Contractors throughout the Western United States, especially in California, are facing a growing set of challenges due to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires. As climate conditions intensify and fire seasons grow longer and more destructive, the commercial construction industry is feeling the heat in more ways than one.
Why Wildfire Coverage for Contractors Is Critical
Wildfires are no longer seasonal anomalies—they’re persistent threats that directly impact construction timelines, budgets, and liability. For contractors, this means:
- Limited Insurance Availability: In high-risk zones, especially near wildland-urban interfaces, many insurers have withdrawn, making wildfire coverage for contractors harder to obtain.
- Rising Premiums: Where coverage is available, costs have surged—particularly for wood-frame construction and large-scale projects.
- Higher Liability Requirements: Utility companies and project owners often mandate elevated liability limits in fire-prone regions, adding pressure to secure robust coverage.
Wildfire Impact on Construction Projects
These insurance constraints can delay or derail projects, especially in sectors like residential development, infrastructure upgrades, and utility work. Brokers must now help clients factor wildfire liability into their risk management strategies, budgeting, and bid proposals—making insurance not just a safeguard, but a strategic necessity.
Admiral’s Got You Covered
Despite these challenges, Admiral remains committed to supporting contractors in the Western U.S. with innovative and flexible insurance solutions. Admiral stands out by offering:
- General Liability (GL) Coverage with No Wildfire Exclusion: This is a rare and valuable offering in today’s market, providing contractors with the protection they need without restrictive exclusions.
- Supported Excess Options: For those needing higher limits, Admiral can provide excess coverage that complements its GL policies.
- Unsupported Excess: Admiral’s Unsupported Excess team offers tailored solutions for complex projects and trades to meet the unique needs of contractors in high-risk areas like the Western U.S.
Creative Solutions for a Complex Market
Admiral’s Casualty Coverage is built for moderate- to high-risk general liability accounts, with the flexibility to support a wide range of industries. Our underwriters are generalists—meaning we’re equipped to write coverage for contractors, manufacturers, amusement parks, apartments, and more. Whether you’re navigating wildfire risks in the West or managing complex liability exposures elsewhere, our team is ready to help craft sustainable, long-term solutions.
If you are a retail insurance broker, locate an Admiral wholesale partner. If you are a wholesaler, contact us about becoming a premier partner.
