Insurance Shouldn’t be Scary

Words: Patrick Cunningham

Navigating the world of insurance can be daunting, especially for masonry contractors in need of quality coverage and risk management support for their complex and unique circumstances. Yet, working with your insurance company shouldn’t be a haunting experience.

Does Insurance Keep You Up At Night?
Insurance should give you peace of mind, not nightmares. Here are a few things that should spook you when dealing with an insurance company:
  • One-size-fits-all coverage
  • Automated customer service phone systems
  • Poor financial ratings and instability
  • Weak or non-existent risk management resources
  • Little to no knowledge of the masonry business
  • No bonding services
  • A representative who ghosts you until renewal time
  • Price slashing at the expense of proper coverage
  • Choose the Right Ally

You can avoid becoming a ghastly insurance company’s next victim by requiring a level of service and value for your premium dollars and by forming a relationship with the right carrier. If you want your business to survive not just through the night but onto the next generation, here are some recommended insurance non-negotiables:

  • Tailored, industry-specific coverage for your business
  • Live voice customer service from knowledgeable, friendly people
  • Face-to-face service and a real relationship with your insurance provider
  • Valuable risk management resources to help prevent workplace injuries and losses
  • Safe driving support, including in-cab technology tools
  • Exceptional claims service
  • Financial strength and high financial ratings
  • Industry association recommendations
  • Get a Jolt of Comfort, Not Fear

Insurance shouldn’t be scary. With the right provider at your back, you’ll be able to face even the most heart-stopping jump scare the masonry contracting business sends your way. Federated Insurance® may be that provider. For more information about Federated Insurance, reach out to your local Federated® marketing representative.
About: MAP Partner
Smarter Time Tracking on the Jobsite: Introducing Geofence Notifications and Logging in CrewTracks
April 2026

For masonry contractors, time tracking is more than just a payroll task; it’s a key part of managing crews, understanding job costs, and keeping projects running smoothly. Yet many companies still struggle with one common challenge: making sure employees

Erin Koets
MAP Partner
Read More
Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More