Insurance has always been one of the most challenging parts of running a concrete pumping operation—but according to industry experts, the situation has reached a critical point 

In a recent episode of Shop Talk, our series where we bring you insights directly from industry experts, we sat down with Matt Hadley to unpack what pump companies are facing today and what they can do to protect themselves. Hadley brings a rare dual perspective to the conversation—after years running a construction business, he has spent the last decade focused on insurance for concrete pumping companies. Alongside Rapid Works’ concrete pumping specialist Todd Bullis, we explored the topic that affects every pumping business whether large or small. 

A key learning from our conversation is that while pump companies can’t control the insurance market, they can control how insurable they look—and that difference is becoming critical. We will unpack his key takeaways below.

Table of Contents:

• Why Concrete Pumping Insurance is Becoming More Difficult to Obtain
• Technology Is Now a Necessity For Concrete Pumping Companies 
• Safety Culture: The Most Powerful Way to Reduce Insurance Costs 
• How the Right Insurance Broker Strengthens Your Safety and Renewal Strategy 
• What Pump Companies Should Prioritize to Stay Insurable 

Why Concrete Pumping Insurance Is Becoming More Difficult to Obtain 

Matt explained that the concrete pumping insurance market has tightened dramatically over the past decade. Many industry-specific programs have disappeared, and the few that remain will only consider extremely low-risk businesses. 

“Right now, those programs are gone,” Matt pointed out. “Some have a small pulse, but they want the cleanest of the clean accounts. That’s just not the reality for most pump companies.” 

This shift has left smaller pump companies, especially fleets under 20 pumps, with limited options. He broke it down plainly: the number of carriers willing to insure pump companies has shrunk dramatically, while demand for coverage remains the same. “When fewer carriers want your business,” he noted, “pricing inevitably climbs.” 

This environment has left many companies feeling stuck between overpriced policies and inadequate ones—sometimes without realizing their policy doesn’t actually protect them.  

Matt even shared examples of pump companies unknowingly carrying policies that excluded their core operations, a problem he attributes to how complicated insurance language can be, and how rarely owners have time to dissect it. 

“You may have a policy that keeps you legally compliant, but if there’s a claim, you may not have an advocate on your side,” he said. “I’ve walked into pump companies where their operations were completely excluded. They had no idea.” 

Matt's Pro-Tip: read your policy, or have someone you trust break it down for you. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line.  

Technology Is Now a Necessity For Concrete Pumping Companies 

One of Matt’s most urgent messages was about technology adoption. Telematics, dash cameras, and digital safety tools are becoming a necessity, not optional, for pump fleets to protect themselves. 

He recalled a recent meeting with an underwriter who told his team that within a few years, companies without telematics and cameras simply won’t be insurable. Rather than viewing these tools as “big brother,” Matt encouraged pump companies to see them as their strongest protection, especially when facing inflated claims or disputed incidents. 

“If you have a commercial fleet and you don’t have telematics and cameras,” Matt recalled the underwriter telling him, “for­get about trying to get affordable insurance. You won’t even get insurance in the next two or three years.” 

He emphasized that insurance carriers increasingly rely on real data to understand risk. This data helps protect companies from false accusations, accelerates claims handling, and prevents small fender-benders from escalating into costly legal battles. More importantly, it signals to insurers that a company is proactive about risk—something the few remaining carriers want to see. 

Matt’s Pro Tip: Invest in operational platforms like Rapid Works that provide a central place to track inspections, hours, maintenance, and jobsite photos—exactly the kind of evidence underwriters look for. 

Safety Culture: The Most Powerful Way to Reduce Insurance Costs 

When asked what separates the pump companies with the best insurance outcomes, Matt didn’t hesitate: a disciplined, everyday safety culture. 

Some companies believe they’re “safer than average,” but Matt’s experience tells a different story. 

“Every pump company I know thinks they’re safer than they are,” he explained. “If a guy runs out of fuel on the way to a job, that pre-trip inspection probably wasn’t real. These little things matter.” 

The top-performing companies share a few consistent habits: 

• Real, documented pre-trip and post-trip inspections 

• Multi-week training for new operators 

• Strict hiring and vetting processes 

• Outrigger setup verification 

• Routine jobsite photos and checklists 

• A willingness to say “no” to unsafe setups 

Todd echoed these points when describing how Rapid Works customers use digital safety checklists, tracked inspections, operator hours, and site photos to build a visible record of diligence. That documentation doesn’t just reduce risk; it strengthens a company’s position during renewal season. 

Matt’s Pro Tip: This proactive approach to managing your safety culture prevents the very claims that drive premiums up, and it gives underwriters confidence in your pump business. 

How the Right Insurance Broker Strengthens Your Safety and Renewal Strategy 

Matt also challenged a common misconception in construction: that involving multiple brokers can help pump companies. In insurance, it does the opposite. 

“If you bring in another broker,” he said, “you’ve just blocked both of us from doing our job. Carriers only give one quote per year per company.” 

Instead, pump companies should: 

1. Select a single broker they trust 
2. Allow that broker to market the account widely 
3. Expect deep safety support—not just quotes 

Good brokers act as risk partners. Their role isn’t just to price-shop but to build a detailed narrative that shows insurers why a pump company deserves better rates. They help craft underwriting submissions, highlight strengths, address safety weaknesses, and coach pump companies through market changes.  

Matt’s Pro Tip: “Your broker should be constantly working for another option—months before renewal. This is not a 30-day exercise anymore.” 

What Pump Companies Should Prioritize to Stay Insurable 

While the insurance market may not ease soon, pump companies do have control over one thing: their risk profile. Companies that invest in training, technology, documentation, and strong processes consistently outperform the market. 

Matt’s final message was direct: “You can’t just keep saying this sucks—you have to do something different.” 

In today’s environment, that “different” looks like stronger documentation, everyday discipline, and a tech-supported safety culture. For companies willing to commit, the payoff is clear: more predictable renewals, better pricing, and lower risk of becoming uninsurable. 

As Matt shared, tools like Rapid Works make it easier to document inspections, track maintenance, verify job site setups, and prove compliance—giving pump companies the data underwriters want to see. Ready to commit to change, reduce your insurance risk, and improve safety documentation? 

See how Rapid Works helps pump companies stay compliant and insurable. Schedule a demo to learn more today!