General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.

Every year, contractors lose bids they could have won because they weren't bonded. And plenty more scramble to figure out bonding requirements after they've already landed a project, only to discover the process takes longer than expected. Whether you're chasing a public works contract or a private developer is demanding financial guarantees, understanding performance bonds - their requirements, costs, and the steps to get bonded - can be the difference between winning work and watching from the sidelines.


The surety market is booming right now. The global surety industry reached approximately $19.62 billion in 2026 while maintaining a remarkably profitable loss ratio of roughly 23%. That profitability matters to you because it means surety companies are actively looking for good contractors to bond. The market is healthy, capacity is available, and if your financials are in order, getting bonded is more accessible than many people assume.


Here's what you actually need to know to make it happen.

What is a Performance Bond and How Does It Work?

A performance bond is a guarantee that a contractor will complete a project according to the terms of the contract. If the contractor fails to deliver, the bond provides financial protection to the project owner. Think of it as a promise backed by a third party's money, not yours.


Federal projects over $150,000 require performance bonds under the Miller Act bonding requirements, and most states have their own "Little Miller Acts" with similar thresholds. Private owners increasingly demand them too, especially on projects exceeding $500,000. The bond amount typically equals 100% of the contract value, meaning a $2 million project requires a $2 million bond.

The Three-Party Agreement Structure

Performance bonds involve three parties, and understanding each role matters. The principal is you, the contractor. The obligee is the project owner who requires the bond. The surety is the company that issues the bond and guarantees your performance.


Here's what catches people off guard: the surety isn't an insurance company paying claims on your behalf out of kindness. If the surety pays out on a claim, they come after you to recover that money. You've personally indemnified them. This is a credit relationship, not an insurance policy, and that distinction shapes everything about how bonds are priced and underwritten.

Performance Bonds vs. Payment Bonds

These two bond types almost always travel together, but they protect different parties. A performance bond protects the project owner if you don't finish the job. A payment bond protects your subcontractors and material suppliers if you don't pay them.


On federal projects, both are required under the Miller Act for contracts exceeding $150,000. Most state and municipal projects mirror this requirement. You'll typically see them quoted as a package, and the premium covers both bonds together. Don't confuse either with bid bonds, which guarantee you'll enter into the contract if you win the bid. All three serve different purposes in the construction bonding ecosystem.

Chad Kramer
CEO · Licensed Author

GrayStone Insurance Group is fully licensed and permitted to provide specialty commercial insurance solutions for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses across 17 states.

We proudly serve high-risk and hard-to-place businesses from coast to coast. As an independent specialty brokerage, our team works with leading Excess & Surplus and specialty carriers to make sure restaurants, bars, contractors, trucking companies, manufacturers, and other hard-to-place operations receive coverage that fits their real risks in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.

If your firm provides any design, engineering, or consulting services alongside construction, you need both. A GL policy won't cover a claim alleging your design specifications caused a building envelope failure. That's a professional liability exposure, and it's one of the fastest-growing claim categories in construction.

Coverage Area Standard Garage Policy Motorsports-Specific Package
Test Ride Liability Often excluded or limited Included with defined protocols
Open Lot Coverage Minimal or excluded Full inventory protection
Off-Road Vehicle Liability Typically excluded Covered for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes
Seasonal Inventory Fluctuation Fixed limits year-round Adjustable limits by season
Demo/Loaner Coverage Rarely included Available as standard endorsement
Parts & Accessories Inventory Low sublimits Higher limits reflecting actual value

The gap between standard and extended coverage is significant. For high-value or complex projects, the extended version is almost always worth the additional premium.

Coverage Feature Standard Policy Extended Policy
Fire, lightning, wind Included Included
Theft and vandalism Included Included
Flood Excluded Available as add-on
Earthquake Excluded Available as add-on
Soft costs / delay Excluded Included or add-on
Existing structures Excluded Often included
Landscaping Excluded Sometimes included
Testing and commissioning Excluded Included
Debris removal Limited sublimit Higher sublimit

Requirements for Obtaining a Performance Bond

Getting bonded isn't like buying insurance online in five minutes. Surety companies are extending credit, so they evaluate you the way a bank would evaluate a loan applicant. They want confidence that you'll finish the project and stay solvent while doing it.


