate jargon, no sugarcoating, and no hidden agendas. Just straight talk from an insurance specialist who’s been protecting contractors for over four decades.