General Contractor Insurance — IL · WI · IN · IA
Coverage Built for GCs Doing Real Volume — Residential to Commercial
From a $40K remodel to a $2M commercial build-out, your risk changes by the job. We shop 30+ admitted and surplus lines carriers — including markets that specifically target larger commercial GC accounts — to build a policy that matches how you actually operate.
Common Challenges We Handle
What Makes Your Risk Difficult — and Solvable
A GC's exposure isn't static — it moves with every project. Carriers are increasingly competing for larger commercial GC accounts, but most still restrict or decline based on how you sub out work, how new you are, or what's in your loss history. We know which markets actually want your risk.
Heavy Subcontractor Use
Sub out more than 75% of your work? Most carriers restrict or decline. We access markets that understand GC operations and won't penalize you for how you run your business.
New Business
Standard carriers want 3–5 years in business. Year one or two GCs get turned away constantly. We have specialty markets that write new GCs with the right underwriting information.
Workers Comp Complexity
Uninsured subs often get added to your WC payroll at audit. One audit surprise can cost thousands. We structure your policy to protect against this from day one.
Large Project Values
A $5M commercial project needs higher per-occurrence limits than a residential remodel. We access umbrella and excess markets to meet whatever limits your contracts require.
Commercial GC FocusMixed Operations
Framing, finish work, demo, site prep — each has its own rate. We structure the policy to cover your actual operations, not just your primary trade code.
Prior Claims or Cancellations
A GL claim or non-payment cancellation can knock you out of the standard market. E&S carriers specialize in exactly these situations — we know which ones to call.
What We Cover
Complete Coverage for General Contractors
We shop 30+ admitted and surplus lines carriers to build the right policy for your GC operation — including coverage most generalist agents miss.
Same-Day Certificates of Insurance
Active policyholders get COIs issued same day — usually within the hour. Need a certificate naming a GC as additional insured before a job starts tomorrow? Call (815) 691-1111.
General Liability
Bodily injury and property damage during operations and completed work. Rated on gross receipts, sub cost, and type of work.
Workers Compensation
Required in Illinois for any GC with employees. Uninsured subs can be added to your payroll at audit — we help you avoid that exposure from the start.
Commercial Umbrella
Most GC contracts require $2M–$5M limits. Umbrella sits above your GL policy. Available up to $10M+ through specialty markets.
Commercial Auto
Trucks, vans, and trailers used for business — liability and physical damage. Personal auto excludes business use claims.
Builder's Risk
Covers the structure under construction against fire, weather, vandalism, and theft. Required on most commercial projects.
Surety Bond
Performance and payment bonds for public projects and private contracts. Bonding capacity is separate from insurance — we help structure both.
30+ Carriers — Admitted & Surplus Lines
Markets That Actually Want GC Business
Most agents only have access to admitted markets. For hard-to-place GCs, that's not enough. We access admitted carriers AND E&S markets — including carriers that specifically target larger commercial GC accounts — so we can write policies most agencies flat-out can't.
+ 25 more carriers shopped on every quote
Compare My Rate →Typical Cost Ranges
GC Insurance Starting at $1,200/Year
General contractor insurance can be more affordable than you think — some policies run as low as $100/month. The right carrier makes a big difference, and project size moves the number more than anything else.
From $1,200/yr
As low as $100/mo
- Solo GC
- Residential remodels
- Low sub usage
- Clean loss history
$3,000–$8,000/yr
Growing crews
- Small crew
- Mixed residential/commercial
- Moderate sub usage
- $500K–$1M receipts
$8,000–$20,000+/yr
Commercial scale
- Multi-crew
- Commercial projects
- Heavy sub cost
- $1M+ receipts · prior claims
GL only. Workers comp, commercial auto, umbrella, and builder's risk add on top. We shop 30+ carriers — most GCs are surprised how much rates vary. The only way to know your number is to get a quote.
Common Questions
General Contractor Insurance FAQs
Can I get GL insurance as a new GC with no loss history?
Yes — but your options are more limited. Standard admitted carriers want 3+ years. New GCs typically need E&S markets, which have flexible underwriting but may cost more. As you build a clean loss record, rates typically improve significantly in years 2–4.
How does heavy subcontractor use affect my GL premium?
GL is rated on gross receipts and carriers want to know how much you sub out. The best approach is collecting COIs from every sub and making sure your policy covers completed operations. Uninsured subs can dramatically increase your audit premium — we help you avoid this.
Do I need workers comp if all labor is subcontracted?
If your subs don't carry their own WC, Illinois law may treat them as your employees for liability purposes. We strongly recommend WC for any GC regardless of sub usage. The cost of one uninsured claim far exceeds years of premium.
Can I get same-day certificates of insurance?
Yes — active policyholders get COIs same day, typically within the hour. We can add additional insureds, waivers of subrogation, and match exact contract language. Call (815) 691-1111 when you need it fast.
Do you write GC insurance in Wisconsin and Indiana?
Yes — licensed in IL, WI, IN, and IA. If your projects cross state lines we structure your policy to cover all states where you operate. Multi-state GC operations are common in the Midwest and we handle them regularly.
What if I have a prior GL claim or policy cancellation?
The standard admitted market will likely decline you — but E&S surplus lines carriers are specifically designed for this. We access those markets directly. A prior claim or cancellation doesn't mean you can't get coverage, it means you need an agent who knows where to go.
Get Started
Get Your General Contractor Insurance Quote
New GC, heavy sub use, prior claims, or just need a better rate — we find coverage where others can't. Same-day response from a real agent.