The three C's of surety underwriting are character, capacity, and capital. Character covers your reputation and track record. Capacity refers to your ability to handle the work. Capital means your financial strength. Weakness in any one area can sink your application or push your premium higher.

Financial Documentation and Credit History

Expect to hand over a lot of paperwork. Surety underwriters typically want to see two to three years of financial statements, preferably CPA-prepared or audited for larger bond amounts. They'll review your balance sheet ratios, working capital, and profitability trends. A personal financial statement from each owner is standard, along with bank references and a credit report.


Your personal credit score matters more than most contractors expect. Scores below 650 make bonding difficult and expensive. Scores above 700 open doors to better rates and higher bond limits. Tax returns, both business and personal, round out the financial picture. If you have outstanding tax liens or judgments, address those before applying.

Business Experience and Capacity Requirements

Surety companies want to see that you've successfully completed projects similar in size and scope to the one you're bidding. A contractor who's finished ten $500,000 projects will struggle to get bonded for a $5 million job without a clear explanation of how they'll scale up.


They'll look at your current work-in-progress to make sure you're not overextended. Your team's qualifications, equipment ownership, and relationships with reliable subcontractors all factor in. Newer companies with limited track records can still get bonded, but often through the SBA's surety bond guarantee program, which backs bonds for contractors who might not qualify through conventional channels.

Why does my insurance keep going up even though I haven't had any claims? Claims in the broader construction industry drive rate increases across the board. Even with a clean loss history, you're affected by market-wide trends like nuclear verdicts and increased material costs that inflate claim values.


Can I save money by classifying workers as subcontractors instead of employees? This is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes contractors make. Misclassification can result in audit penalties, uncovered workers' comp claims, and state fines. If a worker is functionally an employee, treat them as one.


What limits should I carry for general liability? Most commercial contracts require $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate at minimum, with an umbrella policy bringing total limits to $5M or more. Your specific needs depend on project size and contract requirements.


Do I need a separate policy for each project? Not usually. A practice policy covers all your operations, though large projects may require project-specific coverage or wrap-ups. Your broker should review each contract to determine what's needed.


What happens if my subcontractor's insurance lapses mid-project? You're exposed. Your policy may respond, but you'll likely face a deductible and potential premium increase. Continuous certificate tracking is essential, and many contractors now use automated verification platforms.


How long does completed operations coverage last? Typically tied to your policy period, but statutes of repose vary by state: some allow construction defect claims up to 10 years after completion. Make sure your coverage extends long enough to match your state's statute.

When admitted carriers decline your application, the surplus lines market becomes your path to coverage. Surplus lines insurers aren't bound by the same rate and form regulations as admitted carriers, giving them flexibility to write policies for unusual or high-hazard risks. The U.S. surplus lines market has grown substantially as more businesses find themselves unable to secure standard market coverage.


Working with a broker who has established surplus lines relationships is critical. GrayStone Insurance Group, for example, specializes in placing coverage for hard-to-place contractors through its surplus lines partnerships, using data-driven risk modeling to match operators with the right carrier. Not every surplus lines broker understands construction, so look for one with specific trade experience.

Navigating the Surplus Lines Market

Impact of Claims History on Future Premiums

Your loss history follows you. A single large claim can increase premiums for three to five years, and multiple claims within a short window can make you virtually uninsurable in the standard market. Your experience modification rate (EMR) in workers comp directly reflects your claims history relative to peers in your classification.


The good news: you can improve your EMR over time by reducing claim frequency and severity. Implement return-to-work programs, contest questionable claims, and invest in loss control. Brokers with deep industry knowledge, like those averaging 20+ years of experience at firms such as GrayStone, can help you build a narrative around your risk improvement efforts that resonates with underwriters.

Start with your safety program. Documented training, proper PPE protocols, and a clean claims history are the fastest path to lower premiums. Beyond that, working with a broker who understands risk assessment for specialty construction trades can help you avoid overpaying for coverage you don't need while making sure you're not exposed on the coverages you do.


Bundling your GL, inland marine, and commercial auto with a single carrier or program often yields better pricing than buying each separately. Raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 can also reduce premiums by 10-15% on general liability.

FAQ: How can I lower my insurance costs without losing coverage?

