Overview — CoverXSpecialty Small Business Unit Insurance
CoverXSpecialty offers a targeted Small Business Unit Insurance program designed for independent agents and brokers who need flexible liability solutions for small to mid-size commercial accounts. We focus on classes that are often under-served in standard brokerage channels and tailor coverage to the specific exposures of each insured. This program emphasizes practical underwriting, flexible contract terms, and options that work for project-based and premises risks.
SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS
CONTRACTORS
• Trade Contractors - roofing, framing, siding, drywall, electrical, plumbing/HVAC, concrete, carpentry, paving, EIFS
• Commercial Trade Contractors - roofing, steel erectors, elevator contractors, painting, street and road, build-out contractors, concrete, EIFS and others
• Servicing Contractors - elevator, boiler
• Commercial General Contractors
Contract & Coverage Highlights
• Primary 1/2/2 and $10M Umbrella options
• Primary Non-Contributory wording available
• Blanket Additional Insured (AI) options
• Blanket Waiver of Subrogation available
• Per-project aggregates available
• No minimum premiums on many placements
• Owner's interests and OCPs accepted
PRODUCT LIABILITY
Product liability for manufacturers, distributors, and importers. Appetite is light- to moderate-hazard products with low claim frequency. The program does not accept critical aircraft products, latex gloves, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, implantable devices, tobacco products, or nuclear-related products.
PREMISES LIABILITY
• COA and HOA exposures
• Apartment buildings (excluding elderly-only and Section 8 housing)
• Shopping centers and commercial buildings
• Vacant buildings or land
• Hotel/motel exposures (excluding liquor liability)
Contract & Coverage Highlights
• Assault and battery coverage options
• Per-location aggregates available
• Additional insured coverage and waiver of subrogation available
• No minimum premiums on many placements
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
CoverXSpecialty is best used for trade and commercial contractors, select product manufacturers/distributors, and a range of premises risks that need tailored liability solutions. Typical fits include small general contractors working on commercial tenant build-outs, roofing and framing contractors with steady turnover, manufacturers of low-to-moderate hazard products, and community associations or small commercial landlords with standard premises exposures.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
The program offers flexible primary limits, umbrella capacity (including $10M options), blanket additional insured and waiver of subrogation language, per-project and per-location aggregates, and specialized endorsements such as assault & battery. CoverXSpecialty underwriters are experienced in drafting contractor-friendly contract language (OCPs, owner’s interests) and handling non-standard insured requirements without imposing high minimums.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting focuses on accounts with manageable loss histories and exposures that match the program segments listed above. While the program often accommodates low-premium placements (the program highlights “no minimum premiums” for many risks), each account is evaluated case-by-case. Be prepared to provide loss runs, details on project scope, and contract requirements when submitting.
Territories and Availability
Available through CoverXSpecialty as a General Agency and Carrier relationship in the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY. The program is positioned for surplus-lines / non-admitted placements where applicable—confirm state filing and admitted status before submission.
Why Work With CoverXSpecialty
Agents and brokers choose CoverXSpecialty for its practical underwriting, willingness to write harder-to-place small business accounts, and contract-oriented solutions for contractors and premises risks. The program balances flexible policy forms and specialist underwriting with the ability to handle per-project aggregates and common contract requirements that your clients need to win business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Small Business Unit Insurance program?
Best fits are trade and commercial contractors (roofing, framing, HVAC, concrete, EIFS, etc.), light-to-moderate hazard product manufacturers/distributors, and premises risks such as shopping centers, apartments (non-Section 8/non-elderly), COAs/HOAs, and small hotels without liquor exposure.
Does the program accept additional insureds, waivers of subrogation, and per-project aggregates?
Yes. The program routinely offers blanket additional insureds, waivers of subrogation, and per-project or per-location aggregate options depending on the class and loss history. Specific wording is handled at underwriting.
Are there minimum premiums or size limits I should expect?
CoverXSpecialty notes that many placements are accepted without minimum premiums, making the program suitable for lower-premium accounts. Each submission is reviewed individually, so provide complete details to get accurate premium guidance.
How should I submit a risk or what information will underwriters need?
Submit a detailed ACORD application, recent loss runs, description of operations or project scope, and any contract language or certificate requirements. Clear documentation of operations and safety controls speeds up review and improves placement chances.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.