Shepherd and Aon Turn Incumbent Replacement Into a Long-Term, Seamlessly Renewing Primary Practice Program for $55M CA Contractor

Placement Profile

• Contractor Practice Program
• Primary Admitted GL $2M / $4M / $4M
• Primary Auto $2M CSL
• Workers' Comp $1M / $1M / $1M
• Lead $10M Excess
  

The Client and the Project

For more than two decades, this California general engineering contractor has built a strong reputation in infrastructure and utility construction. As their projects grew larger and more complex, so did their insurance needs. Despite a long-standing insurer relationship, the contractor sought a new partner for their next chapter that could deliver a modern, strategic approach to risk management.

From the start, Shepherd was excited about the opportunity to partner with such a well-run contractor. Their strong operations, impressive safety record, and disciplined approach to risk management immediately stood out. Working closely with the broker team, Shepherd dug into the details of the account, analyzing exposures and tailoring a multi-line, admitted program designed to deliver stronger protection and better overall value.

How Aon Brought It Together

Aon brought this contractor’s primary practice program to Shepherd already knowing the account's history and the pressure they were facing in a California casualty market where several carriers have been pulling back capacity and tightening terms. Aon's confidence in the Shepherd team, built over several prior successful placements, gave the account team room to make the case that their insurance provider relationship was worth changing.

From the very first conversation, the Shepherd team brought a fresh perspective rooted in construction expertise, proactive communication, and a technology-driven approach. The broker team already knew Shepherd’s reputation for collaboration and responsiveness, and that opened the door to meaningful discussions about how Shepherd could bring new value to this insured.

“Overall, Shepherd continues to commit themselves to our partnerships and they continue to meet their words with action,” said Dominic Ashley, Assistant Vice President at Aon. “A true trusted partner!” 

When Shepherd provided a competitive Primary and Lead Umbrella option, it was ultimately the trust and confidence the Aon team had with Shepherd that made the difference to advocate for the client to break their 20+ year incumbent relationship, and bring their program to Shepherd. Following placement, the Shepherd team met with the contractor in person to begin building a lasting relationship grounded in service and partnership. The relationship is now in its second policy term after a smooth renewal, and both teams have a long-term partnership in mind.

“From a servicing perspective, the few items that have come up were met with an immediate response and attention from the Shepherd team,” said Ashley. “I think this speaks to the unique structure of Shepherd where if there is ever an issue with servicing or claims handling that we have Shepherd’s leadership involved and these items are dealt with quickly.” 

What Shepherd Did on This Placement

Shepherd wrote the Primary GL ($2M/$4M/$4M), Auto ($2M), Workers' Comp ($1M/$1M/$1M), and $10M Lead Excess, priced competitively enough to beat the incumbent and backed by a rate guarantee at renewal. The account just renewed seamlessly for its second policy term on the strength of Shepherd's signature service.

“We had a smooth and timely renewal on our second policy term. The Shepherd team came in with their renewal quote well in advance of the renewal and pricing came in where we expected it to. This was recognized by the client as a sign of Shepherd’s commitment to the long term relationship and the client was very satisfied with the results,” said Ashley.