Remodeling residential or commercial properties carries a range of liability exposures—from accidental third-party bodily injury to property damage and completed operations risks. Whether the job is a small home renovation or a larger tenant improvement, the right General Liability Insurance helps protect your insureds and meet contract requirements. Novatae Risk Group, through Empire Underwriters, offers a focused General Liability Insurance program for Remodeling Contractors to help you place appropriate coverage quickly and efficiently.
With more than 30 years of experience working with contractors, Empire Underwriters understands the specific exposures of remodeling and construction trades. This program is built for small- to medium-sized artisan contractors engaged in new construction, remodeling, and tenant improvements. Coverage is available in most states with access to both admitted and non-admitted carriers rated as high as A-XV. Underwriting is responsive and flexible so you can tailor solutions to project size, location, and risk profile.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program targets small to mid-sized remodeling contractors with annual payrolls under $1,000,000. Eligible accounts typically have 75% or more operations in approved class codes and include:
- New construction of residential or commercial properties, including single-family homes
- Repair and remodeling of existing structures
- Light commercial tenant improvements and interior remodels
Example fits: a contractor who focuses on kitchen and bathroom remodels for single-family homes, or a small firm performing tenant improvements for retail suites—both are representative accounts that often fit this program.
Restricted Classes
The following are typically ineligible (exceptions may apply on a case-by-case basis):
- New construction of condominium or townhouse developments
- Projects over three stories in height
- High-hazard operations such as blasting, tunneling, or emergency systems work
Coverage Highlights
- Blanket Additional Insured endorsements
- Waiver of Subrogation
- Primary and Non-Contributory wording
- Per-Project Aggregate limits
- Subsidence coverage (with limitations)
- Coverage for Prior Projects (with limitations)
These features are designed to help your clients meet contractual obligations and manage common jobsite liabilities, including completed operations exposures.
Submission Requirements
- Completed ACORD applications
- 3–5 years of currently valued loss runs
- Remodeling Contractor Supplemental Application
- Pollution – Project Specific Application (if applicable)
Minimum Premium and Carrier Access
Minimum premiums start at $1,500. Novatae Risk Group provides access to both admitted and non-admitted markets, including carriers rated as high as A-XV, enabling you to match market capacity to the risk and contract requirements.
Territories
This program is available in the following states: 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. Contact underwriting to confirm availability for a specific submission.
Why Work With Novatae Risk Group?
Novatae Risk Group, operating through Empire Underwriters, brings decades of construction insurance expertise and deep market access for remodeling contractors. Our underwriting team offers contractor-focused appetite, fast turnaround, and tailored solutions to help you place accounts that meet project and contractual requirements.
Contact us at 800-758-8113 or email [email protected] to discuss your next submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
The program is ideal for small to mid-sized remodeling contractors involved in residential or light commercial construction, including general remodelers and tenant improvement specialists with under $1 million in payroll.
Are contractors working on new residential construction eligible?
Yes. Contractors working on new single-family homes are generally eligible provided projects do not exceed three stories and other underwriting criteria are met.
Is this program available in my state?
Coverage is available in most states listed above, including CA, FL, TX, GA, and NC. Reach out to confirm availability for a specific state or county.
What documents are needed to submit an account?
Submit completed ACORD applications, 3–5 years of currently valued loss runs, the remodeling supplemental application, and a pollution/project application if applicable.
Can the policy include blanket additional insured and waiver of subrogation?
Yes. The program supports blanket additional insured wording, waiver of subrogation, primary/non-contributory endorsements, and other contractor-friendly options subject to carrier approval.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.