What This Means for Your Business

Concrete finishing is a skilled trade that deserves insurance coverage designed for its actual risks, not a generic contractor policy with half the important coverages stripped out. The difficulty in placing this insurance isn't a reflection of your business: it's a reflection of a market that doesn't understand your trade well enough to price it fairly.


If you're paying too much, carrying policies with critical exclusions, or getting declined altogether, the problem is almost certainly your current broker's market access, not your operation. GrayStone Insurance Group specializes in exactly these hard-to-place risks, connecting concrete contractors with carriers who actually want to write this business.


The right policy protects your equipment, your completed work, your crew, and your reputation. Don't settle for less just because a few carriers said no. Reach out to GrayStone and get a quote built around what your concrete business actually does.

How much does GL insurance cost for a real estate developer? Expect to pay between $15,000 and $75,000 annually for a standard GL policy, depending on project size, location, and construction type. Mixed-use and residential projects in litigation-heavy states will land at the higher end.


How long does it take to place coverage for a new development? Simple projects with experienced developers can be placed in 2-4 weeks. Complex or distressed risks may take 6-8 weeks, especially if surplus lines markets need to be accessed.


What's the most common coverage gap developers miss? Completed operations coverage that extends beyond project completion. Many developers let this lapse after the certificate of occupancy, leaving them exposed to defect claims that surface years later.


Do I need separate pollution coverage? Almost always, yes. Standard GL policies exclude pollution, and brownfield or infill sites carry environmental risk even with clean Phase II reports. A site-specific pollution legal liability policy typically runs $5,000-$15,000 annually.


Can I add my lender as an additional insured? Yes, and your lender will require it. Make sure the additional insured endorsement matches the exact entity name on the loan documents, or you'll face delays at closing.


What happens if my carrier non-renews mid-project? You'll need to find replacement coverage quickly, usually within 30-60 days. This is where having a broker with deep market relationships pays off - a cold submission to unfamiliar carriers during a non-renewal is a tough position.

FAQ: Cost, Timelines, and Coverage Gaps

Do I need separate insurance for each type of vehicle I sell? Not necessarily. A well-structured dealer policy can cover multiple vehicle types under one program, but the policy language needs to specifically include each category: motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, PWCs, etc. Don't assume a generic "motorsports" label covers everything.


What liability limits should a motorsports dealership carry? Most dealers should carry a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for general liability. If you offer test rides on high-performance vehicles, higher limits or an umbrella policy are worth the investment.


Does my policy cover vehicles in transit? Standard dealer policies often exclude vehicles being transported between locations or from auctions. You'll need inland marine or motor truck cargo coverage to fill this gap, especially if you're moving inventory between multiple locations.


Are demo rides covered under my garage liability? It depends entirely on your policy language. Many standard policies exclude or severely limit demo ride coverage. Make sure your policy explicitly addresses customer test rides and staff demonstrations.


What happens if a customer is injured during a test ride? Your garage liability policy should respond, but only if test ride liability is included. If the customer was riding without a helmet or outside an approved area, coverage disputes can arise. Written test ride agreements help protect your position.


Can I get coverage if I've been non-renewed? Yes, but you'll likely need to work with a surplus lines broker who has access to specialty markets. A non-renewal isn't the end of the road, though it will require more effort and potentially higher premiums initially.

FAQ: Coverage Limits and Requirements

Workers' Compensation for High-Climbing Crews

Workers' comp for tree climbers is one of the most difficult placements in the industry. GrayStone's data-driven underwriting approach uses AI-powered risk modeling to match operations with carriers that specialize in high-hazard classifications. This means faster quotes and more competitive pricing than you'd typically find shopping the market on your own. The 94% client retention rate speaks to the fact that these placements stick: contractors aren't getting non-renewed every year.

A commercial wood chipper costs $30,000 to $80,000. A bucket truck runs $80,000 to $150,000. Inland marine coverage protects this equipment whether it's on a job site, in transit, or stored at your yard. Standard auto policies don't cover mounted equipment, and many contractors don't realize this gap exists until they file a claim. GrayStone structures inland marine policies that cover the full replacement value of your fleet, including rented or leased equipment.

