Running a construction business in New York is no small feat. Between tight deadlines, complex projects, and strict regulations, contractors also face one of the most frustrating parts of doing business — managing their business insurance. From general liability to workers’ compensation and everything in between, it’s easy for costly mistakes to slip through the cracks.
Here are the five biggest problems New York contractors have with their business insurance, and how BGES Group, the construction insurance specialists, can make your life a whole lot easier.
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1. Skyrocketing Premiums and Unfair Pricing
Many New York contractors are paying way more than they should for their insurance. Why? Because they’re often placed in the wrong classification codes, bundled into high-risk groups, or working with agents who don’t fully understand the construction industry.
When your agent doesn’t specialize in contractor insurance, they may not know how to properly represent your business to carriers — and that means higher premiums, unnecessary coverages, and denied credits.
BGES Group understands the unique risks and requirements of New York contractors. We know which carriers offer the best pricing and coverage for each trade — from drywall, masonry, and plumbing to electrical, roofing, and general contracting. Our specialists review your existing policies to identify overcharges, misclassifications, and missed discounts.
We routinely save contractors thousands of dollars each year while improving their protection.
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2. Insurance Companies That Don’t Understand Construction
Many contractors feel like their insurance company doesn’t “get” what they do. When a claim happens, the last thing you want is a representative who doesn’t understand jobsite operations, subcontractor relationships, or the complexity of New York construction law.
Some insurers treat contractors like every other business — which can lead to denied claims, coverage gaps, and delays in getting paid.
BGES Group only works with construction-focused carriers that understand your business. We speak their language — and yours. Whether you’re dealing with certificates of insurance, additional insured endorsements, or claims investigations, we make sure your coverage actually works for you when you need it most.
We also help contractors avoid coverage gaps that could destroy their business, like exclusions for residential work, height restrictions, or subcontractor limitations that are often buried in small print.
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3. Workers’ Compensation Headaches
Workers’ compensation insurance is one of the most misunderstood — and mismanaged — coverages in the construction industry. Contractors in New York often face:
• Audits resulting in unexpected bills for tens of thousands of dollars.
• Incorrect payroll classifications leading to overpayment.
• Inaccurate experience modification ratings (“mods”) that increase premiums.
• Trouble finding coverage because of past claims or high-risk trades.
That’s where BGES Group comes in. We’ve built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable workers’ compensation specialists in New York.
We help contractors:
• Get refunds from past audits (you can go back several years).
• Correct their classifications and payroll records.
• Lower their experience mod.
• Find competitive coverage even if they’ve been canceled or non-renewed.
Our team works closely with carriers, accountants, and business owners to eliminate stress and get contractors the refunds and savings they deserve.
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4. Certificates of Insurance (COIs) and Compliance Nightmares
Ask any contractor in New York what their biggest daily frustration is, and most will say — certificates of insurance.
Every job, every GC, every property owner wants their own wording, special endorsements, and proof of coverage yesterday. One wrong word or missing line can delay payment or even cost you a job.
Most agents don’t move fast enough to keep contractors in compliance, and when you’re juggling multiple projects, that can quickly turn into a nightmare.
BGES Group understands how critical this is. We have a dedicated team that handles COI requests fast — often within the same day. We make sure your certificates meet each project’s unique requirements and that your insurance actually complies with those terms.
With BGES Group, you don’t lose business waiting for paperwork — you stay job-ready and compliant every time.
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5. Not Knowing If You’re Really Covered
One of the biggest mistakes contractors make is assuming they’re fully protected — until a claim proves otherwise.
Common coverage gaps include:
• No completed operations coverage for work after the job is done.
• Missing additional insured endorsements for general contractors or property owners.
• Policies that exclude subcontractor work.
• Inadequate limits for large projects or high-rise construction.
Unfortunately, you won’t find these problems until it’s too late.
At BGES Group, we take a proactive approach. Before we ever quote your insurance, we perform a complete coverage review — line by line — so you know exactly what’s covered, what’s not, and where you might be exposed.
Then we tailor your program to your exact needs — whether you’re a small subcontractor or a large general contractor managing multi-million-dollar jobs.
We make sure you’re covered for:
• Completed operations
• Additional insureds and contractual requirements
• Tools, equipment, and vehicles
• Jobsite injuries and employee issues
• Umbrella/excess coverage for major contracts
With BGES Group, you’ll finally have peace of mind knowing your business is fully protected.
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Why Contractors Choose BGES Group
For over 44 years, BGES Group has helped New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut contractors lower costs, eliminate confusion, and protect their businesses with the right insurance programs.
We specialize in:
• General Liability
• Workers’ Compensation
• Commercial Auto
• Umbrella/Excess Liability
• Builders Risk
• Bonds
We also help with audits, refunds, safety manuals, and subcontractor compliance. Contractors rely on us not only for our expertise but because we answer the phone, move fast, and truly care about helping them succeed.
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If You’re a New York Contractor — Get Help from BGES Group Today
Don’t keep overpaying or stressing about your insurance. Let the experts at BGES Group review your current program and show you where you can save and improve coverage.
Whether you’re a small trade contractor or a large GC, we’ll make sure you’re protected, compliant, and getting the best value possible.
Contact BGES Group Today:
📞 Gary Wallach
📱 914-806-5853
Serving contractors across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with national associates covering the entire U.S.
BGES Group — The Construction Insurance Specialists Who Put Contractors First.