When you’re a contractor, you live and die by bids. Whether you’re a builder, framer, plumber, electrician, HVAC tech, roofer, landscaper, or concrete finisher—your world revolves around quoting a job, getting the work, and delivering.
But here’s the reality: insurance is not a bid and we need to stop treating it as such.
At Samuelson Insurance, we don’t “bid” on your coverage. We analyze your business, understand your exposures, evaluate your tolerance for risk, and design a program that’s built for your reality. That’s not a sales pitch—it’s how we protect contractors and how we do business.
The Problem With Cheap Insurance
Every week I hear, “I found a cheaper price.” And every week I look at those proposals and see:
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Wrong or incomplete classifications (you’re not covered for what you actually do).
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No tools and equipment coverage.
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No commercial auto despite vehicles being lettered and used for work (your personal policy will deny the claim).
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No installation coverage for ongoing projects.
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No per-project aggregates on liability.
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No voluntary property damage coverage.
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No proper handling of additional insureds or waiver of subrogation endorsements.
Of course the other quote is cheaper—it’s missing half of what you actually need. That’s like hiring the lowest-priced “contractor” who doesn’t pull permits, doesn’t carry tools, and leaves half the job undone.
Not All Agents Are Built For Contractors
You wouldn’t ask your landscaper to rewire your electrical panel. They might be cheaper, but they’re not qualified.
It’s the same with insurance. Some agents dabble in contractor policies. They have one system, one carrier, and try to jam every client into the same box. When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
That’s not how we work. We’ve spent decades writing contractor insurance—nearly a century, in fact. Our producers and account managers live this world. We understand performance bonds, complex certificates of insurance, notice of cancellation endorsements, hired/borrowed equipment coverage, and the requirements that come with licensing and large-scale projects.
We also partner with carriers who have strong financial ratings and the ability to write complex risks the right way.
Credentials Matter
I hold the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, one of the most respected credentials in the industry. Fewer than 2% of agents nationally have it. It requires years of coursework, exams, and a commitment to ongoing education. I don’t say that as a brag—I say it because credentials matter when you’re trusting someone to protect your business and livelihood.
Additionally, every single person in our offices is a licensed insurance agent. Our clients know when they call our office, they are speaking with a professional.
This is not a side hustle for us. It’s our profession.
Value Over Price
Contractors understand this better than anyone: cheap is rarely good, and good is rarely cheap.
When I call my concrete guy, I don’t haggle. He tells me the price, and I know it’s fair for the work, the material, and the skill required. I either choose to spend the money, or I don’t. But I don’t ask him to cut corners just so I can save a few bucks.
Insurance should be treated the same way. You’re not buying a piece of paper—you’re buying a contract that protects your livelihood, your employees, and the reputation you’ve built.
The Bottom Line
Insurance is not a commodity. It’s a risk-transfer tool that only works if it’s built correctly. If you’re a contractor, don’t settle for the lowest number on a piece of paper. Work with someone who understands the business you’re in and has the resources, experience, and carriers to back it up.
That’s what we do every day at Samuelson Insurance. We don’t “bid” insurance—we build protection.
James Hazzard is the owner of Samuelson Insurance Agency in Portage, Indiana. With years of experience in the insurance industry and entrepreneurship, he shares insights to help readers better understand insurance and business-related topics. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. Coverage needs vary—always consult directly with a licensed insurance professional about your specific situation.
