In California, general liability is expected before a landlord, general contractor, or client will let you on site, and a contractor's license through the CSLB requires a bond and workers' comp once you have employees. A single job-site accident or a claim that your work caused damage can outrun a small contractor's cash, which is why certificates of insurance get requested before the first day of work.
This fits general contractors, subcontractors, and specialty trades such as electricians, plumbers, framers, roofers, and concrete crews. It also suits handyman operations and remodelers who work in clients' homes or on commercial sites.
What it can help protect
A contractor's policy is built around the risks of job sites and the work itself:
Property damage on a job site — helps pay if your work damages a client's building or a third party's property.
Injuries to others — medical and legal costs if a visitor or subcontractor is hurt on your site.
Tools and equipment — repair or replacement if gear is stolen or damaged, on-site or in transit.
Faulty-work claims — responds to allegations that completed work caused harm, defects, or loss.
Injured employees — workers' comp for medical bills and lost wages, required by California law once you hire.
Key industry risk considerations
A licensed review will usually focus on project types, subcontractors, certificates, and waivers, vehicle/equipment use and payroll, and contract requirements and safety controls.
Coverages for this industry
The coverages most relevant to Construction & Contractors, tiered by priority. Start a quote on any one, or have an advisor review the whole stack.
Yes. California requires workers' compensation coverage as soon as you have any employees, and it pays their medical bills and lost wages if they're hurt on the job. Going without it can bring penalties and stop-work orders from the state.
A certificate of insurance (COI) is a one-page proof that your policies are active, listing your coverage limits and dates. General contractors and property owners request it before you start so they know a claim on your work won't fall back on them.
General liability (GL) covers third-party bodily injury and property damage — for example, if your crew damages a neighbor's fence or a visitor trips over materials. It typically does not cover your employees' injuries (that's workers' comp) or defects in your own workmanship without added coverage.
Usually yes. General contractors almost always require subcontractors to carry their own GL and workers' comp and to name the GC as an additional insured, so the GC's policy isn't exposed to your work.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Let’s start your Individual & Family Health Insurance quote
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Let’s start your Supplemental Health / Critical Illness & Accident quote
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best life & health fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Let’s start your Benefits Administration Support quote
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Let’s start your Renewal & Enrollment Strategy quote
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.
Share a few details and a licensed Sterling Lloyd advisor will shop 200+ carriers to find your best employee benefits fit. It takes about 2 minutes to begin.