Which business owners policy providers are known for industry-specific underwriting and exclusions that fit contractor operations?

For contractor operations, the BOP carriers most often known for more industry-specific underwriting and contractor-oriented exclusions/eligibility rules tend to be the carriers that work through strong small-commercial package/BOP appetites rather than generic standard-market forms.

Common names you’ll see in that space include:

• Hiscox – often flexible for small contractors, with underwriting tuned to professional and specialty trades
• The Hartford – broad small-business appetite; commonly offers trade-specific rating and eligibility rules
• Travelers – known for more granular underwriting and industry-specific package options
• Chubb – more selective, but strong for quality accounts and distinct contractor classes
• CNA – frequently uses targeted eligibility/exclusions for certain contractor classes
• Liberty Mutual / Safeco – can be competitive for small contractor risks, with class-specific forms
• Nationwide – often has small-commercial products with trade-based underwriting
• Progressive Commercial – more oriented to small contractors and trade businesses, though appetite varies
• Zurich – generally more specialty/targeted and often strict on contractor class
• Selective Insurance and other regional/specialty commercial carriers – often very specific about contractor operations they’ll accept

Why these matter for contractors

These carriers often distinguish between:

• artisan contractors vs. general contractors
• new construction vs. remodeling/repair
• residential vs. commercial work
• subcontracting exposure
• use of employees vs. 1099 subs
• roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, etc.

They also commonly apply exclusions or restrictions for higher-hazard exposures like:

• roofing
• spray foam
• EIFS
• trenching/excavation
• demolition
• multi-story structural work
• work above certain height limits
• work on condos/apartments
• hazardous materials/asbestos
• new home construction

Practical note

If you want a BOP for a contractor, the key is usually not just the carrier name but whether the carrier’s filing/appetite explicitly allows the trade and operations. Many “contractor BOPs” are really small contractor package policies with BOP-like property + GL coverage and specialty exclusions.

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a carrier-by-carrier contractor appetite comparison, or
2. a list of contractor trades that are typically BOP-eligible vs. usually ineligible.