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.
Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

A Practical Guide to Modern Masonry Restoration
February 2026

THE MYTH: Masonry Lasts Forever It’s strong, yes, but movement, moisture, and time still take their toll. Common Causes Why Masonry Fails: - Differential movement - Thermal expansion & contraction - Moisture intrusion & freeze–thaw - Corrosion of steel

The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or

CMU Partitions: How Much Reinforcement Is Actually Required?
February 2026

Walk onto almost any job site and you’ll find masons laying out interior partitions much the same way they did decades ago. The work looks straightforward: stack the units, strike clean joints, and keep the wall plumb. And the function of these partitions