Equipment Coverage for Chippers and Aerial Lifts

Calculating the Cost of Your Bond

Performance bond premiums typically range from 1% to 3% of the contract value, though they can go higher for contractors with weaker profiles. On a $1 million project, you're looking at $10,000 to $30,000 for the bond premium. That cost is usually built into your bid.


The premium is not refundable, even if you complete the project perfectly. It's the price of the surety's guarantee. For larger projects, the rate often drops on a sliding scale: you might pay 2.5% on the first $500,000 and 1.5% on the next $500,000. Your surety agent can model this for specific contract amounts.

Factors That Influence Premium Rates

Several variables affect what you'll actually pay. Your personal credit score is the biggest driver for most contractors. Beyond that, the surety weighs your financial statements, years in business, project completion history, and the specific type of work involved. A contractor with a strong track record in their specialty will pay less than someone stretching into unfamiliar territory.


The bond amount itself matters, as larger bonds sometimes carry lower percentage rates. Your industry plays a role too. General contractors often get better rates than specialty contractors in higher-risk trades. And if you've had previous bond claims, expect to pay significantly more, or face outright denial.

Comparison Table: Typical Bond Rates by Credit Score

Credit Score Range Typical Premium Rate Cost on $500K Bond Approval Difficulty
750+ 1% - 1.5% $5,000 - $7,500 Easy approval
700 - 749 1.5% - 2.5% $7,500 - $12,500 Standard approval
650 - 699 2.5% - 3.5% $12,500 - $17,500 May require additional documentation
600 - 649 3.5% - 5% $17,500 - $25,000 Difficult; limited surety options
Below 600 5% - 15% $25,000 - $75,000 Very difficult; specialty sureties only

These are general ranges. Your actual rate depends on the full underwriting picture, not credit score alone.

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.

How GrayStone Specialized Programs Bridge the Gap

GrayStone Insurance Group has built specific programs for contractors that standard carriers won't write. With brokers averaging 20 years of experience in hard-to-place commercial lines, the approach is different from what you'll get at a generalist agency. Rather than trying to fit tree care into a standard contractor program, GrayStone works with surplus lines carriers and specialty markets that actually understand arborist operations.

Losses Involving Owners or Partners

Most crime policies exclude losses caused by business owners, partners, or majority shareholders. The logic is straightforward: insurers don't want to cover self-inflicted losses. If you're a sole proprietor, this exclusion effectively means the policy only covers crimes committed by your employees or third parties, not by you.


In partnerships, this can get complicated. If one partner embezzles from the business, the other partners may not be able to recover under the crime policy. It's a coverage gap worth discussing with your broker before you're in the middle of a dispute.

What is Typically Covered

D&O claims come from multiple directions. Here are the most common scenarios that trigger a policy response:


  • A shareholder sues the board for approving a merger at an unfavorable price

  • An employee files a wrongful termination lawsuit naming the CEO personally

  • A regulatory body investigates the company's financial disclosures and the CFO faces personal liability

  • A competitor alleges that officers engaged in unfair business practices

  • A nonprofit donor sues the board for mismanagement of funds


In 2026, geopolitical instability and AI-related risks rank among the top concerns for directors and officers globally. Companies deploying AI tools face a new wave of potential claims, and AI-related securities litigation is an emerging trend that boards need to watch closely. If your company uses AI in hiring, underwriting, or customer-facing decisions, your directors could face allegations tied to algorithmic bias or misrepresentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Bonded

The bonding process typically takes one to four weeks, depending on your preparedness and the complexity of the bond. Having your documents organized before you start can cut that timeline significantly. Here's how to move through it efficiently.

Finding a Surety Agent

You don't buy a bond directly from a surety company. You work through a licensed surety agent or broker who represents you to the surety market. Choosing the right agent matters enormously, especially if your business falls into a higher-risk category.


Look for agents with specific experience in your industry and bond size range. An agent who primarily handles $50,000 license bonds won't have the relationships needed to place a $3 million performance bond. Firms like GrayStone Insurance Group, where brokers average 20 years of market experience, can be particularly valuable for contractors in hard-to-place categories like cannabis facility construction or high-risk hospitality renovations. The right agent knows which sureties are writing your type of work and can position your application for the best possible outcome.

