Industry News
Mitigating Risk on the Move: The Case for Third-Party Subhauler Agreements
Authors, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Street and road, general engineering and trade contractors understand the importance of having a written and executed subcontract agreement in place when using different subcontractors to complete a project. This agreement serves to protect both parties by clarifying responsibilities, managing risk and providing legal protections in the event of a dispute.
Beyond Blood Sugar: How Diabetes Impacts Workers’ Compensation Claims
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
November is National Diabetes month and a chance to pause and think about prevention, early detection, and long-term care. For companies, it is also a reminder that chronic health conditions can quietly influence safety, mental health, work performance and even workers’ compensation exposures.
Preparing the Next Generation of Construction Leaders
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
This year has brought significant challenges for many of our clients. Amid economic shifts, project delays, and labor uncertainty, one concern has become increasingly common in conversations with construction leaders: the difficulty of attracting qualified younger employees and the growing struggle to replace retiring leadership.
Navigating Risk A Holistic Approach to Mechanical Trades Safety with UFG
Account Executive Matt Gorham sits down with Gary Clevenger, VP of Risk Control at UFG Insurance, to discuss a consultative approach to risk management in the mechanical trades. They cover how a holistic risk assessment, strong partnerships, and modern tools like the DOS framework can elevate your safety and insurance strategies.
Six Ways Contractors Can Prepare for Higher Workers’ Compensation Rates
Authors, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Over the last couple of months, we have published multiple articles and podcasts on the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s proposed rate increase and now the approved 8.7% increase to the pure premium rates effective 9/1/25. But, what we have not touched on are the specific steps our best-in-class contractors are doing to position their companies to offset these increases.
Signs of Future Increased Costs in Workers’ Compensation Continue
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Senator Anna M. Caballero recently introduced Senate Bill 555 (SB 555), also known as the Workers’ Disability Adjustment Act. While the bill is currently stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee, SB 555 could, if signed into law, increase weekly Permanent Disability (PD) benefits for injured workers in the California workers’ compensation system, adjusting these annually to reflect economic inflation through a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Mid-Year Insurance Outlook for Contractors: Rising Costs, Tighter Margins
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
As a contractor in California, you are likely feeling the squeeze, right now. Material costs are up, labor is more expensive, and insurance, typically a predictable line item, is becoming a growing burden on your bottom line. 2025 is proving to be one of the most challenging years yet for construction business owners. Even companies with best practice risk management controls in place are getting hit with premium increases that are hard to absorb.
New Auto Insurance Minimums Could Expose Coverage Gaps for HVAC and Plumbing Contractors
Author, Matt Gorham, Account executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The State of California has raised its minimum auto insurance limits effective January 1st of this year, and it could be problematic for some HVAC and Plumbing contractors. Although the intention of the limits increase was to expand coverage for victims of accidents, there is concern that it will marginalize many drivers.
How Changes to the Expected Loss Rates Will Impact Concrete Companies
Authors, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In addition to the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau’s (WCIRB) proposed 11.2% workers’ compensation pure premium rate increase, the WCIRB will also be updating the 2025 Expected Loss Rate (ELR) effective 9/1/25.
Key Dates that Will Define California’s Workers’ Compensation 2025 Rates
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
In California, September 2025 will be a pivotal month for the state’s workers’ compensation marketplace. With inflated post-Covid-19 payrolls still affecting premiums, both the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) and California’s Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara have been working to establish appropriate pure premium rates that are reasonable for both insurance carriers and employers.
Workers’ Comp Rate Increases are Here — Are You Prepared?
Authors, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.; Matt Gorham, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The workers’ compensation market in California is hardening. After many years of rate decreases, it appears that the market has started to bottom out. The Governing Committee of the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) voted in favor of pursuing an 11.2% rate increase. If the California Department of Insurance approves the WCIRB’s request, it would make the first rate increase in more than a decade.
Evolution of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems in California
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) has been around since 1969 and has grown in demand for new construction in California with a constant push to get closer to “net-zero” buildings. With our strong niche in plastering, drywall and painting contractors in California, one of the most frequently asked questions by insurance carrier underwriters pertains to whether a contractor self-performs or subcontracts out EIFS work. This has become a significant concern for insurers, particularly when it comes to the proper installation of drainage systems over wood-framed buildings and/or the use of inferior materials. Over the past decade, there have been significant strides to insulate contractors from claims arising from EIFS.
Controlling Auto Insurance Costs for Plumbers and HVAC Contractors
Author, Matt Gorham, Account executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Like most businesses, vehicles are an essential part of a plumbing or HVAC contractor’s operations. Whether the focus of their business is service and repair, tenant improvements, installation, or new construction, company leaders depend on trucks, vans, and cars to get their people, equipment, and materials safely to the jobsite.
Group Captives May Be Contractors’ Solution to Rising Insurance Premiums
Author, Sam Clayton, Vice President, Construction Group, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Over the last few years, contractors have started to see rate increases on multiple lines of coverage within their insurance program. And, the difficulty insurance companies are having in the property market, especially here in California with the wildfire risk, has been pretty well publicized. We have seen both homeowners and commercial landlords forced away from the standard property market and into surplus lines, or, worst case scenario, the California Fair Plan. We are also seeing commercial auto policies come under pressure due to increases in litigation, costs to repair vehicles and social inflation.
Exploring the Self-Insured Group Alternative
Author, Kevin Howard, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
The fabric of the California’s workers’ compensation landscape is ever changing. Most California-based subcontractors utilize what are called guaranteed cost options for their workers’ compensation needs. This is a safe option that allows for business owners to budget for their overhead costs, however, they have minimal control based on the ebbs and flows of the market. Additionally, with medical inflation and litigated claims on the rise, CA is now experiencing a hardening market as rate increases threaten 2025 and beyond.
Mitigating Inland Marine Losses
Author, Casey Craig, Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Inland marine insurance can sometimes be a forgotten line item in some construction companies’ insurance portfolio. This insurance covers your materials, equipment and tools once they are in the field or in transit. Sometimes insured’s feel they have coverage through their property insurance but once the equipment, materials or tools leave your premises, inland marine is the line of insurance that covers you.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Slip and Fall Preparedness
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
With winter fast approaching, it’s important that employees are prepared to handle potential hazards caused by the change in weather. Slip and fall prevention is essential for any businesses operating in areas where employees will encounter rain, ice, and snow during the workday.
Five Tips to Protect Your HVAC and Plumbing Vehicles from Break-Ins
Author, Matt Gorham, Account executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Contractors’ vehicles have long been a preferred target for thieves. Due to their distinct shapes and often eye catching branding, contractors’ vehicles are generally easy to identify, and they often contain thousands of dollars’ worth of tools, equipment, and materials.
Advising Indemnification Agreements with Charles Stec, J.D.
In the second episode of a special two-part series, Executive Vice President Daniel Frazee interviews Charles Stec, J.D., accomplished attorney at Lanak & Hanna, to advise construction companies on what to include in indemnification agreements.
Navigating Subcontract Agreements with Charles Stec, J.D.
In the first of a special two-part series, Construction Group Vice President Daniel Frazee and Landscape Group Vice President Drew Garcia, interview Charles Stec, J.D., accomplished attorney at Lanak and Hanna, to discuss how construction companies can best navigate subcontract agreements.