Excavation contractors handle a wide variety of site tasks—site preparation, septic installation, drainage systems, land grading, road work and more. That range of operations creates significant liability exposure: hidden underground utilities can be struck, trenches can collapse, and heavy equipment can cause third-party injury or property damage. A single claim can lead to substantial financial loss and business interruption.
Novatae Risk Group places a General Liability program specifically designed for excavation contractors through experienced underwriting partners. This program understands the unique risks of excavation work and provides a fast, reliable market for your excavation clients. Send your submissions and let our underwriting team evaluate how we can help place the account.
Please contact us at 800-758-8113 to speak to our experienced brokers about your General Liability Insurance for Excavation Contractors accounts.
Overview:
A targeted General Liability program for small- to mid-size excavation contractors. The program is underwritten with excavation exposures in mind and aims to deliver broad, practical coverage for routine excavation, grading, trenching and related site work.
Market Focus:
This Excavation Contractors General Liability program is focused on small to medium contractors—typically those with annual payrolls under $1,000,000—performing commercial and residential excavation, trenching, grading and site preparation.
Appetite:
- Commercial & residential excavation
- Commercial & residential trenching
- Backfill operations
- Commercial & residential grading
- Construction site preparation
- Grade and drain work
Eligible Risks:
- New construction on residential and commercial projects, including single-family homes
- Repair or remodeling projects that include excavation, trenching, grading or site prep
- Accounts where 75% or more of exposure falls in approved class codes
Ineligible Risks:
- New construction of condominiums, condominium conversions and townhouses (some exceptions may apply)
- Any structures or work greater than three stories (some exceptions may apply)
Coverages Available:
- Blanket Additional Insured
- Waiver of Subrogation
- Primary and Non-Contributory wording
- Per Project Aggregate
- Subsidence coverage (with limitations)
- Prior Projects coverage (with limitations)
Submission Requirements:
- Completed ACORD applications
- Currently valued loss runs for the past 3–5 years
- Program supplemental application
- Pollution — project specific application when applicable
Do you need a General Liability Insurance quote for your excavation contractor account?
Send an email to [email protected] with your coverage needs or call 800-758-8113 to speak to an underwriter immediately.
Underwriting Notes & Pricing:
Minimum premium typically starts at $1,500. Underwriters will review class codes, payroll, experience modification, loss history and details of operations on each submission. Projects involving deep excavation, extensive shoring or unusual site conditions should be detailed in the submission to allow accurate risk assessment.
Territories & Markets:
Available in most states including AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MS, MO, NV, NJ, NM, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA and WV. The program places business with admitted and non-admitted carriers up to A-XV ratings, giving brokers flexibility when admitted coverage is limited.
Why Place Excavation Accounts with Novatae Risk Group
- Wholesale broker access to specialized GL capacity for excavation contractors.
- Underwriters who understand excavation exposures and practical coverage wording.
- Flexibility to place with admitted or non-admitted markets to fit client needs.
- Efficient submission handling and underwriting turnaround for competitive quoting.
Example fits: You might have a small contractor who performs residential grading and septic installation seeking blanket additional insured and per-project aggregate; or a mid-sized company doing commercial site prep and trenching that needs primary/non-contributory wording for contractor agreements. Both are the kinds of accounts this program targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of excavation accounts are a good fit for this program?
The program targets small-to-medium excavation contractors performing commercial or residential excavation, trenching, grading, backfill and site preparation—typically accounts with annual payrolls under $1,000,000 and where approved class codes make up 75% or more of exposure.
What coverages can I request on submissions?
Common enhancements include blanket additional insured, waiver of subrogation, primary and non-contributory wording, per-project aggregate, and limited subsidence or prior projects coverage when eligible.
Are there states where this program is not available?
The program is available in most states listed on the storefront. Availability can vary by carrier and underwriting criteria—please send the submission details for state-specific consideration.
What are the typical submission documents required?
Provide ACORD applications, 3–5 years of currently valued loss runs, the program supplemental application, and a pollution/project specific application when the account involves potential pollution exposures.
What is the typical minimum premium and how is pricing determined?
Minimum premium generally starts around $1,500. Final pricing depends on payroll, class codes, EMR, loss history, project scope and requested limits/endorsements.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.