Pass the Gravy — and the Surplus Lines Coverage for Big Complex Construction

Each month, US Assure Director of Producer Training and Development Mary Stiglic joins us in the studio to address a common question or pain point to help you confidently sell to and service your construction insurance clients.

Read the Video Transcript:

Hmmmm … eight side dishes might be a bit much. But hey … I like choices. What to do …

Oh, hi!

I’m ironing out my Thanksgiving menu. But I’m struggling with how many options I’ll need. How am I supposed to know what I’m going to want until I sit at the table?

Turkey with stuffing? Mac & cheese? Mashed potatoes? Or maybe something wild like marshmallow salad?

Just like I need options to fill my belly, your need coverage options for your clients. So, we’ve expanded our coverage offering to include surplus lines. If Zurich says “no thanks,” our new surplus lines provider may say “pass the gravy!”

Let me run through some of the highlights … then be sure to grab our E&S appetite guide. 

Commercial and residential projects valued over $10 million and up to $50 million are eligible.

This includes new construction over $10 million dollars, renovations over $20 million, and frame projects up to $35 million dollars. 

Consider it a specialized buffet to fill in the gaps. 

For instance:
Wind can be written within 1,000 ft of the coast and even on barrier islands, and all protection classes can be considered as well as partially completed structures and historical renovations. When supplementing our Zurich policy, primary and excess difference in conditions for flood, wind and earthquake may be secured where needed. 

There’s even an opportunity to insure the risk for up to 36 months, with an option to extend … there’s a reason to gobble!

And, while the appetite is broad, projects for energy and chemical classes, offshore risk, heavy manufacturing, mines, railroad and infrastructure over water aren’t eligible. 

Talk about a surprise to spice things up!

Here’s how it works. 

Start by submitting an application on usassure.com. If the risk is declined by Zurich, your application may be manually reviewed and quoted with an E&S underwriter, typically within 72 hours. Easy as pie. 

If you’re a retail agency who does not have a surplus lines license, we can facilitate the taxes and fees on your behalf.  

Now, what if your client’s risk is under $10M and it doesn’t qualify for our admitted program? We’re working with our E&S team to launch these coverage options for smaller risks in the first half of 2026. 

Alright, I’m off to add au gratin potatoes and that marshmallow salad. You go get those quotes cooking!

‘Til next time.

This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers. Any description of policy provisions is meant to give a broad overview of coverages and does not revise or amend a policy. Refer to the policy coverage form for a complete representation of the scope of coverage, terms, conditions, exclusions and more. The policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Some products may not be available in all states and may only be offered on a non-admitted basis. Product availability is subject to change.