Currently writing with Utica National and Erie and looking at Hartford or Merchants for NY commercial exposures. Anyone have any opinions on either of those two? Or maybe another company that is strong in the commercial in NY
Down by the city Utica First has been good with small artisan contractors, especially since Erie doesn't want contractors in NY. They are also good at small restaurants.
Peerless has always been pretty good on BOP's of certain risks in NY as well.
Yeah they write them, no fall program needed. They also base it off of employees like Erie. They don't really have the additional coverages that Erie includes but the rates are pretty good.
Merchants will write some vanilla contracting classes in nyc but really shy away from most classes of business in the boroughs. I dont think Hartford is writing any. It is very difficult to find anyone writing a quality policy in nyc area. Utica First will write many classes but is not a great policy form if insured is doing work in apartment buildings or working for GCs. NYC building dept will also not accept them or permits. They will not write any contractor doing commercial work.
If they are working directly for homeowner then you are okay.