Hard-to-place risks
Risks that standard markets decline, restrict, or do not fit well. We design programs around those gaps.
Specialty insurance for complex risks
We design programs for risks that standard markets often will not cover. We are an MGU, not a carrier — policies issue through our insurance partners. We prefer to offer coverage inside point-of-sale and project software, so work can move forward only when the right program is in place.
Contact Us
Specialty MGU·On carrier paper
What we focus on
Complex risksSpecialty programsInside your softwarePoint of saleProject toolsCarrier partners
We underwrite complex specialty risks
Some risks are hard to insure through ordinary markets. We build specialty programs for those risks — clear who they cover, what they cover, and when they apply.
Repeatable specialty programs
Defined programs with clear rules, target customers, and reporting — built for carriers, agents, and software partners.
Multi-party, step-by-step work
Risks that involve several parties and checkpoints — where insurance must match how the work actually moves.
Growing specialty coverage
We design new specialty programs with our carrier partners as complex-risk needs arise.
Specialty Areas
Areas we underwrite
Each specialty area has its own audiences and programs. Open an area for full detail.
Commercial buildouts
Insurance for tenants, landlords, contractors, and related parties on commercial unit fit-outs and improvements.
View areaFranchise buildouts
Insurance for franchisors, franchisees, and contractors when franchise locations are built out, remodeled, or opened.
View areaAdditional specialty programs
We work with carriers and partners to design specialty programs for other complex risks as needs arise.
Talk with usSpecialty coverage matters at real checkpoints
People need specialty insurance when ordinary coverage cannot clear the next step — in software, in a contract, or in a submission.
Standard markets say no or limit coverage
The usual markets will not write the risk — or will not write it on terms that work. A specialty program is needed.
A contract requires specific insurance
The paperwork requires certain coverage before work, occupancy, or the next step can start.
A certificate of insurance fails review
Limits or wording are wrong — and progress waits until they are fixed.
Software or project checkpoints block progress
A point-of-sale or project step stays closed until the required specialty coverage is in place.
Proof is required before work can start
Access, award, or activation waits until insurance matches the requirement.
Coverage needs last after the work is done
Some obligations continue after completion and need a specialty answer — separate from surety bonds.
How FRU Works
How we put specialty coverage in place
We are building First Risk Underwriters as a specialty MGU. That means we design and underwrite programs; appointed insurance carriers issue the policies. We prefer to place coverage inside software workflows so people get help at the moment they are blocked — not after work has already stopped.
Specialty
Risk focus
Embedded
How we prefer to offer it
MGU
Our role
- 01/
Understand the risk
Identify who is involved, what can go wrong, and why standard markets fall short.
- 02/
Design the program
Set clear rules for who we can cover, what we cover, and how the program works.
- 03/
Offer it inside software
Connect into point-of-sale, project management, or similar tools so the next step stays closed until the right coverage is in place.
- 04/
Underwrite and issue
Quote and bind within our carrier authority when the risk fits — then report clearly back to the carrier.
Inside the software where work already happens
We do not prefer stand-alone quote shopping. We prefer specialty coverage built into software people already use — especially point-of-sale and project management systems. Those systems often have checkpoints. We want those checkpoints to open only when the right specialty program is in place.
Built into the workflow
We look for software that already knows the parties, steps, and requirements — so insurance can sit inside the work, not as a separate errand.
At the point of sale
When a sale or activation needs specialty coverage, we can help clear that step inside the same flow.
At project checkpoints
Project tools already block start, award, opening, or handoff until requirements are met. Our coverage is meant to clear those insurance checkpoints.
Open only when coverage fits
The next step stays closed until the required specialty program is satisfied. Need, underwriting, and progress happen together.
Software partners help offer the product. First Risk Underwriters remains the MGU. Partners do not underwrite, bind coverage, or hold premium for us.
For Partners
How can we work together?
Choose the path that fits you — carriers, agents and brokers, or software partners who want specialty coverage inside their tools.
Insurance carriers
Appoint FRU to underwrite specialty programs, including programs offered through software partners, with clear authority and reporting.
Carrier InquiryAgents and brokers
Submit hard-to-place specialty risks and explore software-channel opportunities.
Producer InquirySoftware partners
Add FRU specialty programs into your point-of-sale or project tools so checkpoints open only when the right coverage is in place.
Partner InquiryFAQs
Common questions
We design and underwrite specialty insurance for complex risks that are hard to place in ordinary markets. See Specialty Areas for the programs we detail today.
Inside software people already use — especially point-of-sale and project management systems — so a next step can open only when the right specialty program is in place. Agents and brokers can still submit business; software checkpoints are our preferred path.
We underwrite complex specialty risks across dedicated areas. Commercial buildouts and franchise buildouts are each handled as separate specialty areas, with their own audiences and programs. Additional specialty programs are designed with our carriers as needs arise.
No. We are a managing general underwriter (MGU). When appointed, policies are issued by insurance carriers. Software partners help distribute; they do not underwrite.
Carriers, agents and brokers, and software partners. Contact us to talk about submissions or partnerships once appointments are active.