Overview — Continental Risk: Air Conditioning Systems Program
Continental Risk / Continental Marine Insurance Services offers a specialized Excess & Surplus Lines program for contractors and businesses that install, service or maintain air conditioning systems. This program is placed with an A-rated carrier and is designed for agents who need an E&S option for accounts that require broader terms than standard admitted markets can provide.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- HVAC contractors performing installation, replacement, service and repair work.
- Commercial and light-commercial accounts, including retail, small offices, property management vendors, and multi-family maintenance contractors.
- New residential construction and tract work are acceptable (subject to underwriting and higher minimums).
- Accounts needing combined General Liability with tailored protection for auto and pollution exposures.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Blanket Additional Insured (Blanket AI) is included to simplify certificate issuance for GC and property owner relationships.
- Defense outside the limits feature with a 1/2/2 limit structure (defense outside the limits as described by the insurer).
- Excess limits are available to layer over primary placements when higher limits are required.
- Ability to include Automobile and Pollution cover for qualifying operations — useful for contractors who transport refrigerants or perform operations with potential pollutant exposure.
- Non-admitted placement through an experienced E&S broker allowing flexible terms for accounts that do not fit admitted market guidelines.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting focuses on operational controls, experience, and loss history. Key considerations include payroll, annual receipts, percentage of new residential vs. service work, safety programs, and refrigerant handling procedures.
- Minimum premium: $775 for accounts without new residential exposure.
- Minimum premium: $3,000 for accounts that include new residential work or tract construction.
- Higher minimums or specific underwriting requirements may apply to accounts with significant pollution exposure, large payrolls, or recent loss activity.
Territories and Admitted Status
This is a non-admitted (E&S) program and is available in the following jurisdictions:
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
Why Place Air Conditioning Business with Continental Risk
- Specialized E&S broker expertise — Continental Risk understands contractor exposures and works to craft practical solutions for HVAC risks.
- Market access to an A-rated carrier with favorable policy features, including blanket AI and defense outside the limits.
- Ability to package GL with auto and pollution cover for a more complete placement from a single program.
- Flexible excess capacity available when higher limits are required.
- Responsive underwriting for tract and new residential work when properly documented and priced.
Example Accounts
Example 1: You have a regional HVAC contractor with $1.2M in annual receipts who performs commercial service and small new-build residential installs. The program can provide GL with pollution coverage and blanket AI, with a quoted minimum premium adjusted for the new residential exposure.
Example 2: You represent a property management vendor that performs routine HVAC maintenance across several multi-family properties and uses company vehicles to transport refrigerants. This program can combine GL, auto, and pollution cover in a single non-admitted placement with appropriate underwriting.
For more information about the Air Conditioning Systems product and submission requirements, visit www.continentalriskins.com or contact Continental Risk through your usual wholesaler channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of HVAC accounts are a good fit for this program?
Contractors doing commercial service, light commercial installs, multi-family maintenance, and limited new residential or tract work are typical fits. Accounts with strong safety programs and manageable pollution exposure are preferred.
Is this an admitted or non-admitted program?
This is a non-admitted (E&S) program. Continental Risk places business where admitted markets are not suitable or flexible terms are needed.
Are auto and pollution coverages available?
Yes. Continental Risk can offer automobile and pollution coverage as part of the package for qualifying HVAC operations. These are underwritten alongside GL to ensure proper limits and conditions.
How does the program handle additional insured requests?
Blanket Additional Insured is included, which simplifies certificate issuance for general contractors and property owners. Specific endorsements and wording will be provided based on the insured’s operations and contracts.
What are the minimum premiums and when do they apply?
Minimums are $775 for accounts without new residential exposure and $3,000 for accounts that include new residential or tract work. Underwriting may require higher premiums for elevated exposures or recent losses.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.