Driving a successful contractor business

Construction is big business—and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Despite current economic pressures, the industry is poised to continue at a steady clip, bolstered in part by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“The IIJA, which includes billions of dollars for infrastructure projects across the country, is expected to create a significant amount of business for contractors in every region of the United States,” says Alan V. Adkins, Specialty Auto Director, Nationwide E&S Wholesale. “This will create new opportunities for large contractors, as well as for their artisan counterparts, in addition to existing projects they may have in progress.”

To cash in on this and other potential business, contractors need to be prepared for what’s to come.

Protecting the wheels of the operation

Many factors go into operating a successful contractor business, but one of the most important might just be maintaining a fleet of reliable vehicles to, quite literally, keep the business running smoothly.

“Most contractors generate revenues from their vehicles, and they count on them for their day-to-day operations,” explains Adkins. “They can’t afford to have a vehicle out of service for any length of time.”

That’s where Nationwide’s Business Auto protection comes in. Whether it’s for a general contractor or more specialized trades, such as electricians, plumbers and HVAC professionals, it’s important to have coverage for all commercial vehicle-related business activities, such as transporting materials, equipment and supplies to job sites.

Nationwide offers Business Auto coverages for artisans and contractors operating vehicles that are registered to a business entity, including collision coverage, bodily injury liability, comprehensive coverage and more. Nationwide E&S/Specialty specializes in risks that might not be appealing to standard lines carriers.

The following is a small sampling of some of the more unique Business Auto risks we’ve written recently, which include a traffic light installation contractor operating a fleet of crane trucks; a contractor fleet that provides road striping, signage and guardrail installation; a contractor fleet that provides solar panel installation; and a 10 power unit, ready-mix operation.

“The bottom line is, as a business owner it’s absolutely critical to properly insure your commercial fleet to protect your business and your assets,” asserts Adkins.

Leveraging the Nationwide advantage

With so much at stake, contractors need to be able to turn to an insurer they can trust with their commercial vehicles. With Nationwide, they get a national carrier with a strong track record and financial stability that they can always count on to be on their side and here for the long haul.

“This translates into highly personalized relationships with our partners where we collaborate on solutions to best serve our insureds,” notes Adkins.

Many of Nationwide’s Business Auto partners are large general agencies with expert underwriters, specialized programs and a broad footprint.

“They have a dynamic presence throughout the wholesale distribution channel,” explains Adkins. “That, coupled with the name recognition Nationwide enjoys, adds up to an experience both our partners and our insureds can trust.”

An innovative partner on your side

Nationwide Business Auto also offers innovative solutions to help insureds manage their risks—and their expenses. The Risk Management Services team at Nationwide can help insureds take measures to reduce their accident frequency and severity, comply with regulations and foster a culture of safety where everyone is invested in mitigating risk.

Nationwide also offers telematics to select insureds to help them protect their commercial vehicles so they can keep their contractor business on track. In the end, though, an insurer is only as good as the quality of support they offer insureds if and when an accident happens.

“Our claims service is second to none,” says Adkins.

With top-tier general agents, comprehensive coverage and exceptional service, Nationwide Business Auto is a partner you can trust for your contractor needs.

“Insuring with Nationwide is a value-added proposition,” concludes Adkins. “At the end of the day, we’re here for our partners and our insureds.”