Earthmoving Contractor, Tier 1 Projects

A NSW-based earthmoving contractor reached out seeking insurance quotes for their operations. The business specialised exclusively in commercial earthmoving work on Tier 1 projects – the largest and most complex construction sites in the country.

The initial request was for $5 million Public Liability, but during our consultation we identified that their risk profile warranted higher limits. Given the scale of projects they were working on – major commercial developments with significant third-party exposure – we recommended $20 million coverage with comprehensive terms.

This presented a complex underwriting scenario: high-risk industry, significant coverage limits, and the need for broad coverage without standard industry exclusions.

We knew from the outset this would require a comprehensive market approach. Standard insurers and online portals simply don't have the appetite for Tier 1 earthmoving contractors seeking $20M limits with broad coverage terms.

We submitted to our entire underwriting panel – 11 insurers and specialist underwriting agencies in total:

• Multiple major insurers declined outright due to the risk profile
• Several specialty markets were approached but couldn't provide the breadth of coverage required
• Quotes received ranged from $751 to over $4,600 – with varying levels of coverage and exclusions

The process required persistent advocacy and detailed risk presentation to each underwriter, explaining the nature of the client's operations and why comprehensive coverage was appropriate for their risk profile.

Mid-process, the situation became more complex. The client had initially accepted a lower-premium option, but after further review of their operations decided they needed to upgrade to the full $20M limit with comprehensive terms.

We immediately processed the cancellation without hesitation and re-engaged our underwriting panel with the updated specifications. This required re-presenting the risk to multiple insurers and renegotiating terms from scratch.

Throughout this process, we also handled urgent requests for documentation – delivering a Certificate of Currency on tight deadlines when the client needed proof of coverage.

We successfully placed comprehensive Public Liability coverage through a specialist underwriter that understood the earthmoving sector and could provide the breadth of coverage needed for Tier 1 operations.

The coverage appropriately matched the client's risk exposure on major commercial projects. For high-value earthmoving operations, adequate limits and broad coverage terms are essential.

This case demonstrates the value of broker market access and persistent advocacy. Where online portals and direct insurers declined, we found a pathway through specialist relationships and detailed risk presentation.