The Underwriting and Approval Process

Once your agent submits your application, the surety's underwriter reviews everything. For bonds under $250,000, this can be relatively quick, sometimes just a few days with a credit check and basic financials. Larger bonds require deeper analysis.


The underwriter will assess your work-in-progress schedule, backlog, and the specific project details. They may request additional information or clarification on financial items. If approved, you'll receive a bond form to execute and deliver to the project owner. GrayStone's data-driven underwriting approach helps speed up this process, using AI-powered risk modeling to match contractors with the right surety partners faster. Keep in mind that your bonding capacity, the maximum total amount of bonds you can carry, is set during this process and can grow over time as you complete bonded work successfully.

Why does my insurance keep going up even though I haven't had any claims? Claims in the broader construction industry drive rate increases across the board. Even with a clean loss history, you're affected by market-wide trends like nuclear verdicts and increased material costs that inflate claim values.


Can I save money by classifying workers as subcontractors instead of employees? This is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes contractors make. Misclassification can result in audit penalties, uncovered workers' comp claims, and state fines. If a worker is functionally an employee, treat them as one.


What limits should I carry for general liability? Most commercial contracts require $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate at minimum, with an umbrella policy bringing total limits to $5M or more. Your specific needs depend on project size and contract requirements.


Do I need a separate policy for each project? Not usually. A practice policy covers all your operations, though large projects may require project-specific coverage or wrap-ups. Your broker should review each contract to determine what's needed.


What happens if my subcontractor's insurance lapses mid-project? You're exposed. Your policy may respond, but you'll likely face a deductible and potential premium increase. Continuous certificate tracking is essential, and many contractors now use automated verification platforms.


How long does completed operations coverage last? Typically tied to your policy period, but statutes of repose vary by state: some allow construction defect claims up to 10 years after completion. Make sure your coverage extends long enough to match your state's statute.

When admitted carriers decline your application, the surplus lines market becomes your path to coverage. Surplus lines insurers aren't bound by the same rate and form regulations as admitted carriers, giving them flexibility to write policies for unusual or high-hazard risks. The U.S. surplus lines market has grown substantially as more businesses find themselves unable to secure standard market coverage.


Working with a broker who has established surplus lines relationships is critical. GrayStone Insurance Group, for example, specializes in placing coverage for hard-to-place contractors through its surplus lines partnerships, using data-driven risk modeling to match operators with the right carrier. Not every surplus lines broker understands construction, so look for one with specific trade experience.

Navigating the Surplus Lines Market

Impact of Claims History on Future Premiums

Your loss history follows you. A single large claim can increase premiums for three to five years, and multiple claims within a short window can make you virtually uninsurable in the standard market. Your experience modification rate (EMR) in workers comp directly reflects your claims history relative to peers in your classification.


The good news: you can improve your EMR over time by reducing claim frequency and severity. Implement return-to-work programs, contest questionable claims, and invest in loss control. Brokers with deep industry knowledge, like those averaging 20+ years of experience at firms such as GrayStone, can help you build a narrative around your risk improvement efforts that resonates with underwriters.

Start with your safety program. Documented training, proper PPE protocols, and a clean claims history are the fastest path to lower premiums. Beyond that, working with a broker who understands risk assessment for specialty construction trades can help you avoid overpaying for coverage you don't need while making sure you're not exposed on the coverages you do.


Bundling your GL, inland marine, and commercial auto with a single carrier or program often yields better pricing than buying each separately. Raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 can also reduce premiums by 10-15% on general liability.

FAQ: How can I lower my insurance costs without losing coverage?

What This Means for Your Business

Concrete finishing is a skilled trade that deserves insurance coverage designed for its actual risks, not a generic contractor policy with half the important coverages stripped out. The difficulty in placing this insurance isn't a reflection of your business: it's a reflection of a market that doesn't understand your trade well enough to price it fairly.


If you're paying too much, carrying policies with critical exclusions, or getting declined altogether, the problem is almost certainly your current broker's market access, not your operation. GrayStone Insurance Group specializes in exactly these hard-to-place risks, connecting concrete contractors with carriers who actually want to write this business.


The right policy protects your equipment, your completed work, your crew, and your reputation. Don't settle for less just because a few carriers said no. Reach out to GrayStone and get a quote built around what your concrete business actually does.

