General Liability Insurance for California Contractors | EIS California

Protecting What Matters Most for California Contractors

Every project brings opportunity—and risk. For California contractors, one accident, injury, or property damage claim can put your business and reputation on the line. At Eastman Insurance Solutions (EIS California), we specialize in protecting contractors across the Golden State with comprehensive General Liability Insurance designed for the unique challenges of construction, trades, and contracting work.

Whether you’re a general contractor in Los Angeles, an electrician in Sacramento, or a roofing specialist in San Diego, we help protect your livelihood with coverage that meets California’s strict insurance requirements and your client contracts.

What General Liability Insurance Covers

General Liability Insurance (often called “Contractor Liability Insurance”) protects your business from financial loss if you’re held responsible for third-party injuries, property damage, or advertising mistakes.

Coverage Highlights

  • Bodily Injury: Covers medical expenses and legal costs if someone is injured on your job site.
  • Property Damage: Pays for damage to a client’s property caused by your operations.
  • Personal and Advertising Injury: Covers claims of slander, libel, or copyright infringement in your advertising.
  • Legal Defense Costs: Covers attorney fees and court expenses associated with covered claims.

For most California contractors, General Liability Insurance is not just smart—it’s a requirement for licensing, client contracts, and access to job sites.

Why California Contractors Need General Liability Coverage

California’s construction and trades industries are heavily regulated, and the potential for litigation is high. From subcontractor disputes to property owner claims, liability protection isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Without it, a single claim could cost hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars, jeopardizing your business and its reputation.

EIS California provides coverage solutions for:

  • General Contractors
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Roofers
  • Painters
  • Landscapers
  • Remodelers
  • HVAC and Mechanical Contractors

We understand the risks you face daily—and how to build coverage that truly protects you.

How EIS California Protects Contractors

As a local, independent insurance agency, EIS California partners with leading carriers like Travelers, The Hartford, Chubb, Nationwide, and Liberty Mutual to secure the most competitive and comprehensive liability programs available.

Our team focuses exclusively on construction-specific risk management, providing the hands-on service and strategic insight growing contractors need.

We go beyond issuing a policy:

  • Review contracts for insurance compliance and indemnification requirements.
  • Help manage subcontractor certificates of insurance.
  • Provide fast turnaround on endorsements and certificates.
  • Offer bundled programs including Workers Compensation, Commercial Auto, and Excess Liability for cohesive coverage.

Group Captive Insurance: A Smarter Way to Manage Liability Costs

For established contractors with strong financials, consistent safety records, and predictable loss histories, Group Captive Insurance offers an advanced alternative to traditional programs. Rather than simply paying premiums to a carrier year after year, Captive members become owners of their insurance company, gaining control, transparency, and profit participation.

What Is a Group Captive?

A Group Captive is a member-owned insurance company formed by financially strong, like-minded businesses. Each member contributes premiums, shares in the group’s performance, and benefits directly from loss control and shared success.

Why Contractors Choose Captives

Group Captive membership can deliver powerful long-term advantages:

  • Cost Stability: Avoid the rate swings of the commercial insurance market.
  • Profit Sharing: Receive dividends when claims are low and the group performs well.
  • Enhanced Safety Performance: Members benefit from collective data, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Full Transparency: Access to detailed loss and performance reports.
  • Tax Efficiency: Potential to deduct premiums while capturing underwriting profit.

Who Qualifies

Captive participation is ideal for contractors who:

  • Generate $5MM–$50MM in annual revenue
  • Pay $150,000+ in combined annual premiums across General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Commercial Auto
  • Maintain strong safety and claims management programs
  • Want more control and ownership over their insurance outcomes

EIS California partners with leading Captive administrators to guide qualified contractors through feasibility reviews, onboarding, and ongoing performance management—helping transform insurance from a cost center into a long-term asset.

California Contractor Compliance and Licensing Requirements

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires licensed contractors to maintain appropriate insurance and bonding coverage. While General Liability isn’t mandatory for every trade, it’s required for most professional, commercial, and government work.

Recommended minimum limits:

  • $1,000,000 per occurrence
  • $2,000,000 aggregate

EIS California helps you secure the right limits and endorsements to satisfy client contracts, public works requirements, and umbrella policy compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is General Liability insurance required for California contractors?
While not required for every license, nearly all clients and project owners demand proof of coverage before work begins.

2. What does General Liability not cover?
It doesn’t cover employee injuries (that’s Workers Comp), damage to your own property, or professional design errors.

3. How much does it cost for California contractors?
Typical annual premiums for mid-to-large contractors range from $2,500 to $50,000, depending on size, trade, and claim history.

4. Can I combine my General Liability with other policies?
Yes—EIS California offers bundled solutions including Workers Compensation, Commercial Auto, Excess Liability Inland Marine/Equipment Coverage and even License & Performance Bonds.

5. How can Captive participation lower my long-term costs?
By reducing claims, sharing profits, and improving risk management, Captive members can achieve 20–40% lower long-term insurance costs compared to traditional programs.

Get a Quote from EIS California

Protect your business before the next project starts.
Our experienced team will tailor a General Liability Insurance plan that meets your client contracts, safeguards your assets, and positions your company for growth.

Call EIS California today or visit EISCalifornia.com to get started.