best insurance for a new company?

[CircuitGeek]

So, I just hung out my shingle and am diving headfirst into the cellulose insulation game here in Virginia.

But wouldn't you know it, trying to get general liability and workers' comp insurance has been like pulling teeth. I've beaten the bushes and talked to every insurance company out there, and nobody's willing to touch me with a ten foot pole for a policy.

Does anyone know a good insurance broker or company that'll take a chance on a brand new business like mine and not charge an arm and a leg for the premium?

I'm really up against a wall here and need to get this sorted so I can get the ball rolling.

Any recommendations would be a lifesaver!

 

[RidWan]

Welcome to the gauntlet, haha new trades biz? yeah, most carriers run for the hills unless you're 10 years in with a halo, I humbly suggest you skip the big names for now and find a gritty local broker who deals with subs and startups all day. Someone out there will write you, you just need a broker who doesn't mind getting their hands dirty.

 

[Olsteeen]

Congrats on starting your business...and yeah insurance can be tough for new ventures. I'd recommend reaching out to local trade associations, they often have broker contacts who specialize in new contractors like you

 

[juggern0t]

Don't give up just yet and you need to stop wasting time cold calling the big national chains and instead find a local commercial insurance broker who has actually worked with insulation or general construction trades before, they'd usually have backdoor access to niche carriers that actually get our kind of work.
In Virginia, I've heard good things about Berkley Aspire and Builders Mutual, but you probably won't get in direct, you'll need a broker who can shop it around for you.

 

[BubbleWrapBandit]

Great advice! If you're looking for this kind of coverage, it really helps to find local brokers who know their stuff. They can be lifesavers! Don't give up too quickly,tracking one down could make all the difference.

 

[Th3rmoPro]

Yeah, I agree. Having local brokers who understand construction really makes a difference. They can identify which carriers truly grasp the trade risks, rather than just viewing them as "high liability." For specialized tasks like insulation, those niche carriers accessed through brokers consistently outperform the big national chains.