Insurance solutions that meet your special needs, requirements and goals.
Builders Risk is essential insurance as it helps protect buildings under construction from damage due to fire, lightning, hail, explosions, theft, vandalism, and Acts of God such as hurricanes
If you have cargo in transit or in temporary storage, or you suffer financial losses resulting from damaged, lost or stolen freight, it’s likely that you have cargo or transit exposure - and the increased risk probably justifies the cost of Cargo/Transit Insurance.
Contractors Equipment insurance provides financial help to protect equipment you own. If they're stolen, lost or damaged, this coverage will get you back to work fast by paying for replacements or repairs.
If a client or third party files a claim for personal injury or property damage Contractors General Liability Insurance protects you and your team members, and your business, from unexpected financial loss.
A wrap-up insurance policy is peace of mind that everyone involved in a project is insured properly. Wrap-up insurance is sweeping blanket coverage that protects the owner, contractors, and subcontractors.
While contractors are often held liable for injuries to third parties and property damage arising from performed operations, project owners could also face considerable liability related to actions performed by independent contractors. Owners Interest Liability Insurance mitigates their risk.
More project owners are requiring owners and contractors to have protective liability (OCP) coverage. An OCP helps cover claims for bodily injury and property damage.
A performance bond in construction may compensate the client if the contractor fails to complete the project. A payment bond insures against the risk of the contractor not paying their subcontractors, who could then sue the project's owner.
Pollution Liability insurance policies cover claims from third parties against bodily injury and property damage caused by hazardous waste materials released during a company's business operations.
Products & Completed Operations Coverage helps cover liability claims resulting from your business’ product or completed operations that were done away from your location. It can help cover claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage.
Protect your business from devastating financial debts that can result from work-related accidents, lawsuits and other liabilities. Trade Contractors insurance not only protects your business, but it’s often a requirement by many employers before you can start working for them.
Most states require you to purchase Workers’ Comp coverage in the event you or a worker experiences a workplace injury. It can help cover expenses for medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs.
Specialized Insurance Solutions for California Contractors
The construction industry in California is governed by some of the strictest licensing, bonding, and insurance requirements in the country. Whether you are a general contractor managing multimillion-dollar projects or a specialty subcontractor focusing on electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or roofing work, having the right insurance program is not just smart business practice — it is a legal requirement. Post Insurance has been serving California contractors since 1954, providing tailored coverage programs that satisfy licensing board requirements, meet contract specifications, and protect against the unique risks that come with building in one of the most active construction markets in the nation.
Contractors' General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance is the foundation of every contractor's insurance program. It protects your business against third-party claims for bodily injury and property damage arising from your operations, completed work, or products. In California, general contractors and subcontractors are frequently required to carry specific general liability limits to qualify for project bids, obtain or renew a contractor's license, and satisfy lease or permit requirements. Post Insurance works with carriers that specialize in construction risks to secure competitive general liability coverage with the endorsements California contractors need, including additional insured status for project owners, primary and noncontributory provisions, and per-project aggregate limits.
Builders Risk Insurance
Builders risk insurance, also called course-of-construction coverage, protects buildings and structures under construction from damage caused by fire, wind, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils. This coverage applies to the structure itself, materials and supplies on site or in transit, and temporary structures such as scaffolding and construction trailers. California contractors face elevated builders risk exposures due to wildfire, earthquake, and mudslide risks, making it essential to work with a broker who understands how to structure builders risk policies that address these region-specific perils. Post Insurance helps contractors, project owners, and developers secure builders risk coverage for projects of all sizes, from single-family renovations to large-scale commercial developments.
Workers' Compensation for Construction
Construction consistently ranks among the most hazardous industries, and California's workers' compensation system reflects this reality through higher classification rates and more rigorous audit procedures. Post Insurance specializes in placing workers' compensation coverage for contractors with carriers that understand construction payroll classifications, subcontractor reporting requirements, and the experience modification rating system. We help contractors implement safety programs, manage claims proactively, and structure their workforce in ways that minimize workers' compensation costs without cutting corners on employee protection.
Contractor Bonds and Surety
The California Contractors State License Board requires all licensed contractors to maintain a contractor license bond, currently set at twenty-five thousand dollars. Beyond the license bond, many public works projects and private contracts require performance bonds and payment bonds that guarantee project completion and payment to subcontractors and suppliers. Post Insurance connects California contractors with surety companies that offer competitive bonding programs, including single project bonds, annual bond programs, and subdivision and maintenance bonds. Our surety relationships enable us to help contractors with a range of financial profiles access the bonding capacity they need to pursue larger projects and grow their businesses.
Commercial Auto and Equipment Coverage
Contractors depend on trucks, vans, heavy equipment, and specialized vehicles to complete their work. Commercial auto insurance covers owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles used in your contracting operations, protecting against liability claims, physical damage, and uninsured motorist exposures. For heavy equipment such as excavators, cranes, loaders, and aerial lifts, inland marine insurance, often called contractors' equipment coverage, provides protection against theft, vandalism, and accidental damage both on the job site and in transit. Post Insurance helps contractors build fleet and equipment insurance programs that balance comprehensive protection with cost-effective premiums.
Umbrella and Excess Liability
Construction projects frequently require contractors to carry liability limits well beyond their primary policy limits. A commercial umbrella or excess liability policy provides an additional layer of protection above your general liability, commercial auto, and employers' liability limits. In California, project owners and general contractors routinely require subcontractors to carry umbrella limits of two million, five million, or even ten million dollars. Post Insurance negotiates umbrella coverage that satisfies these contractual requirements while keeping your total insurance costs manageable.
Partner with a Broker Who Understands Construction
Insurance for contractors is not something you can afford to leave to a generalist. The interplay between general liability, workers' compensation, surety bonds, and contractual insurance requirements demands a broker with specialized construction knowledge. Post Insurance brings more than seventy years of experience, access to over fifty carriers with dedicated construction programs, and a team that speaks the language of California contractors. From helping you meet CSLB requirements to negotiating OCIP and CCIP enrollments on wrap-up projects, we handle the complexity so you can focus on building. Contact Post Insurance today for a free contractors insurance review.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do contractors need in California?
California contractors typically need general liability insurance, workers compensation (required by law if you have employees), commercial auto insurance, and surety bonds. Specific requirements vary by license classification and project contracts.
How much does contractors insurance cost in California?
Contractors insurance costs depend on your trade, payroll, revenue, and claims history. General liability may start around $800 per year for small contractors, while workers compensation rates vary by classification code. Post Insurance compares rates from 50+ carriers for the best price.
Do I need a surety bond as a California contractor?
Yes. The California Contractors State License Board requires contractors to maintain a contractor license bond (currently $25,000) as a condition of licensure. Some projects may require additional performance or payment bonds.
What does general liability insurance cover for contractors?
General liability insurance protects contractors against third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations. It covers incidents at job sites, damage to client property, and claims arising from finished work.
Can Post Insurance provide certificates of insurance quickly?
Yes. Post Insurance understands that contractors often need certificates of insurance (COIs) on tight deadlines. Our team can typically issue COIs the same day to help you meet project requirements and bid deadlines.