Property management operations present a broad range of workers' compensation challenges — multiple property types, varied employee duties, seasonal or transient staffing, and multi-jurisdiction exposures. Novatae Risk Group offers a specialized Non-Standard Workers Comp Insurance program tailored to property management risks that are difficult to place in the standard market. The program helps agents and brokers secure reliable coverage for higher-exposure or hard-to-place accounts.
Backed by more than 30 years of experience and delivered in partnership with Empire Underwriters, Novatae's program provides flexible solutions to control costs, improve compliance, and simplify claims handling. It is designed to serve accounts exiting assigned-risk pools or state funds, non-renewed accounts, new ventures with operational need, and other non-standard placements where standard markets are unwilling or unable to offer terms.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Property management firms with difficult class codes and elevated experience mods (X-mods typically 1.30–3.00)
- Accounts leaving state funds, assigned-risk, or an insurer of last resort
- Non-renewed or canceled accounts with prior loss activity
- New ventures or startups with no prior coverage but valid payroll and operational plans
- Accounts with coverage lapses that can provide a loss affidavit and supporting documentation
Example fits: you might have a client who manages multiple apartment communities with on-site maintenance and security staff and a recent claims history, or a property manager of retail centers that experienced prior coverage gaps and increasing payroll exposure.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Pay-As-You-Go workers' comp — no premium deposit required
- No premium audits, reducing administrative burden for clients and brokers
- Improved cash flow through flexible premium and payroll options
- Dedicated loss control and risk management support tailored to property operations
- Claims handled proactively with an emphasis on containment and fair outcomes
- HR support services including unemployment claims, garnishments, COBRA administration, and related services
- Full payroll services with tax remittance, 941s, W-2s, and payroll compliance support
- In-house check cutting and other payroll fulfillment options
- ASO (Administrative Services Only) and PEO (employee leasing) structures available where appropriate
- High-retention policy design — coverage remains active until canceled per policy terms
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
- Required submission items: ACORD 130, applicable class supplemental form, three years of loss runs, a loss affidavit for lapsed or no-prior accounts, explanation for any claims over $20,000, and current experience mod sheets
- Minimum premiums vary by state and by risk class; underwriters will advise at review
- Only accounts that meet one or more eligibility criteria will be considered; this is not a market for accounts that have competitive standard-market offers
- Not suitable: low X-mods or accounts simply shopping for lower rates when standard coverage is available
Territories and Availability
The Non-Standard Workers Comp for Property Management program is available in most states, including 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, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, DC, WV, and WI. Carrier access and specific appetite vary by state — carriers vary per state and placement is subject to local market availability.
Why Work With Novatae Risk Group?
Novatae Risk Group is a Managing General Underwriter and Excess & Surplus Lines broker focused on challenging workers' compensation placements. Our underwriters understand the operational nuances of property management and work with Empire Underwriters to provide non-standard solutions, streamlined underwriting, and a suite of value-added services that make placement and administration easier for you and your clients.
Need a quote? Email [email protected] or call 800-758-8113 to speak with an underwriter today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program targets property management companies with difficult class codes, elevated experience mods, prior claims issues, or those exiting assigned-risk pools or state funds.
Can I submit an account that has had a lapse in coverage?
Yes. Accounts with a lapse can be considered if they meet underwriting criteria and include a completed loss affidavit plus supporting documentation.
Is prior coverage required for eligibility?
No. New ventures or accounts with no prior coverage may be eligible, particularly when they fall into tough classes or have multi-state exposures.
Are premium audits required?
No. One advantage of this program is the absence of premium audits, which reduces administrative work and helps clients manage cash flow.
Which states is this program available in?
The program is offered in most U.S. states (see Territories and Availability above). Market access and carrier appetite vary by state and by class.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.