Bonds and Insurance for California Contractors

Get protected with CCIS.

We've Got Contractors in the Golden State Covered

Every contractor and its business practices in California must be legally licensed and meet specific guidelines to continue operating within the state. The Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB), part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, is the governing body that oversees construction licenses in California. The CSLB has strict licensing requirements and establishes trade standards, ethics, and sound business practices.

Contractors must obtain a Contractor's License Bond as part of the licensing process. Once you are licensed, you may be required to obtain additional bonds for the successful bidding process and project performance and completion.

In addition, contractors should carry General Liability insurance to cover third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. Contractors with employees must also purchase Workers' Compensation insurance.

CCIS understands the needs of contractors and is well-versed in CSLB requirements to ensure licensing compliance. With CCIS, you get fast, simple, affordable Contractor's License Bonds. We have relationships with top-tier surety companies to get the bonds you need for licensing and your projects moving forward. CCIS also works with leading insurers to provide you with General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance.

Supporting Your California Construction Business

Same-Day Quotes Available
Contractor License Bond

Contractor License Bond

This bond is required as part of the licensing process. It ensures contractors will adhere to contractual obligations, comply with applicable state laws and regulations, and compensate clients for financial losses incurred due to the contractor's actions.
Bond Of Qualifying Individual

Bond Of Qualifying Individual

Required if the contractor's license is qualified by a Responsible Managing Employee or Officer who doesn't own at least 10% of the corporation's voting stock.
LLC Employee/Worker Bond

LLC Employee/Worker Bond

This bond is required for contractors operating as LLCs to provide extra protection for employees and workers.
Disciplinary Bond

Disciplinary Bond

If a contractor's license has been revoked due to violations, this bond is required in addition to a Contractor's License Bond.
Contract Bonds: Bid, Performance & Payment

Contract Bonds: Bid, Performance & Payment

These bonds guarantee that the contractor will proceed with the contract if awarded the project and will provide the required Performance and Payment Bonds. The Performance Bond guarantees that the contractor will perform the contract in accordance with its terms and required specifications. The Payment Bond guarantees that the contractor will pay subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers for the services and materials they provide.
Permit Bonds

Permit Bonds

These bonds are required by a local municipality or state agency as a conditional requirement for obtaining a construction permit.
Subdivision or Site Improvement Bond

Subdivision or Site Improvement Bond

This bond provides guarantee to a government entity that the developer will complete the required improvements (roads, utilities, etc.) within a stated period, in accordance with the governing body's requirements.
Commercial Miscellaneous Bonds

Commercial Miscellaneous Bonds

These bonds are generally defined as any private or public bond that cannot be easily classed under the other bond types.
General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

Designed to protect a business against liability associated with third-party property damage and bodily injury losses.
Workers' Compensation Insurance

Workers' Compensation Insurance

The policy covers the costs of employees injured on the job, including medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain amount.

California Contractor License Classifications

Not all contractor licenses cover the same specialties. Before applying for a license, determine which suits your business best. There are four contractor licenses in California.
A

General Engineering Contractor License

This license is required for engineering projects, earth moving, excavating, and cement and concrete work. These are typically large-scale, public works-type projects involving overpasses, underpasses, bridges, airports, power plants, pipelines, railroads, and highways.

B

General Building License

This license allows general building contractors to take on a wide variety of building contracts requiring at least two unrelated building trades or crafts. It enables businesses and individuals to construct or alter buildings, roads, parking facilities, railroads, and other structures in California.

B-2

Residential Remodeling Contractor License

This license is for contractors whose principal contracting business is residential structure remodeling, with projects that require the use of at least three unrelated building trades or crafts for a single contract.

C

Specialty Contractors

This license is for tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, carpenters, and other specialty contractors.

Download our How-to Guide on how to become a Licensed Contractor in California

California Contractor License Guide

Get the Latest from CCIS

Sign up for CCIS emails for important news and updates regarding contractor license laws in your state.

ccisbonds.com widget logo