How much does GL insurance cost for a real estate developer? Expect to pay between $15,000 and $75,000 annually for a standard GL policy, depending on project size, location, and construction type. Mixed-use and residential projects in litigation-heavy states will land at the higher end.


How long does it take to place coverage for a new development? Simple projects with experienced developers can be placed in 2-4 weeks. Complex or distressed risks may take 6-8 weeks, especially if surplus lines markets need to be accessed.


What's the most common coverage gap developers miss? Completed operations coverage that extends beyond project completion. Many developers let this lapse after the certificate of occupancy, leaving them exposed to defect claims that surface years later.


Do I need separate pollution coverage? Almost always, yes. Standard GL policies exclude pollution, and brownfield or infill sites carry environmental risk even with clean Phase II reports. A site-specific pollution legal liability policy typically runs $5,000-$15,000 annually.


Can I add my lender as an additional insured? Yes, and your lender will require it. Make sure the additional insured endorsement matches the exact entity name on the loan documents, or you'll face delays at closing.


What happens if my carrier non-renews mid-project? You'll need to find replacement coverage quickly, usually within 30-60 days. This is where having a broker with deep market relationships pays off - a cold submission to unfamiliar carriers during a non-renewal is a tough position.

FAQ: Cost, Timelines, and Coverage Gaps

Do I need separate insurance for each type of vehicle I sell? Not necessarily. A well-structured dealer policy can cover multiple vehicle types under one program, but the policy language needs to specifically include each category: motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, PWCs, etc. Don't assume a generic "motorsports" label covers everything.


What liability limits should a motorsports dealership carry? Most dealers should carry a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for general liability. If you offer test rides on high-performance vehicles, higher limits or an umbrella policy are worth the investment.


Does my policy cover vehicles in transit? Standard dealer policies often exclude vehicles being transported between locations or from auctions. You'll need inland marine or motor truck cargo coverage to fill this gap, especially if you're moving inventory between multiple locations.


Are demo rides covered under my garage liability? It depends entirely on your policy language. Many standard policies exclude or severely limit demo ride coverage. Make sure your policy explicitly addresses customer test rides and staff demonstrations.


What happens if a customer is injured during a test ride? Your garage liability policy should respond, but only if test ride liability is included. If the customer was riding without a helmet or outside an approved area, coverage disputes can arise. Written test ride agreements help protect your position.


Can I get coverage if I've been non-renewed? Yes, but you'll likely need to work with a surplus lines broker who has access to specialty markets. A non-renewal isn't the end of the road, though it will require more effort and potentially higher premiums initially.

FAQ: Coverage Limits and Requirements

Workers' Compensation for High-Climbing Crews

Workers' comp for tree climbers is one of the most difficult placements in the industry. GrayStone's data-driven underwriting approach uses AI-powered risk modeling to match operations with carriers that specialize in high-hazard classifications. This means faster quotes and more competitive pricing than you'd typically find shopping the market on your own. The 94% client retention rate speaks to the fact that these placements stick: contractors aren't getting non-renewed every year.

A commercial wood chipper costs $30,000 to $80,000. A bucket truck runs $80,000 to $150,000. Inland marine coverage protects this equipment whether it's on a job site, in transit, or stored at your yard. Standard auto policies don't cover mounted equipment, and many contractors don't realize this gap exists until they file a claim. GrayStone structures inland marine policies that cover the full replacement value of your fleet, including rented or leased equipment.

Equipment Coverage for Chippers and Aerial Lifts

Does this cover my tools if they are stolen from my truck?

How much does an equipment floater cost per year?

Costs vary based on the total value of equipment, your industry, claims history, and location. Most small contractors and service businesses pay between $500 and $2,000 annually for coverage. Higher-value equipment schedules or riskier industries will push premiums higher. GrayStone Insurance Group's brokers, who average 20 years of industry experience, can often find competitive rates even for hard-to-place businesses.

It depends on the policy structure. Some floaters use a scheduled format where each item is individually listed with its value. Others use a blanket format that covers all equipment up to a total limit. Blanket policies are more convenient but may have lower per-item limits. Scheduled policies ensure each piece of equipment is covered for its full value. A contractors equipment floater can often be customized to blend both approaches.

