Overview of the Program From Access E&S Insurance Services
This program is designed for agents seeking E&S capacity and admitted options (where available) for contractors that perform construction and design-related services. Coverage is focused on professional errors & omissions tied to construction activities, defective materials, pollution-related claims, and exposures such as mold, asbestos and respirable dust.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- General contractors and design/build firms that provide in-house or subcontracted design
- Artisan contractors who install products and give technical or design guidance
- Contractors offering agency or at-risk construction management
- Entities involved in joint ventures with design firms
- Accounts that need explicit mold, asbestos, silica or pollution-related professional coverage
Typical fits are small to mid-sized contractors and design/build operations with documented quality controls and risk management practices. Large national contractors or pure architectural/engineering firms usually require specialist placement and may not fit this program.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Professional liability for negligent design, specification or errors and omissions by the contractor or subcontracted designers
- Coverage for defective materials or product failures tied to professional services
- Pollution-related claims and specific cover for mold, asbestos and respirable dust/silica exposures
- Ability to cover in-house design, subcontracted design, and joint venture arrangements
- Flexible placement through admitted markets where available and E&S placement through Access E&S where needed
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting focuses on the scope of design exposure, contract wording, project types, prior loss history and risk controls. Be prepared to submit:
- Details on design work performed (in-house vs. subcontracted)
- Sample contract language and indemnity provisions
- Loss runs and claims history
- Information on pollution or environmental exposures (mold, asbestos, silica)
Minimum premium: $2,500. Final terms, admitted availability and pricing will depend on state, class, limits requested and underwriting review.
Territories and Placement
States available: AZ, CA, CO, NV, TX, WA. The program includes some admitted market options in select states; where admitted capacity is not available, placement is handled on an excess & surplus (non-admitted) basis through Access E&S.
Why Work With Access E&S Insurance Services on Contractor's Professional Liability
- Specialized E&S broker expertise for construction and design exposures.
- Access to multiple markets and flexible placement options for accounts with mixed construction/design risk.
- Product wording that recognizes hybrid construction/design operations and pollution/mold exposures.
- Responsive underwriting for agents placing mid-market contractors needing tailored professional liability protection.
Example client scenarios
- You have a regional design/build contractor that self-performs structural work and also provides design changes on-site; they need professional liability coverage tied to those design services plus protection for mold-related remediations.
- An HVAC installer who provides system layout recommendations and product specs for commercial tenants — the account needs coverage for negligent design advice and potential pollution claims from improperly installed equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Contractor's Professional Liability program?
Good fits are general contractors, design/build firms and artisan contractors that perform construction and also provide design, specification or value-engineering services — especially accounts with potential mold, asbestos or pollution exposure.
Is admitted coverage available?
Some admitted markets are available in select states. Where admitted capacity is not available, Access E&S places accounts through excess & surplus lines. Admitted options depend on the state and underwriting details.
What minimum information does underwriting request?
Underwriters typically request a description of design work, sample contracts, loss runs, project types and any environmental or contamination exposures (mold, asbestos, silica). Clear documentation of risk controls helps secure better terms.
What is the minimum premium?
The program minimum premium is $2,500; final pricing depends on coverage limits, state placement and the account’s specific exposures.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.