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Glacier Point Insurance - California Commercial Insurance Broker Glacier Point Insurance
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Independent Insurance Broker

Contractor Insurance & Risk Management

We structure insurance programs for contractors—liability, workers' comp, auto, and bonds that meet contract specs.

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Short answer: Most California contractors need general liability (GL), workers' compensation, commercial auto, and a $25,000 CSLB license bond. Full programs we place (GL plus workers' comp) typically start around $2,000 per year; we add the most value for established contractors with crews, payroll, and contract insurance requirements. Workers' comp is required once you have any employee; sole proprietors may file an exemption. LLCs must also carry at least $1 million in GL as a condition of their license.

Coverage Options

California Contractor Insurance Coverages

Comprehensive protection from AM Best® A- or better carriers. An independent broker working exclusively for you to structure the right coverage for your operations.

programs from $2,000/yr*

General Liability

Protect me from lawsuits

Pays others for injury or property damage your work causes. Not required, but most property owners insist on proof of coverage.

  • Bodily injury & property damage
  • Products & completed operations
  • Personal & advertising injury
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from $1,250/yr*

Workers' Compensation

Protect my team

Medical care & wage replacement for injured staff—plus lawsuit protection for you. Required once you have ANY employee.

  • Medical expenses coverage
  • Lost wage replacement
  • Employer liability protection
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from $980/yr*

Commercial Auto

Protect my vehicles

Liability & physical damage coverage when any business-use vehicle crashes. Satisfies state auto insurance requirements.

  • Liability coverage
  • Collision & comprehensive
  • Uninsured motorist protection
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Additional Coverage

Need specialty coverage? Professional liability, cyber, or umbrella policies available. Need a CSLB license bond to complete a contract package? We place it alongside your GL and workers' comp.

Explore Options

*Typical starting range for a combined GL and workers' comp program. Rates are subject to change and depend on insurance company underwriting, trade, payroll, receipts, and claims history.

CSLB Compliance Guide

California Insurance & Bond Requirements

Select your business entity type to view specific CSLB insurance and bonding requirements.

View the full CSLB insurance compliance guide

Legal Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Insurance and bonding requirements may change, and specific circumstances may affect your obligations. Please consult with a qualified attorney or contact the CSLB directly for current requirements applicable to your situation.

Why Choose Glacier Point

Your Local Insurance Partner

As an independent, California-focused brokerage, we work exclusively for you—not the insurance companies. Our local expertise and personalized service make all the difference.

Independent Local Broker

Based in the Bay Area, we understand California's unique contractor challenges. As an independent broker, we're not tied to any single carrier—we work for you.

Expert Market Shopping

We shop the market across multiple carriers, but direct broker expertise and ongoing partnership support is what differentiates us from online platforms.

On-Site Availability

Need us at your jobsite or office? We're available to meet in person, review your operations, and ensure your coverage fits your actual business needs.

Safety Program Guidance

Your broker helps you document the safety programs and training that underwriters actually credit. That documentation is often the difference between standard and preferred pricing.

Claims Advocacy

When claims happen, we're on your side. We report losses, coordinate with adjusters, and fight for fair settlements—because we work for you, not the carrier.

Fast Certificate Issuance

Need a COI to start work? Once your policy is bound, we issue certificates of insurance same day or next business day. No delays, no lost jobs, no hassle.

Ready to Get Started

Ready to secure your business?

Kick-off your quote with a licensed advisor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

California Contractor Insurance FAQs

Common questions about contractor insurance requirements and coverage options in California.

Is contractor liability insurance required in California?
Only LLCs are required to carry it ($1 M minimum as a CSLB license condition). For everyone else it isn't state-mandated, but most GCs and homeowners will block you without at least $1 M in GL coverage.
How much does contractor insurance cost per month?
Full programs we place (GL, workers' comp, auto) typically run $175 to $600+ per month depending on trade, payroll, and receipts. For solo artisan GL-only needs, a direct online market is usually more cost-effective than we are.
How quickly can I get a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
Once your policy is bound, we email a compliant COI the same day or next business day.
Do I need workers' comp if I have no employees?
Sole owners can usually file an exemption — except C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, and D-49, which need coverage even solo; all classifications will from January 1, 2028. Hire one W-2 employee and WC becomes mandatory.
What insurance does a general contractor need in California?
$1 M / $2 M GL, workers' comp, commercial auto, $25 K license bond, plus an umbrella for larger jobs.
Will my policy cover subcontractors?
Only if the sub is insured and names you as Additional Insured; otherwise their mistakes are excluded.
What does contractor general liability cover?
Third-party bodily injury, property damage, legal defense and completed-operations claims.
Are tools and equipment covered under GL?
No—use an Inland Marine policy to cover theft or damage to tools on and off site.
Can I pay workers' comp based on real-time payroll?
Yes—pay-as-you-go WC syncs to payroll so you pay only for actual labor each run.
How long is a quote valid in California?
Usually 30 days, but carriers can re-rate sooner; lock by paying the first installment.
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Last updated: July 8, 2026

Before you go...

Have a quick question about contractor insurance?

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What is AM Best®?

AM Best is the world's oldest and most trusted insurance rating agency, founded in 1899. They evaluate insurance companies' financial strength and ability to pay claims.

A- Rating or Better indicates strong financial stability and creditworthiness. This means the insurance company has:

  • Strong balance sheet
  • Solid operating performance
  • Favorable business profile
  • Proven ability to pay claims promptly

We only work with carriers rated A- or better, ensuring your business is protected by financially stable insurers.