Do I need to list every single tool on my policy?

First-time applicants should allow one to two weeks for the full underwriting process. Once you have an established relationship with a surety, individual bid bonds can be issued in 24 to 48 hours. Faster placements are possible when your financials are current and your surety knows your operation.

How long does it take to get a bond issued?

Common Questions About Performance Bonds

What happens if a claim is filed against my performance bond? The surety investigates the claim. If it's valid, the surety can either finance you to complete the project, hire a replacement contractor, or pay the obligee directly. Then the surety comes after you for reimbursement under your indemnity agreement.


Do I get my premium back if no claims are filed? No. The premium is earned when the bond is issued. It's the cost of the guarantee, regardless of whether a claim occurs.


Is a performance bond the same as insurance? No. Insurance spreads risk across a pool of policyholders and expects to pay some claims. A surety bond is a credit instrument. The surety expects zero losses and will seek full recovery from you if they pay a claim.


How long does it take to get bonded? Small bonds with strong credit can be issued in two to five business days. Larger bonds requiring full financial review typically take two to four weeks. Having organized documentation ready before you apply is the single best way to speed things up.


Can a new business get bonded? Yes, but with limitations. New contractors often start with smaller bond amounts and build capacity over time. The SBA's bond guarantee program specifically helps newer businesses access bonding.


What's the difference between a bid bond and a performance bond? A bid bond guarantees you'll honor your bid and enter into the contract. A performance bond guarantees you'll actually complete the work. Bid bonds are typically free or very low cost when issued alongside performance bonds.

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

Every policy has boundaries. Knowing them up front is how you avoid an uncovered claim. Common exclusions include:

General Liability responds to the core exposures most operations in this category face. A typical policy answers third-party claims and the defense costs that come with them, so a single incident doesn't put the business at risk.

How GrayStone Specialized Programs Bridge the Gap

GrayStone Insurance Group has built specific programs for contractors that standard carriers won't write. With brokers averaging 20 years of experience in hard-to-place commercial lines, the approach is different from what you'll get at a generalist agency. Rather than trying to fit tree care into a standard contractor program, GrayStone works with surplus lines carriers and specialty markets that actually understand arborist operations.

Risk Mitigation and Safety Training Programs

Insurance isn't just about transferring risk: it's about reducing it. GrayStone works with franchisees to implement safety protocols that directly affect premium pricing. Documented training programs for new hires, slip-and-fall prevention checklists, and food safety audit records all give underwriters confidence that the operation is well-managed.


A franchisee who can demonstrate a 12-month track record of daily temperature logs, incident reporting procedures, and quarterly safety meetings will get materially better pricing than one who can't. GrayStone helps clients build that documentation trail so it's ready when renewal time comes.

Can I get a bond if I have bad credit?

Yes, but expect to pay more. Sureties view credit score as a primary indicator of risk. A score below 600 might push your premium to 10-15% of the bond amount instead of 1-3%. Some surety companies specialize in "bad credit" bonds, though the terms are less favorable.

Do I need D&O if I have a small business? If your business has a board, officers, or any formal management structure, the answer is likely yes. Even a two-person LLC where both partners serve as managing members can face personal lawsuits from employees, vendors, or regulators.


Can I be sued personally for business mistakes? Absolutely. An LLC or corporation limits your liability for company debts, but it doesn't prevent someone from suing you individually for decisions you made as a manager or officer. Breach of fiduciary duty, employment claims, and regulatory actions can all target individuals.


How much does a typical policy cost? For private companies, D&O premiums typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 annually, depending on revenue, industry, claims history, and coverage limits. High-risk industries like cannabis and construction tend to land on the higher end. GrayStone Insurance Group uses AI-powered risk modeling to find competitive pricing even for hard-to-place businesses that other agencies decline.


Does D&O cover criminal acts? D&O policies cover defense costs for criminal proceedings until a final adjudication of criminal conduct. If a director is ultimately convicted, the policy won't pay any judgment or fine. But the defense cost coverage alone can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Your Next Steps for Project Approval

Getting bonded isn't a mystery, but it does require preparation. Start by pulling your personal credit report and fixing any errors. Gather two to three years of financial statements, tax returns, and a current work-in-progress schedule. The contractors who get the best rates and highest limits are the ones who treat their bond application like a business plan presentation.


