Joseph Distel & Co. Inc., through The Distel Group, offers a focused Remodeling Contractors Insurance program for agents and brokers placing residential and light commercial remodeling risks across New England. This streamlined General Liability solution is built for contractors who perform multiple trades and need fast, accurate quoting with flexible endorsement options to meet project and contract requirements.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
The program is written using class code 91300, which groups a broad range of 19 artisan trades to simplify quoting for multi-trade remodeling contractors. Typical accounts that fit well include:
- Residential and light commercial remodelers
- Start-up remodelers and new ventures
- Contractors with mixed operations (carpentry, drywall, painting, tile, etc.)
- Accounts that use subcontractors for up to 50% of total job costs
Examples of eligible trades:
- Carpentry (interior, residential, general)
- Ceiling and wall installation
- Drywall, insulation, and plastering
- Painting (interior and exterior)
- Tile, marble, and mosaic work
- Siding and floor covering installation
Additional trades such as electrical, plumbing, and roofing may be considered on a specified basis; these are not automatic and will require underwriting review.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
This program is written on an occurrence form and includes endorsements commonly required by contractors and project owners:
- Additional Insured endorsements (including blanket options)
- Waiver of Subrogation
- Per-project aggregate limits
- Property damage deductible options, down to $250
Underwriting Notes and Minimums
- Minimum premium: $750
- Minimum payroll requirement: $20,000
- New ventures are acceptable when they meet minimum underwriting criteria
- Subcontracted costs up to 50% of total project costs are eligible; subcontractor agreements and evidence of insurance will be reviewed
Territories and Availability
The Remodeling Contractors Insurance program is available in:
- Connecticut (CT)
- Maine (ME)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- Rhode Island (RI)
- Vermont (VT)
Coverage is placed through a variety of carriers. Most available markets are admitted, with non-admitted options used when necessary to place higher-exposure or harder-to-place accounts.
Why Work With Joseph Distel & Co. Inc. on This Program
As a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker, Joseph Distel & Co. Inc. combines niche underwriting expertise and broad market access for artisan contractors. Our simplified classification model and the STAR rating platform help you quote and bind accounts quickly while offering the endorsements and limits contractors commonly need for project contracts.
You might have a client who is a two-person remodel team doing carpentry, drywall and painting with $30,000 payroll and some subcontracted tile work — this program is designed to handle that profile efficiently. Or you may be placing a new residential remodel startup that needs an occurrence-form policy and standard contractor endorsements; the program accommodates new ventures meeting minimums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for residential and light commercial remodeling contractors, especially those who perform multiple trades such as carpentry, drywall, painting, and tile work. New ventures and contractors with up to 50% subcontracted costs are also eligible.
Is the program available for new ventures?
Yes. New ventures are eligible provided they meet minimum payroll and underwriting criteria, including the $20,000 payroll minimum and other underwriting requirements.
Are subcontractors allowed under this program?
Yes. Accounts with up to 50% of subcontracted costs are eligible. Underwriting will review subcontractor agreements and insurance to ensure appropriate coverage and controls are in place.
What states is this program available in?
The Remodeling Contractors Insurance program is available in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.