If you’re a contractor operating in New York today, you’ve probably noticed something unsettling happening in the insurance market.
When your general liability policy comes up for renewal, the conversation with your broker is no longer as simple as it used to be.
Rates are rising. Underwriting is tightening. And perhaps most concerning of all—there are fewer insurance companies willing to write New York contractors.
Over the past year, several well-known “Main Street” insurance companies have quietly stepped away from the New York contractor liability market. Carriers that once insured small and mid-size construction firms are now declining accounts or dramatically restricting the types of work they will cover.
Why?
Because New York remains one of the most difficult liability environments in the country. Between strict labor laws, rising claim costs, and complex construction risks, many insurance companies have decided the exposure simply isn’t worth it.
For contractors, the result is simple: less competition means higher premiums and fewer options.
That’s why every contractor should be asking themselves an important question:
“What’s my Plan B when my liability policy comes up for renewal?”
Why Waiting Until Renewal Is Risky
Too many contractors wait until 30 days before renewal to think about their insurance.
By that time, if your current insurance company decides not to renew your policy—or comes back with a major price increase—you may have very limited options.
In today’s insurance environment, underwriters often need 60–120 days to properly review contractor accounts. If there’s a gap in coverage, past claims, or certain types of work involved, the underwriting process can become even more complicated.
That’s why having a backup strategy is critical.
That’s Where BGES Group Comes In
At BGES Group, we specialize in helping New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut contractors navigate one of the most challenging insurance markets in the country.
We understand the construction industry because contractors are a core part of our business.
But just as important, we offer something many larger agencies have lost:
Old-fashioned “Mom and Pop” boutique service.
When you call BGES Group, you’re not being routed through a call center or waiting days for a response. You’re dealing with professionals who understand your business and treat your company like it matters—because it does.
Here are 10 ways BGES Group makes contractors’ lives easier.
1. Access to 50+ Insurance Companies
The contractor insurance market is shrinking. Having access to multiple carriers is more important than ever.
BGES Group represents over 30 insurance companies, including many of the best general liability and umbrella liability programs available for contractors.
2. A True Backup Plan for Your Liability Renewal
If your current carrier increases rates dramatically or decides not to renew your policy, we already have alternative markets ready to review your account.
That’s what a real Plan B looks like.
3. Specialists in New York Contractor Risks
New York construction is unique. Labor Law exposure, high claim severity, and strict insurance requirements mean you need a broker who understands these risks.
We specialize in New York contractor insurance placements.
4. Help Navigating Complex Insurance Requirements
General contractors, property managers, and developers often require complex insurance wording.
Additional insured endorsements. Primary and non-contributory wording. Waivers of subrogation.
We help make sure your policies meet contractual requirements.
5. Faster Responses When You Need Certificates
In construction, work often stops until a certificate of insurance is issued.
We understand that speed matters, and we work quickly to provide the certificates you need so projects keep moving.
6. Assistance with Claims
When a claim occurs, contractors often feel like they’re left on their own to deal with the insurance company.
We help guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf when needed.
7. Workers’ Compensation Expertise
Workers’ compensation is one of the most complicated insurance policies contractors deal with.
Misclassified payroll, incorrect job classifications, and audit disputes can lead to unexpected costs.
We help review policies and identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.
8. Help with Audit Disputes
Many contractors are surprised when their workers’ compensation audit results in a large additional premium.
If you’re in the middle of an audit dispute, we may be able to help review classifications, subcontractor documentation, and other factors affecting the audit.
9. Guidance on Coverage Contractors Often Overlook
Many contractors carry only basic liability insurance when they actually need additional coverage such as:
Builders risk Inland marine Commercial auto Umbrella liability
We help identify potential gaps that could create serious financial exposure.
10. Real People Who Are Available When You Need Them
Construction doesn’t stop at 5 PM—and neither do insurance issues.
At BGES Group, we pride ourselves on being available when our clients need us, even outside normal business hours.
A Construction Insurance Specialist You Can Count On
BGES Group is one of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut’s Construction Insurance Specialists representing 30+ companies, including all the BEST general & umbrella liability programs. We offer all the coverage needed, including property, builders’ risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella liability, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ compensation, N.Y.S. disability, and group health.
Our commitment to you goes beyond the policies we provide. We are always just a call, text, or email away, ready to assist you, even on weekends. We understand the importance of your business and are here to help you navigate any insurance challenges.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners
BGES Group are Workers’ Compensation Insurance Specialists for Tri-State Business Owners: Unhappy with your rates, company, being canceled, losses causing difficulty getting coverage, in the middle of an audit dispute, misclassified payrolls, or whatever your issue. We can help!
We have special programs for Auto Services, Contractors (especially in New York), Limousine Services, Logistics Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, and Truckers; we can help ANY tri-state business owner.
We are considered “Preferred Agents” for this one program that, if we can get you into, their pricing is excellent, offers long-term coverage stability, and can cover multi-state operations. The program takes the hassle out of doing annual audits, too.
Don’t Wait Until Your Renewal Is in Trouble
The New York contractor insurance market is changing quickly.
If your liability policy is coming up for renewal, now is the time to start exploring your options—not after the renewal quote arrives.
Having a Plan B could make the difference between securing the coverage your business needs or scrambling at the last minute.
Contact BGES Group
If you want to speak with us:
Gary Wallach BGES Group 216A Larchmont Acres West Larchmont, NY 10538
📞 Phone: 914-806-5853
📧 Email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
🌐 Website: http://www.bgesgroup.com
Call, text, or email anytime to discuss your insurance needs. We’re here to help keep your construction business protected.