What Contractors Really Want from Their Insurance Experience

For contractors, insurance is more than just coverage. It is part of keeping jobs moving, winning bids, and running a business smoothly. Whether it is general liability, workers compensation, commercial auto, or builders risk, the way insurance is delivered matters just as much as the policy itself.

At BTIS, we surveyed contractors to learn what they value most. Their answers tell a clear story about what keeps them loyal and what makes them shop with another agent.

As construction projects become more complex and incorporate innovative designs and materials, the importance of tailored builders' risk insurance has grown significantly.

1. Speed and Simplicity

Contractors made it clear: time is money. They do not want delays in getting quotes, binders, or certificates of insurance. Quick turnaround can be the difference between starting a job or losing it.

“When I request a cert, I need it that day, sometimes that hour. Waiting a couple of days is just not an option.” — Mike R., Contractor

2. Clear Communication

Insurance can feel complicated, but contractors do not want it to sound complicated. They want straightforward updates and transparency about what is happening without unnecessary back and forth.

3. Self-Service Tools

From late-night document downloads to quick policy changes, contractors appreciate being able to help themselves. Online access to certificates, endorsements, and policy documents makes their workday easier, especially when they are juggling multiple job sites.

4. Trust and Relationships

Even in a digital world, relationships matter. Contractors told us they stick with insurance partners who feel approachable and responsive. If they do not feel valued, they are more likely to shop around.

5. All Lines of Business Under One Roof

Contractors do not want to chase different policies through multiple providers. Having general liability, workers comp, commercial auto, bonds, cyber, and builders risk all in one place makes life simpler and gives them confidence that everything is covered.

Why Contractors Switch Agents

Our survey also revealed why contractors sometimes look elsewhere:

Slow turnaround times
Lack of communication
Difficulty getting certificates or endorsements
Not offering the full range of coverages they need

In short, when contractors feel like their business is not valued or supported, they will make a change.

Retaining Contractor Business

Retention comes down to listening. Contractors stay loyal when their insurance partner:

Responds quickly
Provides easy-to-use tools
Offers multiple lines of business in one place
Builds a relationship instead of just processing paperwork

Insurers and developers must collaborate to address the evolving landscape, ensuring that coverage adapts to the unique exposures presented by contemporary construction practices.

Building Around What Contractors Value

This feedback helps us keep improving. Contractors told us they want speed, simplicity, clear communication, self-service options, trust, and all lines of business under one roof. At BTIS, we are committed to creating an insurance experience that delivers on all of those priorities.

Through ProSuite, agencies can unlock powerful tools designed to make life easier. For only $99 per year for the entire agency, ProSuite includes:

NowCerts Lite, a self-service portal where insureds can generate their own certificates anytime they need them
Outmarket AI, a quote comparison tool that lets agents shop our marketplace, detect differences in quotes, and even ask specific questions about coverage, endorsements, and other details

These features give contractors faster results and help agents retain more business by delivering clarity and options.

From general liability to workers compensation, and every policy in between, BTIS continues to build solutions that put contractors first.

Paul Hohlbein is a Co-Founder of Builders & Tradesmen's Insurance Services, Inc., an Amynta Group Company.

Builders & Tradesmen’s Insurance Services Inc.

BTIS is committed to providing robust, individualized products and the highest level of service. Our easy-to-use commercial insurance platform, educational tools, and helpful underwriters make it simple for producers to diversify their books of business by expanding their product portfolios.

Part of the Amynta Group, BTIS is a nationwide insurance intermediary with a small-business attitude. We believe in building solid relationships through communication and a genuine concern for the success of our retail broker clients and the policyholders they serve.

For additional information, visit www.btisinc.com or call (877) 649-6682