Howden offers wildfire excess liability coverage for contractors

Howden Group Holdings Ltd. said Thursday it has launched a wildfire excess liability lineslip providing coverage for contractors and subcontractors operating in wildfire-prone areas in the U.S., including California.

Backed by A-rated insurers, the lineslip will offer up to $10 million in limits on any one risk, a spokesperson said in an email. Howden declined to name the insurers involved.

The liability coverage will allow contractors operating in wildfire-exposed areas to carry out vegetation management and electrical work for utilities, Howden said.

Access to worksites is typically restricted to contractors carrying a minimum $10 million in liability insurance but has become difficult to obtain due to a significant reduction in capacity across U.S., London and Bermuda markets, the London-based broker said in a statement.