Our Story
From Rock Bottom to Risk Manager: The Story of Rick Johnson and Contractors Insurance Group
Born and raised in Houston, Texas in September of 1989, I wasn’t exactly voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” I barely scraped my way out of high school and never set foot in a college classroom. Not because I didn’t want more out of life—but because I knew deep down my path was going to be different. Traditional education wasn’t my answer. I was searching for something real—something that would let me help people, build something of my own, and leave a legacy.
In 2015, I stumbled into the insurance world. At the time, it was just a job—a way to pay the bills. I bounced around from agency to agency, learning the ropes the hard way, absorbing what worked and what didn’t, and watching firsthand how broken the system could be when it came to actually helping people. Still, I stayed. There was something about it that clicked. Insurance wasn’t just policies and paperwork—it was about protection, about peace of mind, about standing in the gap when people needed it most.
By 2022, I had hit a turning point in my life. I had just moved to Austin, ready for a fresh start. No safety net. No backup plan. Just belief in myself and the fire in my gut that I was meant for more. That’s when I bet it all on one person: me. I became an independent insurance agent and set out to build something better—something real.
But it wasn’t until 2023 that the vision became crystal clear.
Everywhere I looked in Austin, I saw construction—homes going up, buildings reshaping the skyline, contractors working sunup to sundown to build the future of Texas. And yet most of them were flying blind when it came to insurance—underserved, under-protected, and misunderstood by agencies that didn’t speak their language. That’s when Contractors Insurance Group was born.
This wasn’t just business—it was personal. I made it my mission to serve the very people who build and rebuild this state. I wanted to be the guide for contractors navigating a confusing insurance market, helping them find coverage that actually protects their business, their tools, their crews—and their future.
Contractors Insurance Group is built on my story—a story of setbacks, second chances, and starting from scratch. A story of betting on yourself when no one else will. And now, I bring that same fight, that same grit, to every contractor I work with.
My name is Rick Johnson. I rose from the ashes, and now I’m here to help you build something that lasts.
FAQS
Do Contractors Need General Liability Insurance?
Yes, most contractors should carry general liability insurance. It protects your business from costly claims related to property damage, bodily injury, or accidents caused by your work. Many clients and job sites require proof of general liability insurance before allowing contractors to begin work, making it essential for both compliance and peace of mind.
What Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover for Contractors?
Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes, including work trucks, vans, and equipment-hauling trailers. It helps protect you from financial loss if your vehicle is involved in an accident, causes property damage, or injures someone while being used on the job. It often includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage options tailored to your needs.
Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Required for Contractors in Texas?
While workers’ compensation insurance is not legally required for most private employers in Texas, that doesn’t mean it's optional from a risk standpoint. If an employee is injured on the job, you could still face a costly lawsuit without this coverage. Workers’ compensation provides financial protection by covering medical expenses and lost wages, and it can also protect your business from legal claims. For Texas contractors, it’s a smart and often essential part of a solid risk management plan.
