Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program focuses on residential structures built with non-standard methods or adapted from non-residential uses. Typical eligible property types include:
- Monolithic concrete dome homes
- Straw bale residences
- Log homes constructed from hand-hewn or milled logs
- Converted buildings such as former schools, churches, or other institutional structures now used as homes
- Mountain retreats and remote residences, including properties with water features like streams
If your client’s property does not fit standard homeowners or dwelling forms, Colonial General’s Unusual Construction program is designed to help you find an appropriate market.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Colonial General places unusual construction risks with a network of admitted and non-admitted carriers, allowing flexibility to match coverage to the property’s construction, location, and exposures. Typical available coverages include property, premises liability, and endorsements tailored to the unique hazards presented by non-traditional homes.
Markets vary by state and risk characteristics, so Colonial General evaluates each submission to identify admitted options where available and E&S solutions when needed.
Underwriting Notes
Underwriting is handled on a case-by-case basis. Underwriters will focus on structural integrity, construction details, maintenance history, occupancy/use, and prior insurance or loss history. Detailed submissions speed placement—include construction photos, plans or sketches, description of materials and methods, and any recent inspection or engineer reports when available.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in the following Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Colonial General has deep regional expertise and carrier relationships across these territories.
Why Work With Colonial General
As a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker, Colonial General combines broad market access with underwriters experienced in non-standard residential risks. Their team is set up to help you navigate placements for unique or converted properties and provides responsive support through the submission and binding process.
Example scenarios you might place through this program: a client converting a historic church in California into a single-family residence, or a homeowner building a straw bale retreat in New Mexico. In both cases, Colonial General can help identify the best admitted or non-admitted market and required endorsements.
Contact Colonial General today to learn more about the Unusual Construction Insurance program and how it can support your unique property accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for residential structures with non-traditional construction, such as dome homes, straw bale houses, log cabins, and converted churches or schools used as residences.
Is this program available in all states?
No. Colonial General currently offers this program in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Are both admitted and non-admitted options available?
Yes. Colonial General can access both admitted and E&S markets depending on the property, construction type, and location.
Can I submit a property located near a stream or with unique environmental features?
Yes. Properties with environmental features such as on-site streams or steep terrain may be eligible, but underwriting will review those exposures closely and may request additional information or inspections.
What submission information is required?
Provide detailed property information, construction details, intended use/occupancy, current photos, and prior insurance or loss history to help expedite underwriting and placement.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.