Your work is complex. Your insurance coverage should be, too. With over 50 years in the industry and partnerships with 60+ top-rated insurance carriers, Pepper, Johnstone & Company is uniquely equipped to build customized coverage for every phase of your project—from bid to ribbon-cutting.
Insurance for General Contractors in Commercial Spaces
from Pepper, Johnstone & Company
The stakes are high on every commercial jobsite. Whether you’re managing subcontractors, meeting tight deadlines, or juggling permits and contracts, your business carries a level of responsibility few others do. With so much on the line, one uninsured risk can bring your operation to a halt.
That’s where we come in.
At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we understand the construction industry inside and out. With access to more than 60 trusted insurance companies, we build custom insurance programs for commercial general contractors that cover your people, property, and liability exposures from every angle.
Why Insurance Matters for Commercial General Contractors
Construction is full of moving parts—and not just the machinery. You’re coordinating crews, managing budgets, and overseeing safety protocols, all while pushing toward project completion. Each of these variables introduces risk, and without adequate insurance, those risks could cost you contracts, credibility, or worse.
Clients, developers, and municipalities often require proof of insurance before you ever break ground. But meeting minimums isn’t enough.
The right coverage protects your business from costly claims and gives you peace of mind, whether you’re a large firm or a small business managing lean crews and tight budgets. That way, you can stay focused on what matters most.
Essential Coverage Options for General Contractors
Every project is different, but most commercial contractors need a comprehensive package that includes:
General Liability Insurance for Contractors
General liability insurance covers you against third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, legal fees, and other liability coverage expenses.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Required in most states, workers’ comp covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.
Commercial Property Insurance
Covers buildings you own and business personal property such as computers, furniture, and inventory.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
Adds an extra layer of liability protection above the limits of your other policies.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Covers your fleet of work vehicles and drivers with liability, medical payments, and physical damage protection.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
Protects against claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, and other employment-related issues.
Fiduciary Liability Insurance
Provides protection for errors in managing employee benefits, retirement plans, or pensions.
Crime Insurance
Covers losses from employee theft, forgery, and other dishonest acts.
Specialized Insurance Coverage for Commercial Construction Projects
Some risks are specific to the construction industry and require more focused solutions. These include:
Builders’ Risk Insurance
Covers buildings under construction, materials on-site, and certain types of project delays.
Inland Marine Insurance
Protects tools, mobile equipment, and machinery in transit or on job sites.
Surety Bonds
Guarantee your performance and payment obligations to project owners, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Protecting More Than Just the Jobsite
As your business grows, so do your risks. Pepper, Johnstone & Company helps you stay protected beyond the jobsite with optional coverages for:
- Cyber threats targeting sensitive job data or digital files
- Employee disputes that result in costly legal action
- Theft or fraud affecting company financials
- Delays due to supply chain disruptions or equipment loss
We keep your policies up to date and aligned with the real-world challenges of running a modern construction company.
Why Choose Pepper, Johnstone & Company
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all policies. As an independent insurance agency, Pepper, Johnstone & Company works with a wide range of trusted carriers to bring you tailored solutions that match your unique exposures.
More than that, we operate as your risk management partner—not just an order taker. Our experienced advisors analyze your operations, identify vulnerabilities, and create a comprehensive insurance program that supports your goals and satisfies your contract requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Contractor Insurance
What business owners need to know
Most general contractors need a strong foundation of general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, EPLI, and builders’ risk insurance. However, depending on your operations, size, and subcontractor relationships, you may also need specialized policies like inland marine, property, umbrella, EPLI, and surety bonds.
These coverages protect everything from your equipment and vehicles to your reputation and legal standing.
Generally, no. Subcontractors should carry their own liability insurance and list your company as an additional insured. Always request a current certificate of insurance to verify active coverage and minimize exposure.
If they don’t have coverage—and something goes wrong—you could be liable for their mistakes. At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we can help you confirm subcontractor coverage and build risk transfer protections into your contracts to minimize exposure.
General liability insurance costs depend on a variety of factors: your annual revenue, number of employees, type of work performed, location, and required coverage limits. For example, a small GC handling residential remodels will pay far less than a firm overseeing multi-million-dollar commercial builds.
Builders’ risk policies vary based on project value and duration. For accurate pricing, it’s best to work with an advisor who can quote multiple carriers. Contact the professionals at Pepper, Johnstone & Company for a free quote!
Property insurance generally covers assets at a fixed location, like your main office or warehouse. Inland marine insurance, however, is designed for mobile assets like tools, trailers, generators, and specialty equipment that travel between jobsites.
If your crew transports valuable gear from site to site, inland marine is critical to avoid coverage gaps. Depending on your business, you may also need property, umbrella, EPLI, and surety bonds.
Yes, builders’ risk insurance is essential even for tenant improvement (TI) projects. Whether you’re working on small offices or large retail spaces, this policy can cover the costs of theft, fire, vandalism, or weather-related damage during construction.
When it comes to TI projects, you’re responsible for the materials and progress until handoff. A single fire, flood, or theft during construction could cost thousands without this protection.
A surety bond is a three-party agreement that guarantees you'll fulfill your contractual obligations. It protects project owners by ensuring work is completed and suppliers and subcontractors are paid. Bonds can be required for public and private projects alike, and having the right bonding capacity is often essential for winning large contracts.
At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, we can help you navigate bond requirements and maintain your eligibility.
What do people think about us?
We’re trusted by contractors who build America’s future.
on Google
I started a company in January 2019 & the team at Pepper Johnstone helped me from the beginning. We serve mid-cap to large public companies in Alabama, Colorado and Texas. And, Bryan has been critical in helping us meet and maintain the required commercial insurance policies and coverage levels. Key reasons that I've been so pleased primarily include their high level of technical competence and timely responsiveness on new or changing insurance coverage requests. They do a great job & I can highly recommend them.
— Russ L.
on Google
We are very pleased with our services that Pepper, Johnstone and Company provide for us! Both with business and personal needs, we feel like we are receiving excellent resources. We truly would not trust anyone else for our insurance needs!
— Lauren M.
on Google
Thankful for the opportunity to work with Pepper, Johnston’s and Co. They helped us add basic insurance needs for our newly formed LLC. The responsiveness, willingness to answer numerous questions, and guide us through multiple options was greatly appreciated. I’d like to especially thank Meredith Baswell of their staff who helped us through the process. I’d recommend you seek their advice and input on commercial and personal insurance options.
— Kevin G.
on Google
This is the best insurance agency hands down. We have our home, car, and business insurance through them. Julie has always gone above and beyond to help us. We wouldn’t use anyone else.
— Laura D.
on Google
Pepper Johnstone has handled my personal and business insurance needs for years. They do good work and their staff is amazing! They are independent agents so they have access to several different lines of insurance to meet the needs of their clients. I highly recommend them.
— Jeremiah H.
on Google
Pepper, Johnstone is a very professional and responsive insurance company. They were able to assist me with a full suite insurance solution very promptly and at a great value. Most importantly, I felt completely comfortable that I was being handled by true professionals. Bryan Johnstone is great at his job and I would recommend him highly to anyone who needs insurance advice for themselves or their business.
— Troy R.
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We’re Here to Build Your Protection Plan
Let’s build a policy that matches the scope of your projects. Call Pepper, Johnstone & Company at 866-865-3499 or request a quote online to speak with an advisor who has your best interests in mind at every step.