Construction companies spend a lot of money on insurance, but most treat it as a necessary evil. Jason Gesser, SVP at USI, thinks that’s backwards. After years working with construction firms across the Pacific Northwest, he’s developed an approach that turns insurance from a cost center into a competitive advantage. His philosophy is simple: “Your insurance program shouldn’t just protect your business. It should power it.”
Building Stronger Insurance Foundations
He approaches insurance the same way contractors approach building. “Every strong structure starts with a blueprint, and so should your insurance strategy,” he says. Most construction companies grab whatever coverage meets their contract requirements and call it a day. Gesser thinks that’s a mistake. Construction work varies dramatically from project to project. A residential builder faces different risks than someone putting up commercial high-rises. “Construction isn’t one size fits all,” he explains. “We customize programs around each client’s operational realities, contract demands, and project goals.” His team digs into the specifics of how each company actually operates before recommending coverage. The difference comes down to understanding what you’re really protecting. “We dig deep into coverage alignments because it’s not just about meeting requirements, it’s about building resistance,” Gesser notes. That resistance pays off when something goes wrong.
Navigating Contract Insurance Demands
Anyone who’s worked construction knows contracts are loaded with insurance requirements. Additional insureds, waivers, indemnification clauses, risk transfer language. “Contracts contain complex requirements that can cost you if misunderstood,” he says. Getting this wrong can kill a deal or create massive liability down the road. Gesser’s team makes sure the insurance program matches exactly what the contract demands. “We tailor policies to meet exact specs, ensuring you walk into every bid or project meeting with complete confidence, knowing your program supports every line of that contract.” That confidence matters more than most people realize. When you know your insurance is buttoned up, you can focus on winning work instead of worrying about coverage gaps.
Positioning Coverage for Tomorrow
Most insurance programs are reactive. Something bad happens, you file a claim, hopefully you’re covered. Gesser prefers a different approach. “A smart insurance program doesn’t just cover today, it positions you for tomorrow,” he says. His team works with construction companies on their safety programs and claims management. “We work with companies to improve their safety record, optimize claims management, and lower total cost of risk,” he explains. Better safety means fewer claims. Fewer claims mean better rates. Better rates mean more money to reinvest in the business. The companies that get this right don’t just save money. “That helps them scale, stay competitive, and win better jobs, not just by being cheaper, but by being smarter,” he adds. Smart beats cheap every time in construction.
Gesser thinks too many business owners view insurance as overhead. “Insurance shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be a strategic asset,” he states. The companies that figure this out have a real advantage over their competition. When your insurance program actually supports your business goals instead of just meeting minimum requirements, everything changes. You can bid on bigger projects. You can expand into new markets. You can sleep better at night knowing you’re covered. For construction companies ready to think differently about insurance, Gesser has a simple message: “If you’re ready to design a program that works as hard as your team does, let’s talk about how we can build something stronger together.”
Connect with Jason Gesser on LinkedIn to explore how insurance can power business growth.
