Fairchild, Addison & McKone Insurance

Deep Tampa Bay Roots in Contractor Risk

Fairchild, Addison & McKone has built a reputation across the Tampa Bay area as a reliable insurance and surety partner for contractors. In a surety market where carrier relationships determine how quickly a bond gets approved and at what rate, having a local broker with decades of established relationships makes a measurable difference. When a Tampa GC needs a $10M performance bond by Friday to submit on a county project, FAM's connections with surety underwriters make that timeline realistic rather than hopeful.

Their contractor insurance practice covers the full stack that Tampa Bay builders need — general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, builders risk, inland marine for tools and equipment, and umbrella coverage. The surety division handles everything from contractor license bonds required by the state to multi-million dollar contract bonds for commercial and public works projects.

For mid-market Tampa contractors in that critical growth phase — large enough to need substantial bonding capacity but not yet large enough to have a dedicated risk manager on staff — FAM provides the advisory layer that helps navigate insurance and bonding decisions without overpaying for coverage you don't need or, worse, being underinsured when a claim hits.

The ConstructionPerks Take

We think Fairchild, Addison & McKone is best for: Mid-market Tampa Bay GCs and specialty contractors who need a local insurance and surety broker with genuine carrier relationships rather than a national online quote machine.

One thing to think about is the bonding pre-qualification service. If you're pursuing larger public or commercial projects that require bonding, FAM can help you understand your current bonding capacity, identify what sureties need to see from your financials, and develop a plan to increase your limits. This strategic bonding guidance is where an experienced local broker adds value that price-comparison websites cannot.

Another consideration is the annual review discipline. Insurance markets shift every year — the carrier that was cheapest last year may not be competitive this year. FAM should be re-marketing your coverage annually to ensure you're getting the best available rates rather than auto-renewing at whatever the current carrier proposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fairchild, Addison & McKone provide construction surety bonds?

Yes, surety bonds are a core service including bid bonds, performance bonds, payment bonds, and contractor license bonds. Their long-standing surety carrier relationships help Tampa Bay contractors secure bonds efficiently, particularly on time-sensitive bid submissions.

What types of contractor insurance does FAM provide?

They provide the complete contractor insurance package — general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, builders risk, inland marine (tools and equipment), and umbrella coverage. Their team understands the specific coverage requirements for different construction trades in the Florida market.

Can FAM help increase my bonding capacity?

Yes, they can review your current financial position, advise on what surety underwriters need to see, and help you develop a strategy to increase your single-project and aggregate bonding limits over time. This pre-qualification guidance is especially valuable for growing contractors pursuing larger projects.

Does FAM serve contractors outside of Tampa Bay?

While their primary market is Tampa Bay and Central Florida, they can place insurance and bonds for Florida contractors operating across the state. For projects requiring coverage in multiple Florida markets, they can typically handle it through their carrier network.

How does a local insurance broker compare to online quote services?

Online quote services provide quick pricing but limited advisory support. A local broker like FAM provides strategic guidance on coverage decisions, advocates on your behalf during claims, and maintains carrier relationships that facilitate faster approvals — particularly important for surety bonds where the underwriter's familiarity with your broker directly affects turnaround time.