If your clients are involved in construction or renovation, Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. offers a flexible, competitive Builders' Risk program to protect structures and materials during the course of construction. The program accommodates new builds and remodeling projects and is available through select admitted and non-admitted markets, giving you options for standard and harder-to-place risks.
Overview of the Builders' Risk Program from Colonial General
Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. is a regional Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines broker serving independent agents across the Western United States. With underwriting relationships across admitted and non-admitted carriers, Colonial General can offer tailored Builders' Risk solutions for contractors, developers, builders and property owners. The program supports projects from single-family custom homes to light commercial builds and renovations.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This Builders' Risk program works well for:
- Residential builders (single-family and multi-family)
- Light commercial construction (retail, small office, tenant improvements)
- Remodeling and renovation contractors
- Developers managing ground-up construction
- Property owners overseeing their own build projects
Projects that present well typically have clear timelines, licensed contractors, required permits, and documented contract values. Colonial General can consider both frame and non-combustible construction; high-hazard projects, large-scale commercial mega-projects, or accounts with unstable work schedules may be less likely to fit without additional underwriting detail.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Property coverage options include:
- Basic, Broad, or Special Form physical damage coverage
- Coverage for the building under construction
- Building materials and supplies in transit or at an unscheduled storage location (standard $5,000 limit; higher limits available on request)
- Contents and Contractors’ Equipment coverage
- Equipment Breakdown protection
- Installation Floater for subcontracted work and materials
- Replacement Cost valuation where applicable
These features help protect clients from theft, fire, vandalism, weather events, and mechanical or equipment failures during the build period.
Underwriting Notes
Colonial General evaluates submissions individually and offers flexibility across carrier partners. Underwriters will review project scope, construction type, contract language, security controls, and project timeline. Be prepared to provide plans, contractor information, project schedule, and a completed application. Minimum premiums vary by project type, location, and coverage selections—contact Colonial General for specific underwriting and minimum premium guidance on each submission.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in the following states:
- Arizona (AZ)
- California (CA)
- Colorado (CO)
- Idaho (ID)
- Nevada (NV)
- New Mexico (NM)
- Utah (UT)
- Wyoming (WY)
Availability can vary by specific project location and risk characteristics, particularly in wind, hail, or other catastrophe-prone areas.
Why Work With Colonial General
Colonial General combines regional construction expertise with access to both admitted and non-admitted markets, helping agents place standard and more complex Builders' Risk business. Their underwriting team is focused on responsive service and practical solutions, which helps when submitting non-standard projects or when tailored coverage forms are needed. Using Colonial General can speed placement and broaden options for clients who need flexible terms or higher limits.
Example scenarios where this program typically fits:
- You have a client building a cluster of custom single-family homes who needs replacement-cost coverage and materials-in-transit protection.
- You represent a small developer renovating a retail strip with a defined schedule and licensed subcontractors requiring Builders' Risk during the renovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Builders' Risk program?
This program is ideal for residential and light commercial construction projects, including new builds, remodels, and renovations managed by contractors, developers, or property owners.
Can this program cover materials in transit or temporary storage?
Yes. The program includes a $5,000 limit for building materials and supplies while in transit or at an unscheduled storage location. Higher limits can be requested on submission.
Is coverage available for both new construction and renovations?
Yes. Colonial General offers Builders' Risk policies for ground-up construction and renovation projects, including interior remodels and structural changes.
What states is this Builders' Risk program available in?
Coverage is offered in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT, and WY. Specific availability depends on project details and location.
Do you work with admitted or non-admitted carriers?
Colonial General accesses both admitted and non-admitted markets, providing flexibility to match coverage needs to each project's risk profile.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.