Our Holmes Murphy Construction team has over 200 employees across the country that focus exclusively on the industry. That means we’re on jobsites, in boardrooms, and at the table with contractors every day, watching how risks are changing in real time.
The reality is that today’s construction environment looks very different than it did just a few years ago. New challenges are surfacing, old risks are evolving, and insurance programs need to keep pace. Here are five emerging jobsite risks we’re seeing most often in 2025 and what they mean for your business.
Labor Shortages and Experience Gaps
Finding skilled craft workers continues to be a major hurdle. Many contractors are filling crews with newer workers who don’t yet have the same experience level—and that directly impacts safety, quality, and claim frequency. Carriers are paying close attention to how companies onboard and train new talent. Strong safety culture and documentation not only protects people—it also influences how insurers price risk.
Material Theft and Jobsite Security
We’re seeing more claims tied to theft and vandalism—whether it’s stolen tools, stripped wiring, or equipment damage. With inflated material costs, losses are hitting harder. A builder’s risk policy can respond, but prevention measures like secured fencing, cameras, and GPS-tracked equipment make both underwriters and CFOs a lot more comfortable.
Cyber Risks in Construction
Construction is no longer a paper-and-pencil business. From project management platforms to drones and connected equipment, jobsites are increasingly digital. This is on top of the many transactions that occur between multiple parties during a single project. That creates cyber exposures that most contractors didn’t face even five years ago. We’re encouraging clients to look at cyber liability as an essential line of coverage—it’s becoming as important as general liability and auto for protecting a construction firm.
Climate and Weather Volatility
Flooding, hail, and heat waves are disrupting schedules and driving claims. Beyond property damage, extreme weather creates more workers’ compensation issues like heat stress and fatigue-related injuries. Contractors who plan ahead for weather delays and ensure coverage extensions match their projects are in a much better position to absorb disruptions.
Contractual Risk Transfer Pressures
Owners and general contractors continue to shift more risk downstream. Too often, contractors sign agreements that commit them to liabilities their insurance program doesn’t cover. The biggest gaps we review involve additional insured endorsements, waiver of subrogation language, and broad indemnification. Having your insurance broker review contracts alongside your legal team is one of the best ways to avoid an uncovered loss.
What This Means for Contractors
The construction landscape isn’t getting simpler—but the right insurance strategy can give you confidence to move forward. At Holmes Murphy, we believe the best outcomes come from addressing these risks before they become claims. That means tailoring coverage to your projects and delivery methods, negotiating terms with carriers who understand construction, and helping you navigate contracts that could otherwise create exposure.
If you’d like to benchmark your current program against these emerging risks, our Construction team would be glad to start the conversation.
