Construction Workers' Compensation Insurance | High-Mod Specialists

Construction is a high-hazard, high-cost workers' compensation class, and contractors with prior claims, a high experience modification, or specialty trade exposure are routinely declined by standard carriers. CPR Business Solutions has placed construction workers' comp since 2009, specializing in the high-mod and hard-to-place accounts other agents can't move. We cover general contractors and the full range of trades nationwide, with deep expertise in California's dual-wage rules.

Trades we cover

We place workers' comp across the construction spectrum, including the trades standard markets shy away from:

• General contractors and construction managers

• Roofing

• Framing, carpentry, and concrete

• Excavation, grading, and earthwork

• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC

• Masonry, drywall, and painting

• Demolition and specialty / high-hazard trades

Why construction accounts get declined

Standard carriers tighten or pull out of construction whenever loss costs rise, leaving contractors stuck. Accounts most often get declined for:

• High experience modification (X-mod above 1.25)

• Prior claims or a recent large loss

• New ventures with no loss history

• Heights, trenching, or other severity exposure

• Heavy subcontractor / 1099 use and certificate gaps

California construction and dual-wage classifications

California uses dual-wage construction classifications — most trades have two class codes, a higher-rated tier for crews paid below an hourly-wage threshold and a lower-rated tier above it. The WCIRB updates those thresholds annually, and getting payroll on the wrong side of the line is one of the most expensive audit mistakes a California contractor can make. We make sure your trades are classified correctly and your payroll is split properly, so you pay the right premium and avoid audit surprises. We also handle CSLB coverage requirements for licensed contractors.

How we place hard-to-place construction risks

As a managing general agency, we access markets that don't sell directly to retail agents, and we know how to build a submission that gets a yes. We present safety programs, loss-control, and risk narratives that reframe difficult accounts. We regularly place:

• High-X-mod contractors

• Accounts leaving the state fund for a better rate

• New and emerging contractors

• Multi-trade and specialty operations

Why CPR Business Solutions

Workers' comp is our entire focus. Since 2009 we've concentrated on the high-hazard, high-mod, hard-to-place classes that define construction. We're a true specialist MGA — not a lead form — and we actually place the account.

Get a construction workers' comp quote. Send your submission to proposals@cprbrokers.com or call (704) 256-5945. Fast turnaround, even on tough risks.

Frequently asked questions

What are dual-wage classifications in California construction workers' comp?

California splits most construction trades into two class codes — a higher-rated tier for workers paid below an annually set hourly-wage threshold and a lower-rated tier for those above it. Reporting payroll on the wrong side of the threshold leads to costly audit adjustments.

Can you place construction workers' comp with a high X-mod?

Yes. High-mod and hard-to-place construction is our specialty. We access non-standard markets and present the risk to get accounts approved that standard carriers decline.

Do California contractors need workers' comp?

Yes. The CSLB requires licensed contractors to carry workers' compensation if they have employees, and C-39 roofers must carry it even with no employees.

Do you cover specialty and high-hazard trades?

Yes — demolition, excavation, roofing, and other severity-exposed trades are exactly the accounts we focus on.

Based in California? See our California workers’ comp broker guide for statewide hard-to-place placement.