Business insurance is supposed to protect everything you’ve worked so hard to build. But for many contractors and business owners, it often feels confusing, expensive, and stacked against them. That’s not an accident. Large insurance agencies thrive on complexity, volume, and clients who don’t ask too many questions.
If you’re a contractor in New York or anywhere else, knowing the truth behind how business insurance really works can save you tens of thousands of dollars—and sometimes your entire company.
Here are 10 secrets your insurance agency doesn’t want you to know.
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Secret #1 – The cheapest policy is rarely the best policy
Big agencies often lead with price because it’s an easy sale. What they don’t tell you is that the cheapest policy usually has exclusions, high deductibles, or weak coverage that only shows itself after a claim. Saving $2,000 today can cost you $200,000 later.
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Secret #2 – Most policies are not built for contractors
Contractors are high-risk businesses, yet many agencies sell generic business insurance designed for office companies or retail shops. Construction has unique exposures—tools, jobsite injuries, subcontractors, additional insureds, and contractual risk—that generic policies simply don’t address.
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Secret #3 – Your policy is written to protect the insurance company
Insurance contracts are legal documents designed to limit what carriers pay. The agency’s job should be to fight for coverage that protects you—but many large agencies focus more on keeping carriers happy than keeping you protected.
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Secret #4 – You can be denied a claim even when you “have coverage”
Many contractors don’t realize that having a policy does not guarantee a claim will be paid. One missed endorsement, one excluded classification, or one wrong payroll number can be enough to deny a claim entirely.
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Secret #5 – Workers’ comp audits are where you lose the most money
Insurance agencies love to talk about low upfront premiums. What they don’t focus on is the audit at the end of the year. Misclassified workers, subcontractor issues, and payroll errors can result in massive surprise bills.
Secret #6 – Subcontractors can destroy your coverage
If your subcontractors don’t carry proper insurance or name you correctly as an additional insured, you can end up paying for their mistakes. Many agencies never explain this or help you set up a proper risk-transfer system.
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Secret #7 – Certificates of insurance don’t actually protect you
Certificates are not contracts. They do not guarantee coverage. If your agency doesn’t verify endorsements and additional insured language, you may think you’re protected when you’re not.
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Secret #8 – Your agency gets paid more when you pay more
Most agencies earn commissions based on the size of your premium. That creates a built-in conflict of interest. Not every agency abuses this, but it explains why many don’t work hard to reduce your total cost.
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Secret #9 – Big agencies don’t have time for your account
When you’re one of 10,000 clients, your file is just a number. No one truly understands your business, your contracts, or your risks. That’s when mistakes happen.
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Secret #10 – Switching agencies is easier than you think
Many contractors stay stuck because they think switching is complicated. In reality, a good agency can move your policies smoothly and often improve coverage and pricing at the same time.
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10 Problems Contractors Face When Dealing With Large Insurance Agencies
Now let’s get specific. Here are the real-world problems contractors experience when they deal with big, volume-driven insurance agencies:
1. You never speak to the same person twice.
Every call feels like starting over.
2. Nobody understands your trade.
Roofers, drywall contractors, electricians, and GCs all have different risks—but big agencies lump them together.
3. Endorsements take weeks.
You lose jobs because additional insured certificates or waiver of subrogation forms don’t get issued on time.
4. No one reviews your contracts.
You sign agreements that force you to take on liability you didn’t even know you had.
5. Claims are treated like a nuisance.
Once something goes wrong, you’re just another ticket in a system.
6. You get hit with surprise audit bills.
Nobody warned you how to prepare or what to track.
7. You’re overpaying and don’t know it.
Your payroll, classifications, or experience mod may be wrong, but no one checks.
8. They sell you what the carrier wants to sell.
Not what your business actually needs.
9. They don’t explain exclusions.
You find out after a claim that something critical wasn’t covered.
10. You feel like a number, not a client.
And in construction, that can be financially deadly.
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Why Contractors Choose BGES Group
This is exactly why BGES Group exists.
BGES Group is not a giant call-center agency. They are a New York construction insurance specialist with a “mom and pop, boutique-style” approach. That means you get real people, real advice, and real accountability.
Instead of treating you like a policy number, BGES Group takes the time to understand:
• What kind of work you do
• Who you subcontract to
• What contracts you sign
• Where your real risks are
They help contractors set up proper workers’ compensation, general liability, umbrella coverage, and subcontractor compliance so you don’t get blindsided later.
And one of the most powerful things about BGES Group is their Google reviews.
Think about it: Google reviews are like a friend giving you a referral. Real contractors who were helped, protected, and supported took the time to say so publicly. That doesn’t happen with agencies that treat clients like numbers.
In an industry full of empty promises, real reviews mean real results.
BGES Group’s boutique approach means:
• Faster certificates
• Better communication
• Smarter coverage design
• Fewer surprises at audit time
• And a team that actually cares if your business survives a claim
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Final Thoughts
Insurance should not be a mystery, and it should not feel like a trap. When done correctly, it becomes a powerful financial shield that lets you grow with confidence.
If you’re tired of big agencies, confusing policies, and expensive surprises, it may be time to work with an agency that actually specializes in contractors and treats you like family instead of a file.
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Contact BGES Group
BGES Group – New York Construction Insurance Specialist
“Mom and Pop Like Boutique Service”
📞 Gary Wallach
Phone: 914-806-5853
Email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
Website: www.bgesgroup.com
One call could save you thousands—and protect everything you’ve built.