If you’re a contractor in New York, chances are you’ve had your fair share of frustrations dealing with insurance agencies. You’re busy running projects, juggling deadlines, and managing crews—yet every time you call your insurance agency for help, no one answers. When someone finally does, they promise to “get back to you,” but days go by with no response. You need an agency that treats your business like a priority, not an afterthought.
Let’s pull back the curtain on what’s really going on with many of the insurance agencies serving New York contractors—and show you how to break the cycle once and for all.
1. No One Answers the Phone When You Call
You’ve been there—you’re knee-deep in a project, maybe you need a certificate of insurance right away or have a coverage question, and your call goes to voicemail… again. It’s more than annoying—it can delay your job, cost you time, and even put your business relationships at risk. The reality is that many agencies simply don’t make customer service a priority. You’re not being unreasonable for expecting someone to answer the phone. You’re running a business. You need help now, not tomorrow.
2. You’re Paying Too Much for Business Insurance
New York contractors already pay some of the highest premiums in the country. Between the complex regulations, risk exposures, and tough underwriting, coverage is expensive enough. But are you paying more than you should? The answer is often yes.
Most agencies are on “auto-pilot”—they don’t shop your policies, negotiate aggressively, or look for specialized programs that could save you thousands. They renew your policies with the same carriers, at the same inflated prices, every year. You deserve better.
3. Hidden Service Fees That Add Up to Thousands
Here’s something most agencies won’t tell you: many tack on their own “service” or “broker” fees, sometimes in the thousands of dollars, hidden deep in your paperwork. These fees are often unnecessary—and they’re pure profit for the agency.
The dirty little secret? Insurance companies already pay agencies a commission. So when you see extra fees, that’s money straight out of your pocket. A trustworthy agency will be upfront and transparent about costs. If they can’t explain what you’re paying for, that’s a red flag.
4. Automatic Policy Renewals Without Checking for Better Options
Have you noticed that your policies just keep renewing automatically with no review? It’s convenient for your agency—but not for you. Without comparing your renewal with current market options, you could be missing out on significant savings or better coverage.
A good agency should take the time to review your policies each year, assess whether your coverage still fits your business, and explore other options before renewing.
5. Inexperienced Account Executives Who Don’t Understand Policy Language
Insurance policies are full of complex language—and if your account executive doesn’t truly understand it, you could be left exposed. Too many agencies rely on inexperienced staff who don’t have the expertise to navigate the fine print. That can lead to costly coverage gaps or misunderstandings when you need your insurance most—during a claim.
When you’re in the construction business, every word in your policy matters. You need someone who not only understands insurance but also understands how your contracts, subs, and jobsite exposures tie into it.
6. Staff Who Don’t Understand the Realities of the Construction Business
Quoting policies is easy. Understanding construction is not. Many insurance reps don’t have real-world knowledge of the risks you face every day—working at heights, managing subs, handling safety compliance, or dealing with audits.
They may give you cookie-cutter coverage that looks good on paper but doesn’t protect you in practice. What you need is an experienced advisor who can tailor coverage to your specific operations, not someone reading from a script.
7. High Turnover Means No One Knows Your Account
Ever feel like you’re starting from scratch every time you call your agency? That’s because employee turnover in many agencies is high. The person who knew your account leaves, and now you’re stuck re-explaining everything to someone new who doesn’t understand your business.
Consistency matters. You need an agency where you deal with the same knowledgeable people year after year—people who know your business, your policies, and your priorities.
8. Agencies Don’t Even Check Your Policies When They Come In
You’d think reviewing your policies for accuracy would be a given—but it often isn’t. Many agencies don’t check your policy documents when they arrive from the carrier. That means errors—wrong limits, missing endorsements, incorrect classifications—can go unnoticed until you have a claim.
When that happens, the “we’ll look into it” response from your agency won’t fix the damage. The best agencies double-check every detail before handing policies over to you, ensuring you’re actually getting the protection you paid for.
The Solution: Work with an Agency That Actually Cares
If you’re tired of dealing with agencies that never answer, overcharge you, and leave you unprotected, it’s time to make a change. You deserve a partner who takes your business as seriously as you do.
That’s where BGES Group comes in.
We’re not your typical insurance agency. At BGES Group, we specialize in helping New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut contractors get the right coverage, the right service, and the right price.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experienced Account Executives who truly understand both insurance and the contracting business.
- Personalized Service with real people—when you call, you get someone who knows your account and gets you answers fast.
- Competitive Pricing with no hidden fees, no unnecessary charges, and no automatic renewals without reviewing your options.
- Access to 50+ Top Insurance Companies including all the best general and umbrella liability programs.
- All Lines of Coverage – property, builders’ risk, inland marine, general liability, umbrella, auto, bid & performance bonds, workers’ comp, NYS disability, and group health.
We don’t just sell policies—we build relationships. You can call, text, or email us anytime, even on weekends. We know construction doesn’t stop at 5 p.m., and neither do we.
BGES Group: The Tri-State Workers’ Compensation Specialists
Workers’ Compensation is one of our biggest strengths. If you’re:
- Unhappy with your current rates
- Facing cancellation or nonrenewal
- Struggling with losses, misclassified payrolls, or audit disputes
- Or just want to see if you can do better
We can help.
We represent special programs for Auto Services, Contractors, Limousine Services, Logistics Companies, Manufacturers, Recyclers, and Truckers. We’re also a Preferred Agent for one of the best multi-state programs on the market—offering excellent pricing, long-term stability, and simplified audits.
It’s Time to Expect More
Stop overpaying for poor service. Stop waiting days for a call back. Stop letting agencies renew your policies year after year without checking your options.
Choose BGES Group—where your business is our priority.
📞 Call Gary Wallach today at 914-806-5853
📧 Email: bgesgroup@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.bgesgroup.com
Office: BGES Group, 216A Larchmont Acres West, Larchmont, NY 10538
We’re here to make your life easier, your coverage stronger, and your premiums more affordable. Because you deserve an insurance agency that actually picks up the phone.