Oct. 29, 2009 (Business Wire) -- As federal, state and local governments look for cost effective ways to address critical infrastructure needs, they are turning to private investment partners to fund these types of large scale projects. To address the evolving insurance needs of contractors involved in public-private partnerships, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has expanded its construction wrap-up capabilities to create integrated insurance programs designed specifically for major infrastructure projects.

Wrap-up programs typically allow developers, owners or general contractors to provide and coordinate insurance for all subcontractors on a project by bundling coverage into a single consolidated program for the duration of a job. However, in a public-private partnership, a private contractor may be taking on additional functions during the project, such as the operation or maintenance of a roadway, which create exposures that are beyond the scope of a traditional wrap-up program.

“With large transportation, healthcare, education and energy construction projects being built across the country, public-private partnerships present tremendous opportunities for contractors, but they also present unique risk management challenges that require specially tailored programs,” said Bill Sullivan, vice president of The Hartford Construction Group.

The Hartford has developed an approach to public-private partnerships that integrates insurance protection, loss control and claims services in a single, customized program that is focused on minimizing gaps and reducing questions regarding coverage for the different entities involved in these projects.

“Public-private partnerships typically have a unique set of risk characteristics that require customized underwriting and loss control services,” said Sullivan. “The Hartford’s dedicated wrap-up team works closely with brokers to develop tailored programs that address the specific exposures of a particular project.”

The Hartford has written wrap-ups for several major private development and infrastructure projects this year.

“General contractors and brokers are looking for comprehensive coverage, strong loss control, claims and RMIS (risk management information systems) capabilities, and flexible customer service,” said Jim Williamson, assistant vice president of wrap-up programs at The Hartford.