Contractor Insurance You Can Trust
High-Risk Workers Comp Markets for Contractors
When standard carriers say no, specialized markets and excess & surplus carriers make coverage possible for high-risk trades and contractors with prior claims.
- ✓Roofing, ironwork, and demolition are highest-risk trades
- ✓Prior claims don’t automatically disqualify you
- ✓Non-admitted E&S carriers cover what standard markets won’t
- ✓High EMR doesn’t mean no options — it means different options
✓ 20+ Years Experience
✓ Same-Day COI
✓ Licensed All 50 States
Or call (234) 231-8427 — Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM EST
What Makes a Contractor High-Risk for Workers Comp
Workers comp carriers evaluate risk based on class code, loss history, EMR, and several underwriting factors. A contractor is considered high-risk when one or more of these factors significantly exceed the carrier’s appetite.
The highest-risk class codes in the construction trades are roofing (5551), ironwork/structural steel erection (5040), demolition (5160), and high-rise concrete construction (5213). These codes carry high base rates because the statistical frequency and severity of injuries in these trades is substantially above average.
A contractor can also become high-risk through loss history — multiple claims in recent years, a single catastrophic claim, or a pattern of fraudulent claims. A high EMR (above 1.25 or 1.50) can make standard carriers decline to quote, pushing you into the non-admitted market.
Standard vs. Non-Admitted Workers Comp Markets
Standard admitted carriers are licensed in your state, subject to state rate regulation, and covered by the state guaranty fund if the carrier becomes insolvent. They offer the most competitive rates and the broadest coverage forms. Most small to mid-size contractors can find coverage in the standard market.
Non-admitted (excess and surplus) carriers are not licensed in your state in the traditional sense, are not subject to rate or form regulation, and are not covered by state guaranty funds. They can price risk more freely — which means they can cover risks that standard carriers decline.
For high-risk contractors, the E&S market is often the only option. E&S carriers specializing in workers comp can cover roofers with high EMRs, demolition contractors, contractors with multiple prior claims, and new businesses in high-hazard trades that don’t yet have the loss history to qualify for standard markets.
The Assigned Risk Plan (ARAP) as Last Resort
Every state has an assigned risk plan (called the Workers Compensation Assigned Risk Pool or similar) as a market of last resort. If you are declined by every standard and E&S carrier, you can obtain coverage through the assigned risk plan.
Assigned risk rates are high — often significantly above standard market rates — and coverage is minimal. It’s the option when there is no other option. Most contractors who end up in assigned risk stay there only until their EMR improves or their loss history ages out, then transition back to the standard or E&S market.
Some carriers specialize in pulling clients out of assigned risk and into more competitive markets with a combination of loss control consulting, EMR improvement strategies, and access to E&S markets that aren’t visible to non-specialist agents.
Getting Competitive Quotes as a High-Risk Contractor
The most important factor for high-risk contractors seeking workers comp is working with an agent who has genuine access to E&S markets and specialty workers comp carriers. A standard independent agent who primarily works with admitted carriers won’t have the market relationships to find you competitive options.
Prepare a comprehensive submission package: detailed loss runs for the past five years, EMR worksheets showing the history, a written explanation of significant claims and what steps were taken to prevent recurrence, and documentation of any safety programs in place.
Carriers in the high-risk market also evaluate your loss control and safety management. A contractor with a 1.40 EMR and a documented safety program, return-to-work policy, and drug testing program is a better risk than a 1.40 EMR contractor with no safety infrastructure. The narrative around your claims history matters.
Strategies to Transition Back to Standard Markets
Exiting the high-risk market requires a consistent improvement in your claims record. One or two zero-claim years begins to move your EMR downward. Three consecutive years of strong performance can take a contractor from a 1.40 EMR to a 0.95 EMR and back into the standard market with significantly lower rates.
Implement a formal safety program with documented toolbox talks, incident reporting procedures, and OSHA compliance. Carriers look at these programs as leading indicators — they suggest future claim frequency will be lower than historical frequency.
Return-to-work programs are the single fastest way to reduce open claim costs that drag your EMR upward. Every week you reduce lost-time claims lowers the primary losses in your EMR calculation. Make modified duty a standard practice, not an exception.
Why Contractors Use Trade Safe Insurance
Independent Agency
We compare dozens of carriers to find the best rate and form for your trade, payroll, and claims history.
Same-Day COI
Certificates issued the same day — often within the hour — so no job site delays waiting for paperwork.
Hard-to-Place Welcome
High EMR, prior claims, or specialty trades? We work in non-admitted markets where others stop.
20+ Years Experience
Decades of placing contractor workers comp means we know the class codes, carriers, and audit traps to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get workers comp with a 1.40 EMR? +
Yes. E&S carriers specialize in high-EMR contractors. The rate will be higher than standard market, but coverage is available.
What is the assigned risk pool for workers comp? +
The state-mandated market of last resort for contractors who cannot obtain coverage in the voluntary market. Rates are high; use it only when necessary.
Do high-risk workers comp carriers offer good coverage? +
Coverage forms are similar to standard market. The key differences are price, service quality, and the fact that E&S carriers are not covered by state guaranty funds.
What trades are hardest to insure for workers comp? +
Roofing (5551), ironwork/structural steel (5040), demolition (5160), and scaffolding erection (5480) are the most difficult to place in standard markets.
Can I get workers comp after a large claim? +
Yes, but expect higher rates and possible E&S market placement. Prepare a detailed explanation of the claim and what preventive steps you’ve taken.
How long until I can leave the high-risk market? +
Typically 2-3 years of improved loss history are needed to re-qualify for standard market pricing. EMR improvement takes three policy years to fully reflect.
High-Risk Contractor? We Have Markets Others Don’t.
We work in E&S markets and with specialty carriers — bringing coverage options to roofing, demolition, and high-EMR contractors who’ve been turned away elsewhere.