A business becomes “high-risk” in the eyes of a standard carrier for reasons that have little to do with how well it’s run: the industry itself, a prior claim, the building’s age or condition, or simply being a type of operation standard underwriting guidelines don’t have a clean category for. Keslar works with businesses in exactly this position across NH, ME, and MA, using both standard and surplus lines markets to find real coverage rather than a declination.
Industries That Commonly Land in This Category
- Contractors, especially high-hazard trades
- Restaurants and bars
- Habitational property owners
- Recreational facilities, including golf courses
- Certain technology and startup risk profiles
“Hard to Place” vs. “Uninsurable”
Many of the businesses that may hear that they are uninsurable may actually be hard to place. It’s a matter of which market fits and what it costs, and that’s exactly the assessment an agency with access to both standard and surplus markets is positioned to make.
How Keslar’s Commercial Team Approaches a Declined or Non-Renewed Business Account
Our commercial team reviews the actual reason behind a decline or non-renewal, then shops the account across the markets most likely to fit, rather than defaulting to whichever market is easiest to quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a business “high risk” for insurance purposes?
Factors include the industry itself, prior claims, building condition, and whether the operation fits standard underwriting categories at all.
Can a business get insurance after being declined by multiple carriers?
Often yes. Multiple standard-market declines frequently point toward a surplus lines solution rather than no available coverage.
Does high-risk business insurance cost significantly more?
It can, though the more relevant comparison is usually coverage at a fair price versus no coverage at all.
