Insurance rates for contractors involved in construction trades, including EIFS installation, vary greatly.  Factors considered when calculating rates include the type and location of the project, the system/materials used, and perhaps most importantly, the risk assessment (based on claims history) of the contractor performing the work.

Dryvit has been very active in communicating with and working to educate members of the insurance industry about EIFS and its benefits.  Dryvit is looked upon as a reliable source of information by industry gatekeepers (Dryvit® EIFS and the Changing Construction Marketplace).  Insurance companies typically view the level of training a contractor has received as an important factor in reducing risk, no matter what trade is involved.

Several years ago, the Association of Wall and Ceiling Contractors International ("AWCI") sponsored the development of a captive insurance company, with a major contribution from Dryvit (http://www.awci-insurance.bm/).  AWCI also started a training program for contractors focused on the installation of EIFS according to industry standards (http://www.awci.org/eifseducation.shtml) and this program has grown rapidly since its inception.  Many companies are familiar with AWCI's EIFSmart program, which identifies quality EIFS contractors to owners, insurers, architects and other trade factors (http://www.awci.org/eifsmart.shtml).  As a result, some general contractors and owners are seeing their insurance rates reduced by using EIFSmart-designated applicators to install the EIFS on their projects.  Many architects now write specifications that require an applicator to hold the EIFSmart Contractor seal prior to bidding EIFS work.  Dryvit encourages applicators to participate in this program, and continues to offer a material rebate to those who do so.  (http://www.dryvit.com/fileshare/doc/in_the_news/pr_eifssmart.pdf).

In addition, Dryvit is aware of the following brokers who are reported to be experienced in assisting with the unique insurance needs of applicators and others involved with EIFS projects of many types, in various locations across the country.

These brokers are: