Construction Insurance
Billings, Bozeman, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Great Falls, Helena, Livingston, Shelby

Leavitt Great West Insurance has been notably focused on serving the construction industry. Our broad construction insurance experience includes risk management for general and subcontractors who focus on commercial, municipal, government, and public works projects.

We have a deep understanding of the unique exposures faced and the coverages that various construction projects require.

We have a current understanding of the industry and the associated markets and trends - including a strong relationship with the key construction insurance companies who provide coverage to the construction industry.

Who needs construction insurance?

If youre in a construction business you should always have commercial insurance. Many businesses are required by their clients to carry specific coverages before they can work for them. Businesses involved in construction work often specialize in trades like:

• Excavation
• Home Improvement
• Land Clearing
• Remodeling
• Home Building
• Asphalt Laying
• Welding
• Fence & Deck Building
• Concrete Laying
• Stone & Granite Work
• Roofing

How much does construction insurance cost?

Different trades are exposed to different types and degrees of risk. This variety of exposure is one of the many factors used to calculate a businesss construction insurance cost.

Other influences on your rate include your coverage needs, employees, work vehicles and claims history. The only way to know your exact rate is to get a customized construction insurance quote. Just call us or receive a quote online.

What coverages should a construction business have?

Basic Construction Insurance Coverage

• General Liability: This construction liability is pretty common and the coverage protects your business if its responsible for anything like property damage, bodily injury or incorrect work.
• Commercial Auto: Protects vehicles used in your business that transport tools and equipment.You can also add coverage to your policy that allows you to cover permanently attached equipment such as bolted tool boxes or racks.
• Workers Compensation: Covers employee medical costs and a percentageof lost wages if they become ill or injured at work.
• Professional Liability: helps to pay for alleged work oversights that cause a client a financial loss.If someone says you didnt deliver the services you said you'd provide, they can ask you to pay for any losses. Professional liability can help cover the costs to defend your business and/or fix the problem.
• Inland Marine Insurance: Protects tools, materials, and equipment in transit or on job sites.

Additional Coverages to Consider

• Builders Risk Insurance: Covers buildings under construction, a critical one for contractors and builders.
• Umbrella Insurance: Offers extended liability protection above other policy limits.
• Cyber Liability: Increasingly important as construction firms rely on digital tools, drones, client data, etc.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance Covers sudden mechanical or electrical breakdown of construction equipment.
• Employee Dishonesty: Helps protect against theft of materials or fraud by employees.

Contract and Lease Review

We review the indemnification and construction insurance language in existing leases and contracts, including the scope of indemnification and hold-harmless language, requirements for waivers of subrogation on property, liability, and workers compensation, and appropriateness of construction insurance requirements.

Surety / Bond Services

Our surety department works with clients to develop customized bond programs that fit each clients unique needs. Surety companies are reviewed and evaluated for consistency in underwriting, capacity, ratings, stability, and rate economy. Clients are effectively represented to surety markets with assistance in bond request presentation, review of bond requests for appropriateness, and prompt, correct bond issuance.

General Safety Procedures

• Protect your employees by minimizing any job hazards.
• Prepare emergency announcements and do test runs of emergency response systems to familiarize employees.
• Choose a practical flooring surface, not just one that looks nice. Often, the best lookingfloors can be the most dangerous and will be slippery when wet.
• Customize workspaces to fit each employees needs through ergonomic adjustments. By ensuring that an employees work space is tailored, you create a safer environment less prone to bodily stress or injury, and thus, less prone to workers compensation claims.
• Educate your employees on the safest way to lift objects. Squatting with bent knees minimizes the stress to the back, regardless of what is being lifted.
• Create a policy on distracted driving. Motor vehicle accidents account for a large percentage of work-related fatalities. Eating and drinking, cell phone use, and music devices are all possible sources of distraction behind the wheel. A good policy can help prevent fatalities and limit liability for your company.
• Establish and enforce disciplinary measures for safety violations. There should be some type of corrective action for any employee who doesnt abide by safety requirements.
• Train your supervisors in-house. They may have previously been trained as supervisors in general, but they need to also be trained in your particular workenvironment.

Here at Leavitt Great West Insurance we know that you want to get the right coverage, but we also know that the perfect coverage might not seem obvious. Let us be your guides in getting covered.

Call us or request your online quote today! We’re ready to help you protect your business in the best possible way.

• Who needs construction or contractor insurance in Montana?

  Any person or business performing construction, remodeling, excavation, or related real estate work in Montana must carry active general liability coverage and, depending on structure, show proof of workers’ compensation or hold an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC).

• What is required to register as a Montana contractor?

  Contractors must register under one of two categories: Construction Contractor Registration (for those with employees) or Independent Contractor Registration (for self-employed individuals). Registration is handled by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, with fees of $70–$125.

• How much general liability insurance is required?

  For state contracts, Montana requires at least $2,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate in commercial general liability coverage. Municipalities such as Missoula require a minimum of $300,000, with higher bonding thresholds for specific trades.

• What proof of coverage is needed?

  All contractors performing work for the State of Montana must submit a Certificate of Insurance naming the State of Montana as certificate holder. Certificates must come from insurers rated A− or better by AM Best and show additional insured endorsements.

• Are subcontractors required to have their own insurance?

  Yes. Subcontractors must carry general liability and either workers’ compensation insurance or an ICEC issued by the state. Without an ICEC, they may be legally treated as employees of the hiring contractor.

• Does Montana require workers’ compensation coverage?

  If a contractor employs workers, the Montana Workers' Compensation Act requires coverage or a qualifying exemption. Proof of coverage or exemption must be maintained throughout the contract term.

• Is builder’s risk insurance required in Montana?

  While not mandated by state law, many lenders and project owners require builder’s risk insurance to protect against wildfire, hail, theft, or wind damage — exposures common in Montana’s climate.

• Are surety bonds required?

  Bonding requirements vary by city or project type. For example, Missoula mandates bonds from $3,000 to $50,000 depending on the trade (e.g., excavation, paving, or public utilities). State contracts may have separate bonding terms managed through the Department of Transportation.

• Do out-of-state contractors need Montana insurance?

  Yes. Out-of-state contractors must provide proof of valid Montana workers’ compensation coverage once awarded a project and notify the state to update their status from “bid only” to “active registration”.

• How often must licenses and insurance be renewed?

  Most contractor registrations and certificates of insurance in Montana must be renewed annually or biennially. Renewal applications are sent approximately 60 days before expiration by the Department of Labor and Industry.