Frequently Asked Questions
About Contractor Insurance
Clear Answers for Complex Insurance Needs
When you’re managing large-scale construction operations, you can’t afford uncertainty. These FAQs address the questions we hear most often from leading contractors—so you can make confident decisions, stay compliant, and protect your projects without delay.
Certificates & Coverage
Q: How quickly can I get a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI)?
A: With UCI, most certificates are issued within 24 hours, with same-day turnaround available for urgent project deadlines.
Q: What coverage limits should large contractors carry?
A: Most project owners expect higher-than-standard limits. UCI typically structures policies beginning at $10M per occurrence, with umbrella policies available for added protection.
Q: Are subcontractors covered under my insurance?
A: Usually not. While your subcontractors may carry their own coverage, you can still be held liable for their work. UCI ensures your policy addresses subcontractor risk appropriately.
Q: Do I need insurance even if all my subcontractors are insured?
A: Yes. Even if subs are insured, project owners often require you—the general contractor—to provide primary coverage for the entire site.
Q: Do I need an umbrella policy if I already have general liability?
A: Yes, especially for large projects. Umbrella coverage provides protection when claims exceed your primary liability limits.
Coverage Essentials for Large Contractors
Q: What types of insurance does a large contractor need?
A: At a minimum, most $10M+ firms carry:
- General Liability Insurance
- Workers’ Compensation
- Commercial Auto Insurance
- Builder’s Risk Insurance
- Umbrella Liability Coverage
- Tools & Equipment Coverage
- Professional Liability (E&O) for design-build or consulting services
Q: How much insurance do I actually need as a $10M+ contractor?
A: It depends on your project size and scope. Many large contractors maintain $10M+ liability limits with umbrella policies extending coverage to $25M or more for complex projects.
Risk Management & Compliance
Q: How does UCI help reduce my total cost of risk—not just premiums?
A: We go beyond coverage with safety program consultation, EMR optimization, contract reviews, and predictive analytics that lower both claim frequency and long-term costs.
Q: Can UCI help with multi-state compliance?
A: Yes. We specialize in navigating local regulations, union requirements, and insurance laws across all 50 states.
Q: How often should I update my insurance policy?
A: At least annually, or whenever you expand into new states, acquire equipment, add services, or take on larger contracts. UCI proactively reviews your coverage to keep you fully protected.
Claims & Service
Q: Who handles my claims if something happens?
A: You’ll have a dedicated claims advocate backed by risk engineers and specialists who know construction. They work to resolve claims quickly and fairly.
Q: What’s the average claims response time?
A: Most initial responses occur within 24 hours, with continuous follow-up until resolution.
Q: Do I get a dedicated account manager?
A: Yes. Every UCI client is supported by an account team focused exclusively on large-scale construction insurance.
Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Every contractor’s needs are different. If you don’t see your question here, connect with a UCI specialist today. We’ll give you clear answers and coverage solutions tailored to your projects and risk profile.