Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is designed for experienced general contractors who focus exclusively on custom, single-family homes—not tract housing, condominiums, townhouses, or major developer projects. Agents should consider this market when an insured needs a non-standard solution but still meets disciplined underwriting standards.
- At least two years in business as a custom home general contractor
- Proven history of managing subcontractors responsibly (insurance and contract controls)
- Primary operations limited to small to mid-sized, one-off custom builds
Examples of good fits: a contractor building high-end lakefront homes in Tennessee, or a general contractor managing five to ten custom home projects per year in suburban Texas. Projects involving condos, townhouses, EIFS work, or large-scale developer subdivisions are not eligible.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- General Liability / Completed Operations: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate (occurrence form)
- Placement through non-admitted carriers to broaden available options
- Underwriting flexibility for tough-to-place construction risks
- Access to six construction-focused insurance markets to match specific account nuances
Currently this program writes general contractors only; subcontractors are not eligible at this time.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
To qualify, insureds must meet specific operational and contractual controls that reduce project exposure and support disciplined risk transfer:
- Use only subcontractors who carry GL and Workers’ Compensation limits equal to or greater than the contractor’s
- Require subcontractors to name the contractor as an additional insured, include hold-harmless language, and waive subrogation
- Maintain Builders Risk coverage on all active projects
- Subcontract no more than 50% of estimated receipts
- Limit work to subdivisions with fewer than 50 lots and no more than 10 homes per subdivision
- No more than 25 new home starts per year
Minimum premium: $6,000 (subject to underwriting and final policy structure)
Submission Requirements
- Completed ACORD application (Applicant Info & General Liability sections)
- Kaigler & Company Custom Home Builders supplemental application
- Five years of currently valued loss runs (or one per year in business if under five years)
- Details of expiring carrier, premium, and deductible
Territories and Availability
Kaigler & Company can write business in the following states: AL, AR, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, DC, WI, and WY. Availability may vary by carrier and submission specifics—confirm eligibility before binding.
Why Work With Kaigler & Company
Kaigler & Company combines deep construction underwriting expertise with access to multiple specialty markets. That combination helps you place accounts that are claim-sensitive, geographically challenging, or simply out of scope for admitted carriers. Their construction-focused underwriters understand contract controls, subcontractor management, and project-level risk—helping you find workable solutions and competitive terms when standard markets decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
Experienced general contractors who build custom, single-family homes on individual lots—not part of large developments or mass-produced subdivisions.
Are subcontractors eligible under this program?
No. This program is limited to general contractors at present. Kaigler & Company may consider subcontractor classes later as the program evolves.
What are the key underwriting requirements?
Insureds must be in business at least two years, require subcontractors to carry appropriate insurance and contractually transfer risk, maintain Builders Risk on projects, and meet operational limits such as no more than 25 home starts per year.
What is the minimum premium for this program?
The minimum premium is $6,000, subject to underwriting review and account specifics.
In which states is this program available?
This program is available in over 30 states, including TX, GA, NC, IL, and WA. Refer to the full state list above or contact Kaigler & Company for confirmation on a specific location.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.