Continental Risk, in partnership with Continental Marine Insurance Services, offers a specialized General Liability program tailored for small to mid-sized artisan and specialty trade contractors. Designed specifically for those engaged in residential and light commercial construction, this program provides comprehensive coverage solutions that meet the evolving needs of contractors working in new builds, remodels, and tenant improvement projects, including single-family home construction.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program targets artisan contractors with annual payrolls under $1,000,000. It is well-suited for businesses operating in residential and commercial construction environments, particularly those focused on:
- New residential or commercial construction (excluding high-risk structures)
- Repair, remodeling, and tenant improvement projects
- Trades with 75% or more of their work falling into approved class codes
With over 30 eligible class codes, this program accommodates a wide range of trades, including:
- Plumbing
- Carpentry
- Concrete
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Drywall
- Insulation
- And many more artisan contractor classes
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Continental Risk’s program goes beyond basic coverage to include policy enhancements often required by project owners and general contractors. Available coverages include:
- Blanket Additional Insured
- Waiver of Subrogation
- Primary and Non-Contributory wording
- Per Project Aggregate
- Subsidence coverage (with limitations)
- Prior Projects coverage (with limitations)
Maximum Coverage Limits
- $2,000,000 General Aggregate
- $2,000,000 Products Aggregate
- $1,000,000 Per Occurrence
- $1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury
- $1,000,000 Employee Benefits Liability
- $100,000 Fire Damage Legal Liability
- $5,000 Medical Payments
Underwriting Notes and Risk Eligibility
To streamline underwriting, risks must meet specific eligibility criteria. The program is open to contractors whose operations fall predominantly within approved classes and project types. Examples of eligible risks include:
- Licensed contractor building new single-family residences
- HVAC contractor performing commercial tenant improvements
Ineligible risks include:
- New construction of condominiums, condominium conversions, or townhouses (exceptions may apply)
- Structures exceeding three stories (with some exceptions)
- Operations involving high-hazard exposures such as process piping, blasting, tunneling, landfills, emergency systems, or public utilities
Territories and Availability
This program is available in 47 states, offering broad geographic access for agents and brokers seeking a reliable solution for residential and light commercial contractor clients. Both admitted and non-admitted carrier options are available through Twenty Mile and other carrier partners, providing flexibility across a range of underwriting scenarios.
Why Work With Continental Risk
As an established excess and surplus lines broker, Continental Risk brings deep market access and underwriting experience in the artisan contractor space. Their partnership with Continental Marine Insurance Services and access to both admitted and non-admitted carriers means agents can find competitive solutions for a wide array of contractor clients. Whether your client is a small plumbing contractor or a remodeling specialist, you’ll benefit from a responsive team that understands the unique exposures of the construction industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
Artisan and specialty trade contractors with less than $1,000,000 in annual payroll working on residential and light commercial projects are ideal candidates.
Are both new construction and remodeling projects eligible?
Yes, the program accepts new construction, remodeling, and tenant improvement work, including single-family residential builds.
What are some of the ineligible risks?
Projects involving condominiums, buildings over three stories, and high-hazard exposures like tunneling, blasting, or emergency systems are generally not eligible.
Is this program available nationwide?
It is available in 47 states, offering broad access for agents across most of the U.S.
Do you offer both admitted and non-admitted options?
Yes, the program includes access to both admitted and non-admitted carriers, depending on the state and risk profile.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.