Posted by Insurance City on
If you’re building a contracting business in the Central Valley, two things gate your ability to work: a license and proof of insurance. Here’s what California actually requires and what your clients will ask for.
The bond that comes with your CSLB license
California requires a contractor license bond to hold an active CSLB license. It’s not insurance — it’s a guarantee that protects your clients — but you can’t operate legally without it.
The coverage clients require to hire you
- General liability — nearly every GC, property manager, and client requires it, and they’ll want to be named additional insured on the certificate of insurance.
- Workers’ compensation — required in California the moment you have employees (and CSLB requires it for many license types regardless).
- Commercial auto — for your work trucks and vans.
- Tools & equipment / builders risk — for what you carry and the projects you build.
Get set up to bid and build
Insurance City is a local independent brokerage in Stockton that writes contractors every week. We’ll get you the bond, the GL, and the COI your clients require — shopped across carriers, no broker fees on standard policies. Call (209) 670-1556 or read the Central Valley Business Insurance Guide.