Contractor Insurance in San Diego, California

Yes. The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires general liability insurance as a condition of obtaining a contractor license in California. San Diego contractors must maintain active GL coverage throughout their license period. Most CSLB-licensed contractors carry at least $1M per occurrence, and larger commercial projects in San Diego's thriving construction market often require higher limits. Altamira works with multiple carriers to find the right GL coverage at competitive rates.

All contractors licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) are required to maintain a $25,000 contractor license bond. This bond protects consumers and project owners from financial harm caused by contractor fraud, contract abandonment, or failure to pay employees and subcontractors. The $25,000 bond is a statewide requirement that applies to all license classifications. Altamira can help San Diego contractors obtain their CSLB bond quickly through our online bonding portal.

Contractor insurance costs in San Diego vary by trade, annual revenue, number of employees, and coverage limits. General liability for a small specialty contractor may start around $900–$2,000 per year, while general contractors or higher-risk trades such as roofing or demolition pay considerably more. California's higher cost of living and more litigious environment can influence premiums compared to other states. As an independent broker, Altamira shops your coverage across multiple carriers to find the most competitive rate for your operations.

Yes. California requires workers compensation insurance for all employers, including those with just one employee. Notably, California also requires sole proprietors and partners in the construction industry to carry workers comp even if they have no employees — one of the strictest requirements in the country. Failure to carry required workers comp in California can result in significant fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability. Altamira helps San Diego contractors find proper workers comp coverage at competitive rates.