If you’re a contractor in New York, chances are you’ve felt frustrated with your insurance agency or broker at one time or another. Maybe it’s the service (or lack of it), the constant turnover of people handling your account, or the never-ending fees that eat away at your bottom line. The truth is, many contractors feel let down by agencies that treat them like just another number in their system instead of a valued client with specific needs.
Insurance is supposed to be the safety net that protects your livelihood, your employees, and your business operations. But too often, contractors discover that their broker or agency is more interested in maximizing their own profits than actually supporting their clients. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into some of the most common reasons contractors are unhappy with their agencies or brokers.
10 Reasons New York Contractors Are Frustrated with Their Insurance Agencies
1. Are You Working with a Big Factory-Like Agency? Many large agencies process clients like a conveyor belt, prioritizing volume over personal service. As a contractor, you need an agency that knows your name, your business, and your industry—not one where you’re just another policy number.
2. Do You Get a New Account Executive Every Few Months? Turnover is rampant in big agencies. One month you’re working with Sarah, the next month with John, and by renewal time, someone else entirely is handling your file. This constant shuffle means you never get consistent service and your account details often fall through the cracks.
3. Can You Ever Get Someone on the Phone? Contractors are busy, and when you need help, you need it fast. Unfortunately, many brokers are “away from their desk,” “in a meeting,” “out to lunch,” or “on vacation.” That doesn’t help when you’re stuck waiting for answers.
4. Does It Take Hours—or Even Days—to Get a Certificate? You shouldn’t lose out on jobs because your insurance agency can’t turn around certificates quickly. For many contractors, waiting hours or days for something so essential is not only frustrating but financially damaging.
5. Are You Being Charged Thousands in Policy Fees? Some agencies tack on outrageous “policy fees” to boost their profits. Contractors have reported paying thousands of dollars on top of premiums—money that could’ve gone toward payroll, equipment, or growth.
6. Do You Only Hear from Your Broker at Renewal Time? Good brokers stay in touch year-round, not just when they want your renewal check. If your broker disappears for 11 months out of the year, they’re not truly serving your business.
7. Does Your Broker Ever Make Coverage Recommendations? Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and contractors face unique risks. Yet many brokers simply process renewals without reviewing whether you’re adequately covered. A proactive broker should be regularly advising you on coverage gaps and changes in the industry.
8. Do You Feel Like You’re Doing All the Work? Many contractors complain that they spend more time chasing their broker than their broker spends helping them. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly follow up to get answers, quotes, or certificates. The agency should be taking work off your plate—not adding to it.
9. Do You Feel Your Broker Doesn’t Understand the Construction Industry? Contractors have specialized needs, from liability concerns to workers’ compensation and umbrella policies. If your broker doesn’t “speak contractor” and understand your world, they’re not the right partner.
10. Are You Paying More Than You Should? Poorly placed coverage, lack of market shopping, or failure to negotiate on your behalf often leaves contractors overpaying. Without the right broker, you may be wasting thousands of dollars every year on inflated premiums.
Why Contractors Choose BGES Group
If you’re nodding your head in frustration at the list above, there’s good news: not every agency operates that way. BGES Group is different.
We’re a boutique, Mom-and-Pop style insurance agency that specializes in serving contractors across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. We’re not a big factory agency, and we don’t treat our clients like numbers. Instead, we provide personal, consistent, and reliable service that makes your life easier.
Here’s how BGES Group stands apart:
- One Dedicated Account Executive – You’ll always work with the same person who knows your account inside and out. No endless turnover, no re-explaining your situation.
- Always Accessible – We’re available Monday through Sunday. When you call, you’ll reach someone who knows your business—not a voicemail maze.
- Fast Certificate Turnaround – We understand certificates are critical for contractors. That’s why we pride ourselves on quick, efficient turnaround so you never lose a job waiting.
- No Ridiculous Policy Fees – Unlike agencies that tack on thousands in extra charges, we don’t believe in exploiting our clients. Your money should go toward protecting your business, not lining an agency’s pockets.
- Proactive Guidance – We don’t just disappear after binding coverage. We review your account, identify risks, and make recommendations to keep you properly protected.
- Deep Industry Knowledge – We specialize in contractors, so we know the ins and outs of your world—from scaffolding exposures to liability limits.
- Personal Touch – We treat clients like family. Many contractors who switch to us say it’s the first time they’ve felt truly supported by their agency.
At BGES Group, our mission is to simplify insurance for contractors, protect them from financial risk, and save them money—while providing the personal attention that large agencies can’t.
Don’t Stay Stuck with an Agency That Doesn’t Care
As a contractor, your time and resources are too valuable to waste on poor service, high fees, and brokers who don’t understand your business. If your current agency is making you unhappy for any of the reasons listed above, it may be time to make a change.
BGES Group offers a better way. With us, you’ll get personal service, responsive support, and coverage tailored to your unique needs as a contractor.
Contact BGES Group Today
📍 Location: BGES Group – Serving Contractors Across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
📞 Phone: (914) 806-5853 – Gary Wallach
📧 Email: bgesgroup.com@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.bgesgroup.com
Stop feeling like just another number. Partner with BGES Group and experience the difference of a boutique agency that puts contractors first.