What should a California contractor prepare for a business insurance review?

Prepare the business name, license or trade information, employee and payroll details, operations, vehicles or equipment when relevant, contracts, prior coverage, and claims history. A licensed team member can then review the request subject to carrier eligibility, policy terms, and underwriting.

How are business insurance limits or terms selected for a contractor?

Limits and terms are not universal. They can be influenced by the contractor's actual work, contracts, employee duties, vehicle use, project requirements, prior loss history, carrier guidelines, and applicable California requirements. The appropriate structure must be reviewed for the individual operation.

Can Asena provide an exact price or guarantee coverage for this page?

No. Any indication is preliminary until complete information is reviewed. Availability, pricing, limits, effective dates, certificates, and coverage are subject to carrier eligibility, policy terms, underwriting, and written confirmation.

California Contractor Insurance Checklist 2026: Everything You Need

California Contractor Insurance Checklist 2026

This checklist covers all required and recommended insurance for California licensed contractors. Use it to verify your coverage before your next CSLB renewal, job bid, or contract signing.

Required by CSLB (All Licensees)

☐ $25,000 Contractor License Bond — filed with CSLB, renewed every 2 years
☐ $100,000 LLC Employee/Worker Bond — required for LLC licensees only
☐ Workers' Compensation Insurance — required if you have employees; also required for sole proprietors in C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, D-49 trades (SB 216 Phase 1)

Required by Most General Contractors and Project Owners

☐ General Liability — $1M/$2M minimum; $2M/$4M for larger projects
☐ Commercial Auto — $1M CSL for vehicles used for business
☐ Additional Insured Endorsement — naming GC or project owner on your GL

Recommended for Most Contractors

☐ Inland Marine / Tools & Equipment — covers tools stolen or damaged on-site
☐ Umbrella / Excess Liability — $1M–$5M above GL and auto

Specialty Coverages (Trade-Specific)

☐ Pollution Liability — HVAC (C-20), Asbestos (C-22), Painting (C-33), Excavation (C-12)
☐ Professional Liability (E&O) — Design-build, solar (C-46), project managers
☐ Builder's Risk — General contractors on new construction projects

Call Asena Capital Insurance Services at (858) 925-9555 to review your coverage.