In the construction industry, contractor liability insurance is a crucial part of running a successful business, but in recent years, New York contractors have faced a growing challenge: rapidly rising insurance rates. With an ever-changing legal environment, increasing claims, and the growing complexity of insurance requirements, contractors need to stay proactive to avoid being blindsided by yet another rate increase. Here’s what you can do to protect your business against escalating liability insurance costs and ensure your operations remain secure and profitable.
1. Review and Update Your Current Coverage
The first step in protecting yourself is to review your current liability insurance coverage. Many contractors find themselves locked into outdated policies that no longer meet their needs. By regularly assessing your coverage, you can identify gaps or excessive coverages that could be inflating your premiums unnecessarily.
Make sure your policy includes adequate general liability and umbrella liability coverage, especially if you’re dealing with high-risk work, like roofing or demolition. At the same time, ensure that your policy doesn’t include redundant coverages that no longer apply to your operations.
2. Mitigate Risk on the Job Site
One of the best ways to protect yourself from liability rate increases is to actively reduce the risk of accidents and claims. Implementing and enforcing safety protocols on the job site can reduce the likelihood of accidents, which in turn lowers the number of claims filed. Fewer claims mean a better track record with insurance providers, which helps keep your premiums in check.
Make sure your crew is properly trained in safety procedures, and always conduct regular safety audits. Invest in quality safety equipment, and ensure that your subcontractors are properly insured and compliant with all legal requirements.
3. Consider Implementing a Return-to-Work Program
Accidents happen, but when they do, having a return-to-work program in place can help minimize the financial impact. This kind of program helps injured employees transition back to work more quickly, reducing the length and cost of workers’ compensation claims. Insurance carriers often reward businesses with such programs by offering lower premiums.
By showing your insurance provider that you’re committed to minimizing the costs of any claim, you position yourself as a lower-risk client, which can help prevent future rate increases.
4. Stay Informed About Labor Laws
Labor Laws 240 and 241, specific to New York, are some of the strictest in the country when it comes to contractor liability. These laws can make contractors liable for any injury sustained by workers on a construction site, even if the contractor wasn’t directly responsible for the incident.
Because of these laws, it’s critical to have the right type of liability insurance in place to protect yourself. Understanding these laws and ensuring your policy covers labor law claims can prevent your rates from skyrocketing in the event of an accident. Furthermore, staying informed about any updates or changes to these laws can help you make timely adjustments to your coverage.
5. Work With an Insurance Agent Who Specializes in Construction
General insurance brokers might not fully understand the unique risks that New York contractors face. To stay protected and minimize costs, you need an insurance agent who knows the ins and outs of the construction industry and can provide solutions tailored specifically to your needs.
This is where BGES Group comes in. BGES Group specializes in construction insurance, particularly for contractors operating in New York’s complex legal and regulatory environment. With their industry expertise, BGES Group can help you avoid costly coverage gaps while ensuring you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverages.
6. Get a Backup Plan B Quote From BGES Group
It’s no secret that insurance brokers can sometimes get complacent or overlook opportunities to get you better quotes. Even if you think your current broker has things under control, it’s always a smart idea to get a backup plan B quote. If your broker misses deadlines or fails to find you competitive pricing, you could end up stuck with higher rates.
Gary Wallach at BGES Group are ready to step in if your broker falls asleep at the wheel. With his expertise in construction liability insurance, he will make sure you’re getting the best possible coverage and pricing. Plus, having a backup quote can give you leverage when negotiating with your current broker.
7. Negotiate for Better Rates
If you’ve been a loyal client to your current insurance provider, use that as a bargaining chip to negotiate for better rates. Be proactive in discussions with your broker and insurance provider, showing them that you’re actively reducing risks, staying compliant with laws, and committed to maintaining a safe work environment.
Don’t hesitate to bring up your backup quote from BGES Group during negotiations to show your broker that you’re serious about securing the best deal. Competition keeps everyone on their toes, and it can often result in better terms for you.
Protect Your Future — Contact BGES Group for a Backup Plan
Don’t wait for another liability rate increase to catch you off guard. Be proactive by reviewing your coverage, reducing risk, and seeking a second opinion on your insurance policy. Contact Gary Wallach at BGES Group today at 914-806-5853 or bgesgroup@gmail.com for a backup quote to make sure you’re not overpaying and that your business remains protected in New York’s high-stakes contracting environment.
Having BGES Group as your backup insurance plan could be the difference between another steep rate hike or staying financially stable and protected. Reach out now and safeguard your business’s future.
BGES Group is one of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut’s Construction Insurance Specialists representing 50+ 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.
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.
If you want to speak with us, call Gary Wallach at 914-806-5853, click here to email, or visit our website.
Company: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538
email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
website: http://www.bgesgroup.com
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