California Contractor Insurance

C-29 Masonry Contractor License: What It Covers and the Insurance It Needs

Asena Capital Insurance Services — California-licensed insurance brokerage serving contractors statewide. Phone: (858) 925-9555. Email: info@asenainsurance.com.

What a C-29 license allows

CSLB defines the C-29 Masonry Contractor classification as follows: “A masonry contractor installs concrete units and baked clay products; concrete, glass and clay block; natural and manufactured stone; terra cotta; and fire brick or other material for refractory work. This classification includes the fabrication and installation of masonry component units for structural load bearing and non-load bearing walls for structures and fences installed with or without mortar; ceramic veneer (not tile) and thin brick that resembles full brick for facing; paving; and clear waterproofing, cleaning and caulking incidental to masonry construction.” Source: cslb.ca.gov licensing classifications.

C-29 licenses in California by the numbers

As of September 2026, CSLB lists 1,992 current licenses that include C-29. 58% have workers' comp on file, 37% are filed exempt, and 63 were issued in the last 12 months.

Ownership: 49% sole owners, 47% corporations, 2% LLCs. Suspensions today: 33 for workers' comp, 65 for bonds.

California cities with the most active C-29 licenses — CSLB public license file, September 2026.
LicensesWith WC policyExemptNew (12 mo)
Fresno3855%39%4
Riverside3456%38%0
San Diego2948%45%0
Los Angeles2966%28%3
Bakersfield2966%34%2
Escondido2861%36%3
San Jose2646%50%0
Anaheim2662%35%1
Sylmar2556%44%0
Santa Barbara2467%25%2

Insurance and bonds a C-29 contractor needs

  • $25,000 contractor license bond — required for every active license.
  • Workers' comp — A license with employees must carry workers' comp. With no employees you can currently file an exemption; from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses except joint ventures.
  • LLC licenses — liability insurance of at least $1 million (up to $5 million by member count) plus a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
  • General liability and commercial auto — not required by CSLB for most licenses, but required by nearly every GC, owner and public agency contract.

Masonry GL underwriters ask about retaining walls and their height, structural vs. veneer work, and residential vs. commercial.

Get a quote

Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for masonry contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.

Frequently asked questions

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