← Back to Blog

Artisan Contractor Insurance California - What It Covers

By Asena Capital Insurance Services — Licensed CA Insurance Broker, CA Lic. #60085962026-05-115 min

Quick Answer

"Artisan Contractor Insurance" is the industry term for insurance programs designed for specialty trades — California C-class license holders like painters, plumbers, electricians, HVAC, drywall, flooring, and landscape contractors. It's typically a packaged bundle of GL + WC + Tools & Equipment + Commercial Auto, priced for small-to-mid trade contractors. Annual total cost ranges $3,000–$15,000 depending on trade and crew size. Call (858) 925-9555.

Who "Artisan" Includes

Carriers define artisan contractors as those who:

  • Hold a C-class CSLB license (specialty trade, not Class A or B)
  • Have under ~$5M annual revenue
  • Operate primarily as subcontractors (not GCs running full projects)
  • Don't do work on structures over 3 stories (varies by carrier)
  • Don't perform exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS) or certain excluded operations

What's in an Artisan Package

Coverage Typical limit
General Liability $1M / $2M (or $2M / $4M)
Tools & Equipment $10K – $25K schedule
Hired & Non-Owned Auto $500K – $1M
Optional Workers' Comp Rated on payroll
Optional Umbrella $1M – $5M

Bundled often saves 10–20% vs. buying each piece separately.

Trades Commonly Written as Artisan

C-10 Electrical · C-15 Flooring · C-20 HVAC · C-27 Landscaping · C-33 Painting · C-35 Lath/Plaster · C-36 Plumbing · C-39 Roofing (specialty markets only) · C-46 Solar · C-53 Pool/Spa · C-54 Tile · D-04 Cabinet & Mill · and many others.

Specialty trade contractor? Call (858) 925-9555 — we shop artisan programs first.

Related: Artisan Contractor Insurance · Workers' Compensation · General Liability

Get an artisan quote that bundles everything. Call (858) 925-9555.

Need a Quote?

Get instant quotes from 100+ carriers for all your contractor insurance needs.

Get Quote

Or call (858) 925-9555 for immediate assistance

Same-day quotes • 100+ carriers • CSLB compliant