As a Managing General Underwriter (MGU), Continental Underwriters designs competitive, comprehensive programs for loggers, haulers, sawmills, kiln operators, pallet manufacturers, and related wood-product businesses. We work with more than 30 carriers that have a demonstrated appetite for forest products, allowing us to craft coverage that protects property, equipment, employees, and business income for your clients.
Target Classes and Ideal Accounts
Our Lumber Insurance program serves a broad range of operations in the wood-products sector, including:
- Logging and timber hauling operations
- Sawmills and standalone kiln-drying facilities
- Flooring and dimension mills
- Pallet and wood-box manufacturers
- Plywood and veneer manufacturers
- Wood treating and preserving plants
Typical accounts include mid-sized flooring mills facing tight margins, regional pallet manufacturers dealing with fluctuating demand, and standalone kilns requiring equipment breakdown protection. If your client processes, treats, or distributes wood or wood products, we likely have a solution that fits.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
We tailor programs to the operational risks common in forest products businesses. Key coverages and services include:
- Property and casualty coverage specific to wood-processing exposures
- Workers’ Compensation with proactive loss-control and safety support
- Equipment breakdown coverage for electrical and mechanical systems
- Risk control and on-site safety consulting to reduce frequency and severity
- Coverage for modern technologies such as Continuous Flow Dry Kilns
Because downtime in this industry can be costly, our programs emphasize timely claims handling and business-income solutions that help insureds return to operation quickly.
Underwriting Approach
Our underwriting team partners with agents and brokers to understand each operation’s specific exposures. We evaluate safety programs, employee practices, equipment maintenance, and fire-protection measures to offer competitive terms. While minimum premium thresholds vary by submission, we are flexible and responsive when evaluating opportunities.
Program Availability
This program is available nationwide, including Washington D.C. and all 50 states. We operate on a non-admitted basis, which gives us flexibility to craft customized solutions for complex or hard-to-place risks in the lumber and wood-products industry.
Why Work With Continental Underwriters?
With a singular focus on forest products, Continental Underwriters delivers specialized underwriting, market access, and hands-on service. We are more than a wholesaler—we act as a true partner to help you place and retain profitable accounts through risk control support, broad carrier relationships, and responsive claims advocacy.
You might have a client who operates a regional sawmill with aging kilns and high seasonal payroll—our team can evaluate equipment breakdown, business interruption, and workers’ comp controls to build an appropriate package. Or you may be placing a pallet manufacturer with mixed operations that needs tailored property and GL limits—our carrier panel and underwriting expertise make those placements achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for businesses in the forest products industry, including sawmills, pallet manufacturers, loggers, and wood treating operations.
Is the program available nationwide?
Yes, our Lumber Insurance program is available in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Do you cover newer technologies like Continuous Flow Dry Kilns?
Yes, we provide coverage for modern equipment such as Continuous Flow Dry Kilns, whether part of a sawmill or standalone facility.
What carriers do you work with?
We work with over 30 carriers that specialize in or have an affinity for forest products, enabling us to offer unique and competitive solutions.
How involved is your team in underwriting and risk control?
Our team provides detailed underwriting, risk assessment, and customized safety recommendations to ensure the best coverage and pricing options for your clients.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.