Novatae Risk Group, in partnership with Empire Underwriters, offers a specialized Non-Standard Workers’ Compensation program tailored to heavy construction contractors. Designed to place difficult-to-insure risks outside the standard market—because of high experience mods, adverse loss history, or challenging class codes—this program pairs over 30 years of market experience with dedicated brokerage support to deliver practical, customizable coverage solutions for your clients.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Contractors operating heavy equipment or performing heavy construction with class codes showing manual rates typically from $8 to $50+.
- Accounts with experience mods (X-Mods) generally between 1.30 and 3.0.
- Prospects facing non-renewals, cancellations, or insurer declinations due to claims activity or class exposure.
- Insureds exiting state-assigned risk pools or other “insurer of last resort” programs.
- Accounts with lapsed coverage, limited prior coverage, or adverse loss experience.
- New ventures with no prior coverage that operate in tough classes or across multiple states.
- Complex submissions that the standard market cannot serve because of combined underwriting challenges.
This program is not intended for accounts that have standard-market offers, low loss picks, or are simply rate-shopping.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Pay-As-You-Go non-standard workers’ compensation with no premium deposit required.
- No premium audits—simplifies administration and improves cash flow.
- Meaningful cash-flow advantages for insureds and reduced administrative burden for brokers.
- Comprehensive loss control and risk management services to help reduce frequency and severity.
- Fair, responsive claims handling backed by experienced adjusters.
- HR support services that include unemployment claims, wage garnishments, COBRA administration, and more.
- Full payroll services with tax compliance (941s, W-2s, etc.) and the option for clients to cut payroll checks in-house.
- Flexible servicing options: ASO (Administrative Services Only) or PEO/employee leasing where appropriate.
- High-retention product structure—coverage remains in force until canceled.
Underwriting Requirements
- Completed ACORD 130 form.
- Supplemental application specific to the class of work.
- Three years of loss runs.
- Loss history affidavit for accounts with coverage lapses or no prior coverage.
- Detailed explanation for individual claims exceeding $20,000.
- Experience Mod worksheet (Experience Mod Sheet).
Territories and Availability
This 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 availability, admitted vs. surplus lines placement, and specific terms may vary by state and submission.
Why Work With Novatae Risk Group
Novatae Risk Group, together with Empire Underwriters, combines deep expertise in high-risk and non-standard workers’ compensation with broad carrier access. As a managing general underwriter and excess & surplus lines broker, we can place business in admitted and E&S markets as appropriate and offer tailored solutions for accounts that standard markets decline. Our underwriting team works collaboratively with agents to evaluate complex loss histories, structure competitive terms, and expedite placement.
Representative submission scenarios you might bring to this program:
- A regional heavy-equipment contractor with a 1.8 experience mod and multiple prior claims seeking continuous coverage after a state-assigned pool offer expires.
- A multi-state startup in heavy civil construction with no prior workers’ comp coverage but high manual rates and planned interstate projects.
Need a Non-Standard Workers’ Comp quote for a heavy construction client?
Send your submission to [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 is best for heavy construction contractors with elevated experience mods, prior significant losses, or those leaving state-assigned risk pools. New ventures in tough class codes or multi-state operations can also qualify under the right circumstances.
Is prior coverage required to qualify?
No. Prior coverage is not required. Accounts with no prior coverage may be eligible if they meet other underwriting criteria such as high-risk class codes, acceptable financials, and clear explanations for any gaps.
What documentation is required for submission?
Typical requirements include a completed ACORD 130, the supplemental application for the class, three years of loss runs, an Experience Mod Sheet, and explanations for claims over $20,000. Additional documentation may be requested for lapses or complex claims histories.
Can this program be used for multi-state operations?
Yes. Multi-state operations are eligible provided the locations fall within the program’s approved territories and meet state-specific underwriting guidelines. Interstate exposure is considered during evaluation.
What makes this program different from standard market workers' comp?
This program is built for risks the standard market often declines. It offers pay-as-you-go billing with no deposit, no premium audits, flexible ASO or PEO options, robust HR and payroll support, and targeted loss control services designed for heavy construction exposures.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.