Contractor insurance built to contract spec.
We structure insurance programs for contractors: general liability, workers' comp, commercial auto, and the bonds that meet your contract specs and CSLB license requirements.
Response typically within one business day. No obligation · CA License #6008364
Contract requirements we review.
Most contractor placements start with someone else's requirements: a GC's subcontract, a property owner's COI request, a public bid packet. We read the exhibit first and structure the program to match it.
Endorsements & wording
- Additional insured endorsements (ongoing and completed operations)
- Primary and noncontributory wording
- Waiver of subrogation
- Per-project aggregate
Program pieces
- Umbrella and excess requirements
- Commercial auto and hired & non-owned auto
- Workers' comp and employer's liability limits
- CSLB license bonds, plus bid, performance, and payment bonds when a job requires them
What a contractor program includes.
Comprehensive protection from AM Best A− or better carriers. An independent broker working exclusively for you to structure the right coverage for your operations.
General liability
Pays others for injury or property damage your work causes: bodily injury, products and completed operations, personal and advertising injury. Not required for most entities, but most property owners insist on proof of coverage.
Workers' compensation
Medical care and wage replacement for injured staff, plus lawsuit protection for you as the employer. Required once you have any employee.
Commercial auto
Liability and physical damage coverage when any business-use vehicle crashes: liability, collision and comprehensive, uninsured motorist. Satisfies state auto insurance requirements.
Bonds & specialty
CSLB license bonds for licensing, plus bid, performance, and payment bonds when a job requires them. Professional liability, cyber, and umbrella policies are also available.
Every premium is built from underwriting review: trade, payroll, receipts, subcontractor cost, limits, required endorsements, and claims history. Typical combined GL and workers' comp programs start around $2,000 per year; many run well above that.
CSLB insurance and bond requirements by entity type.
These are CSLB license requirements by entity type. Your GC, property owner, or contract may require higher limits and endorsements on top of them.
| Entity type | General liability | Workers' compensation | Bonds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorIndividual contractor | Not CSLB-required Must give disclosure to homeowners (BPC § 7159.3) |
Not CSLB-required Required only with employees; C-39 and C-8/20/22/D-49 required now regardless; all licenses from 2028 |
Required $25,000 license bond (+ $25,000 QI bond if RME/RMO < 10%) |
| PartnershipMulti-partner business entity | Not CSLB-required Disclosure required, not mandatory coverage |
Not CSLB-required Same employee / trade-class rules as sole props |
Required $25,000 license bond (+ $25,000 QI bond if needed) |
| CorporationCorporate business structure | Not CSLB-required Disclosure required, not mandatory coverage |
Not CSLB-required Same employee / trade-class rules as sole props |
Required $25,000 license bond (+ $25,000 QI bond if needed) |
| LLCLimited liability company | Required Min $1M aggregate (≤5 personnel) + $100k each additional, cap $5M |
Not CSLB-required Same employee / trade-class rules as other entities |
Required $25,000 license bond + $25,000 QI bond (if needed) + $100,000 employee/worker bond |
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.
Broker work you can point to.
As an independent, California-focused brokerage, we work exclusively for you, not the insurance companies.
Safety program guidance
Your broker helps you document the safety programs and training that underwriters actually credit. That documentation can affect carrier appetite, class treatment, and underwriting terms.
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.
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.
Independent and local
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.
Contractor insurance FAQs.
Is contractor liability insurance required in California?
Only LLCs are required to carry it: $1M 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 $1M 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. More detail in our certificate of insurance FAQ.
Do I need workers' comp if I have no employees?
Sole owners can usually file an exemption, with exceptions: C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, and D-49 need coverage even solo, and 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?
$1M / $2M GL, workers' comp, commercial auto, a $25K 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.
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.
Talk directly with the broker who builds your program.
No service-center hand-off. Your account is handled by the licensed broker who placed it. And once you're a client, certificates of insurance turn around same day or next business day.
Helpful to have on hand: current policies, loss runs, and payroll or revenue figures.
Last updated: July 17, 2026