Mastering Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIPs): A Global Guide to Enrollment, Providers, and Application Processes

The world of construction risk management has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIPs) becoming a pivotal tool in mitigating liabilities and simplifying insurance procurement for large-scale construction projects. Commonly referred to as “wrap-up” insurance, an OCIP is a single insurance program purchased by a project owner to cover virtually all parties involved in a construction project—including general contractors, subcontractors, and sometimes even suppliers—under a single umbrella policy.

Globally, the use of OCIPs is expanding as multinational corporations, public entities, and infrastructure developers seek to centralize risk control, reduce insurance costs, and ensure uniform coverage across diverse project participants. This article provides a deep dive into the mechanics of OCIPs, outlines how to join such programs, highlights international providers, and includes website links for application processes across various regions.

What Is an Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP)?

An OCIP is an insurance arrangement where the project owner purchases and manages the insurance coverage for all or most of the participants on a construction site. The typical coverages included in an OCIP are:

• General liability
• Workers’ compensation
• Employers’ liability
• Builder’s risk (in some cases)
• Excess or umbrella liability coverage

By consolidating all insurance coverage under one policy, OCIPs offer improved control over claims, reduced litigation among contractors, and cost savings through bulk purchasing and minimized duplication of coverage.

Why OCIPs Are Gaining Global Popularity

Cost Efficiency

Buying bulk coverage under one policy often results in significant premium discounts.

Administrative Streamlining

Owners benefit from centralized policy administration, simplified claim handling, and uniform coverage terms.

Risk Control

Owners can implement consistent safety programs, loss control, and claims management strategies.

Project Flexibility

With standardized policies in place, cross-border and multinational projects benefit from harmonized risk frameworks.

How to Join an OCIP: The Global Enrollment Process

Determine OCIP Eligibility

Eligibility generally depends on the project’s size, type, location, and total construction cost. Most OCIPs are geared toward large-scale commercial, infrastructure, or government projects exceeding $10 million in construction value.

Engage the OCIP Administrator

Project owners or construction managers typically partner with a broker or OCIP administrator (such as Marsh, Aon, or Willis Towers Watson). These professionals handle the design, implementation, and administration of the insurance program.

Register Contractors and Subcontractors

Once a project is designated as OCIP-covered, contractors and subcontractors must:

• Complete an enrollment application
• Provide proof of insurance (for coverages outside the OCIP scope)
• Attend safety and orientation meetings
• Agree to terms under a wrap-up manual or safety protocol

Issuance of Certificates

Upon approval, enrollees receive a certificate of insurance confirming their participation and detailing coverages provided under the OCIP.

Continuous Compliance

Participants must comply with safety standards, submit payroll reports, and cooperate with claim investigations throughout the project lifecycle.

Major OCIP Providers Worldwide

Aon

Aon is one of the world’s largest insurance brokers and a leader in managing OCIPs across North America, Europe, and Asia. Aon offers customizable OCIP solutions with extensive safety engineering and claims management support.

• Website: https://www.aon.com
• How to Apply: Use the contact portal or search “OCIP” in the service directory to engage with a specialist.

Marsh McLennan

Marsh offers highly specialized wrap-up programs tailored to megaprojects in the infrastructure, healthcare, and energy sectors. Their global footprint allows them to handle cross-border OCIPs with regional expertise.

• Website: https://www.marsh.com
• How to Apply: Visit the site and navigate to “Construction” under “Industries.”

Willis Towers Watson

WTW provides comprehensive OCIP administration including feasibility studies, enrollment tools, risk engineering, and real-time analytics.

• Website: https://www.wtwco.com
• How to Apply: Go to the “Construction” section and fill out a consulting request form.

Zurich Insurance Group

Zurich is a global insurer with significant experience in underwriting OCIPs for international projects, especially in transportation and utilities.

• Website: https://www.zurich.com
• How to Apply: Search “OCIP” or “wrap-up insurance” on the site or consult with a Zurich construction underwriter.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual’s OCIP offerings focus on North America but have strategic alliances worldwide. They provide tailored loss prevention programs and robust claims handling.

• Website: https://www.libertymutual.com
• How to Apply: Access the “Construction Insurance” section and request a consultation.

Regional Application Guidelines

United States

OCIPs are common in public-private partnerships and large commercial builds. Most states regulate the use of OCIPs through insurance departments or labor boards.

• Application Sites:
  • California OCIP Guidelines: https://www.dir.ca.gov
  • New York State OCIP Registry: https://www.dfs.ny.gov

Canada

Major projects, especially in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, use OCIPs under the governance of provincial insurers and brokers.

• Example Providers:
  • Intact Insurance: https://www.intact.ca
  • HUB International: https://www.hubinternational.com

United Kingdom

UK-based OCIPs (sometimes called “project-specific insurance”) are often seen in public sector infrastructure and NHS projects.

• Apply via Brokers:
  • Arthur J. Gallagher: https://www.ajg.com/uk
  • JLT Specialty: https://www.marsh.com/uk

Australia

OCIPs are known as Principal Controlled Insurance (PCI) and are used in mining, rail, and public infrastructure.

• Application Links:
  • QBE Australia: https://www.qbe.com/au
  • Suncorp: https://www.suncorp.com.au

Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE)

Large construction projects, particularly those funded by sovereign wealth funds or multinational developers, often use OCIPs to control cross-border liability.

• Key Contacts:
  • Chubb Asia-Pacific: https://www.chubb.com/sg-en
  • Allianz Global: https://www.allianz.com

Benefits and Challenges of Joining an OCIP

Benefits

• Lower total insurance costs
• Uniform safety standards
• Fewer coverage disputes
• Simplified certificate management

Challenges

• Complex administration
• Coverage gaps (non-covered liabilities)
• Higher costs for small contractors (due to lost insurance credits)
• Complicated claims attribution

Tips for a Smooth OCIP Enrollment

Start Early: Begin discussions before project bid submissions.

Read the Wrap-Up Manual: Understand your duties, coverage, and exclusions.

Coordinate with Brokers: Collaborate closely to ensure no gaps in non-OCIP coverage.

Implement OCIP-Specific Safety Plans: This is critical for ongoing compliance.

Stay Updated: Monitor announcements or changes from the OCIP administrator.

Inconclusion, Owner Controlled Insurance Programs offer a transformative approach to construction insurance by centralizing risk and delivering uniformity in coverage. As construction becomes more global and collaborative, OCIPs are an essential tool for project owners seeking efficiency and consistency.

With an understanding of how to enroll, what providers offer these programs, and how to access them through their respective websites, stakeholders across the globe—from real estate developers in New York to infrastructure managers in Dubai—can leverage OCIPs to optimize their construction insurance strategies.