If you're in a higher-risk industry or have been turned down before, that doesn't mean bonding is off the table. It means you need an agent who knows how to work with specialty sureties. GrayStone Insurance Group's team specializes in exactly these situations, maintaining a 94% client retention rate by finding solutions where other agencies stop looking.


Your next project is waiting. Get your documents together, connect with an experienced surety agent, and start building the bonding capacity that will open doors to bigger and better work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CHAD KRAMER

I started GrayStone Insurance Group in 2018 with a simple conviction: the businesses everyone else turns away deserve a broker who won't. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a specialty commercial brokerage with offices across the country — but the mission hasn't changed. We find solutions for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses when other agencies run the other way.


I built this agency on integrity, hard work, and the tenacity to do the hard things well. Through our access to Excess & Surplus and specialty markets, my team and I place coverage standard carriers can't — and I treat every client's business like my own.

If you've been declined, non-renewed, or told your business is too complicated to insure, let's talk.

 Coverages & policies

Plain-language coverage, expertly placed.

We lead with commercial lines and round out personal coverage where you need it. Every policy comes with an explanation — not jargon.

Contractors

Third-party bodily injury & property damage — the foundation for any operation.

Liquor Liability

Critical for bars, restaurants and venues serving alcohol — including A&B.

Commercial Property

Buildings, contents and equipment — including distressed and vacant risk.

Workers' Compensation

Statutory coverage for your crew — including high-mod and high-hazard classes.

Commercial Umbrella

Extra liability limits over your primary policies — essential for high-exposure risk.

Products Liability

Manufacturers, CBD and consumer-product exposure — including imports.

 What clients say

Brokers who actually place it.

 FAQ

Answers for the risks others won't cover

Getting declined, non-renewed, or told your business is "too high-risk" is frustrating — but it doesn't mean you're out of options. Here are answers to the questions we hear most from business owners who need coverage the standard market won't provide.

  • What kind of insurance does GrayStone specialize in?

    We're a specialty commercial brokerage built for high-risk and hard-to-place businesses — the risks standard carriers often turn away. Through our access to Excess & Surplus (E&S) and specialty markets, we place coverage that everyday agencies can't. Hospitality and construction are among our deepest areas of expertise.

  • My business was declined or non-renewed elsewhere. Can you still help?

    That's exactly what we do. A decline, a non-renewal, or a tough claims history doesn't mean you're out of options — it means your risk needs a broker with the right market access. Tell us your situation and we'll get to work finding a fit.

  • What is Excess & Surplus (E&S) insurance?

    E&S is specialty coverage for risks that standard "admitted" carriers won't write — often because a business is higher-risk, unusual, or has a complex history. As an independent broker, we tap into these specialty markets to place coverage where a typical agency hits a dead end.

  • What industries do you work with?

    We cover a wide range of commercial industries — from restaurants, bars, and hospitality to contractors, trucking, manufacturing, cannabis, and more. If your industry is considered high-risk or hard-to-place, there's a good chance we've handled it.

  • Will you work with businesses that have prior claims or losses?

    Yes. Prior claims and losses are part of many of the risks we place every day. Every business is evaluated on its own merits — and a rocky history is often exactly why a specialty broker can help where others won't.

  • Are you an independent broker?

    Yes. We're not tied to a single carrier, so we shop your risk across multiple specialty and E&S markets to find coverage that actually fits — instead of forcing you into a one-size-fits-all policy.

 Insights & resources

Know your risk before you buy.

Equipment Breakdown vs. Equipment Floater
4 August 2026
Learn the difference between equipment breakdown and equipment floater insurance to protect your business from mechanical failures and theft.
Powersports Dealers: ATV, Boat, and RV Lot Risks
1 August 2026
Protect your ATV, boat, and RV dealership with insurance for theft, weather, test rides, and dealer open lot risks. Learn key coverage options.
Switching Agents Mid-Term and the Broker of Record Letter
19 July 2026
Switch insurance agents mid-term with a Broker of Record letter. Learn the BOR process, timelines, benefits, and how to change brokers without losing coverage.

Coverage that fits

Let's place the risk others won't.