Novatae Risk Group places access to a specialized workers' compensation program for pipeline contractors underwritten by Empire Underwriters. The program is designed for contractors who perform trenching, excavation, soil stability analysis, right-of-way work and traffic control at linear work sites. Novatae's underwriting partners combine industry knowledge with experienced risk control consultants to help your clients manage the high-risk exposures typical to pipeline work.
Overview
This program targets hard-to-place pipeline contracting exposures, offering admitted and non-admitted solutions across a wide set of markets. It is intended for agents and brokers who need solid carrier appetite and flexible placement options for accounts with higher MODs, challenging class codes, multi-state payrolls, or prior coverage problems.
Appetite:
- MOD 1.30 or greater
- High-hazard and hard-to-place class codes
- Blue-, gray- and white-collar payroll mixes
- Accounts in state funds, pools, or assigned risk
- Distressed, lapsed, or previously cancelled/non-renewed programs
- New ventures are acceptable
- Multi-state exposures handled as a specialty
- Hard-to-place workers’ compensation accounts
Coverage Highlights and Advantages:
- Quick underwriting turnaround to keep submissions moving
- Access to many "A" rated carriers (varies by state)
- Stand-alone workers' compensation placements
- Guaranteed cost, dividend and retro plan options
- Integrated work comp solutions and high-deductible programs
- Custom account handling and experienced claims/risk control support
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
- Minimum premium: $10,000
- Preferred submissions include an ACORD 130, 3–4 years of loss runs and details on any large losses
- Supplemental questionnaire may be required for complex or multi-state accounts
- Underwriters consider the full account mix (payroll split, class codes, safety programs) when pricing high-hazard exposures
Submission Practicals
Provide complete loss runs and job detail up front to speed placement. Large-loss narratives, experience modification documentation, and a completed supplemental questionnaire help underwriters evaluate concessions like retro plans or high-deductible structures. The program supports both admitted and excess & surplus (non-admitted) options to fit carrier availability and state requirements.
Territories and Markets
Availability: All Available Markets. Carriers vary by state. This program accepts business across the following states and territories: 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, WI.
Why Work with Novatae Risk Group on This Program
Novatae Risk Group connects agents to specialized underwriting capacity for pipeline contractors. The program is built to handle complex payroll spreads, high-hazard exposures, and accounts with prior placement challenges. Your clients benefit from experienced underwriting, practical risk control guidance, and flexible plan structures that can include dividend or retro options when appropriate.
Do you need a Workers Compensation Insurance Quote for your pipeline client?
Send an email to [email protected] with your coverage needs or call 800-758-8113 to speak to an underwriter immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pipeline contractor accounts are a good fit for this program?
Accounts with trenching, excavation, right-of-way work, soil stabilization tasks and traffic control needs are core fits—especially those with MODs above 1.30, complex class mixes, multi-state payrolls, or prior cancellations/non-renewals.
Which states and market types are supported?
This program is available across a broad set of states (see the territories list above) and offers both admitted and non-admitted market options; specific carrier availability varies by state.
What documentation is required with a submission?
Include an ACORD 130, 3–4 years of loss runs, large-loss details, and a completed supplemental questionnaire for complex accounts. Complete submissions get faster responses.
Can you place accounts with multi-state exposure or in state funds?
Yes. Multi-state exposures are a specialty of the program, and the underwriting team will structure placements for accounts currently in state pools, assigned risk, or state funds when appropriate.
What turnaround and service can an agent expect?
Underwriters aim for quick turnaround on complete submissions. Novatae and the underwriting partners provide consultative support, including risk control guidance, to help agents close and service difficult placements.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.