Intel

Key Takeaways: A “softening hard market” is shaping the current landscape, with some sectors seeing rate relief. Inflation and underwriting discipline remain central themes. The E&S market continues to demonstrate significant growth. WSIA recently reported total surplus lines premium reached $46.2 billion for the first six months of 2025—a 13.2% increase over the same period in 2024. Property rates…

Key Takeaways: Excess Liability Insurance capacity remains a challenge in the construction industry, with carriers reducing limits. Swimming pool contractors are increasingly moving into the Excess & Surplus (E&S) market due to defect claims, pollution exposures, and unique risks like “pool pop-ups” and alkali-silica reaction (ASR), also known as “concrete cancer.” Owners Interest Policies typically offer broader protection than…

Inside This Article: Subcontractor defaults are rising as labor shortages, material costs and economic pressures strain smaller firms. Many contractors wrongly assume that Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance covers all risks tied to subcontractor performance. Professional Liability Insurance, such as Errors & Omissions (E&O) coverage, addresses gaps left by CGL, in design-build projects. Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) can help…

While standard markets write many Artisan and General Contractors in the Midwest, certain risks are increasingly moving into the E&S space. In this short video clip from our recent Construction Insurance webinar, Grant Burger, Underwriter, Commercial Insurance, Burns & Wilcox, Kansas City, KS, explains how claims activity, high-risk operations, and multi-state work are driving these shifts.   https://vimeo.com/1095703262/e350af4646?ts=0&share=copy

Contractors awarded major projects need more than General Liability Insurance. In this short video clip from our recent Construction Insurance webinar, David Gross, Managing Director, Broker, Casualty, Burns & Wilcox, Brokerage Division, North Dallas, TX, explains the key differences between Owners and Contractors Protective (OCP) Liability coverage and Owners Interest policies—and how Burns & Wilcox can help build a more…

The construction industry continues to thrive in 2025, despite elevated interest rates, evolving tariff policies, and broader market uncertainties. From custom homebuilders to multifamily developers and specialized contractors, demand is strong—and so is the need for tailored insurance solutions. During this webinar, our experts explored key E&S strategies and coverage considerations, focusing on: Owner’s Interest Policies Swimming Pool Contractors Artisan…

Inside This Article: Moderna is suing a construction firm for $10 million because of alleged defective work resulting in extensive water leaks, mold and structural damage. The lawsuit claims construction firm The Gutierrez Co. failed in the “design and construction” of the building’s core and shell, causing multiple issues. Non-weather-related water damage is a common issue for commercial properties,…

Inside This Article: Two “spyder” cranes came crashing down onto a scaffolding outside a 12-story building that was under construction. No injuries were reported related to the incident, which occurred just a day after a partial stop-work order at the site was rescinded. This type of incident could lead to reputational damage as well as costly lawsuits, which can…

INSIDE THIS ARTICLE: A $125,000 Bobcat skid steer was stolen from a plumbing and general construction business in Detroit leaving a “heartbreaking” loss for the small business. Construction thefts are on the rise and may be more likely to occur when equipment is left unattended at jobsites overnight. Insurance policies that can help construction companies recover from theft include…

Construction companies face numerous risks in their daily operations: defects due to a subcontractor cutting corners, accidents at the work site, and even cyber threats and pollution incidents. To learn about how Construction Insurance policies can help them mitigate these threats, we spoke with Anthony​​​​ Kobets, Senior Broker, Commercial Insurance, Burns & Wilcox, Kansas City, Kansas. What are some of…

A three-generation family in Brooklyn, New York, was recently evacuated from their home after city officials determined the building next door was unstable and would need to be demolished. The homeowner, Yvonne Belardo, was notified by firefighters on Sept. 5 that her three-story Bushwick home was at risk because of a construction error at a building site two doors down,…

The Construction industry has functioned in a tight market for the last several years, although rates have recently stabilized. Flat to modest rate increases are common outside of a consistent group of challenging sectors that offer tight capacity and double-digit rate increases. Despite this relatively tight environment, demand for Construction Insurance remains high. Money is being pumped into Midwestern U.S.…