Most jobs won’t let you on site without a certificate of insurance, and California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) has its own requirements. We help general contractors and specialty trades across Southern California get the right coverage at a competitive price, and we turn around certificates fast so you don’t lose work waiting on paperwork.
Start a general contractors & specialty trades quote or call 888-391-5981.
Common risks
- A customer or passer-by is hurt on your job site
- You damage a client’s property, or a finished job causes damage later (completed operations)
- An employee is injured on the job
- A work truck causes an accident
- Tools, equipment or materials are stolen or damaged
Coverage most general contractors businesses need
| Coverage | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| General liability | Third-party injury and property damage, including completed operations. Most general contractors and property managers require it before you start. |
| Workers compensation | Required in California as soon as you have an employee. Covers medical bills and lost wages. |
| Contractor bond | CSLB requires a $25,000 contractor bond to keep your license active. |
| Commercial auto | Trucks and vans titled to the business, plus hired and non-owned autos. |
| Builders risk / inland marine | The structure under construction, plus tools and equipment that move between job sites. |
| Umbrella | Extra limits when a contract calls for $2M or more. |
California requirements
California rules contractors should know:
- Workers compensation: required for any contractor with employees. HVAC (C-20), roofing (C-39), concrete (C-8), tree service (D-49) and asbestos licensees must carry it even with no employees. California’s SB 216, as amended, extends the requirement to all licensed contractors on January 1, 2028.
- Contractor bond: $25,000, required for every active CSLB license.
- LLC licenses: at least $1 million in liability insurance (for five or fewer people of record) plus a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
Why business owners work with Pierce
- We’re an independent agency, so we compare multiple carriers instead of selling just one.
- A licensed agent handles your account from quote to renewal.
- Certificates of insurance, additional insureds and policy changes are handled fast. Request a COI.
- Local offices in San Dimas and Monrovia.
Related: Trucking · HVAC · Plumbers · Electricians · Landscapers & tree service
See also: Welding & fabrication · Painters · Tree service · 2028 workers comp rule for contractors
Frequently asked questions
How much does contractor insurance cost in California?
It depends on your trade, payroll, revenue, claims history and the limits your contracts require. A painter with no employees pays far less than a roofer with a crew. We shop several carriers to find the best price for your situation. Call 888-391-5981 or request a quote.
Can you add a general contractor or property owner as an additional insured?
Yes. We can add additional insureds, waivers of subrogation and primary/non-contributory wording when your carrier allows it, and send the certificate directly to the requester.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once your policy is active, most certificate requests are handled the same business day. Request a certificate here.