Contractor Insurance in Orange County
Capital & Co Insurance Services helps contractors working across Orange County, from Anaheim, Santa Ana and Irvine to Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Mission Viejo, put together the commercial insurance their licenses, contracts and job sites call for. We work from our Los Angeles office with general contractors and specialty trades, including remodelers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, painters, pool and landscape contractors. Capital & Co Insurance Services, CA Lic. #6002332.
CA Lic. #6002332
Coverage Orange County contractors commonly need
- General liability: for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims from your operations and completed work. Many general contractors and property owners require it before you start.
- Workers' compensation: required in California if you have employees. CSLB already requires C-8 concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 asbestos abatement, C-39 roofing and C-61/D-49 tree service licensees to carry it even with no employees, and starting January 1, 2028 (SB 216, as delayed by SB 1455) all active CSLB licensees will need it on file.
- Commercial auto: for trucks, vans and other vehicles used for work.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine): for equipment on the job site or in transit.
- Contractor license bond: CSLB requires a $25,000 contractor license bond for active licenses. If your qualifying individual is a responsible managing employee, or a responsible managing officer or LLC qualifier who owns less than 10% of the voting stock or membership interest, a separate $25,000 bond of qualifying individual is also required.
- LLC licenses: LLC licensees must carry liability insurance of at least $1 million aggregate (plus $100,000 for each member of the personnel of record over five, up to $5 million) and a $100,000 LLC employee/worker bond.
- Umbrella / excess liability: added limits when a contract asks for more than your underlying policies provide.
- Builder's risk: for a structure while it is being built or renovated.
What's different about Orange County work
- High-value homes and coastal remodels: work in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and Huntington Beach often comes with larger limits in owner contracts and with umbrella requests, because a single property-damage claim on a high-value home can be large.
- HOAs, master-planned communities and property managers: Irvine, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and Ladera Ranch jobs often require additional insured status for the HOA or management company and a COI before you get gate or site access.
- Wildfire areas: canyon and foothill neighborhoods (for example around Silverado, Modjeska, Anaheim Hills and the Santa Ana Mountains) can affect builder's risk and property availability, and roofing, exterior and fire-hardening work there is common.
- Coastal exposure: salt air, moisture and coastal development rules affect waterproofing, window, deck and exterior trades, which is one reason contracts ask for completed-operations coverage.
- Permits: building permits are issued by each city's building department (for example Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana); unincorporated areas go through OC Public Works. CSLB licensing is statewide, so the same license and bond apply countywide.
Contracts, COIs and additional insured requests
Contracts here often include additional insured endorsements, primary and noncontributory wording, waivers of subrogation and minimum limits. We review those requirements with you before you sign where possible, so you can see whether your coverage meets them. Existing clients can request a certificate of insurance.
What affects contractor insurance cost
Cost depends on your trade, payroll, revenue, claims history, the type of work you do and the limits you need. We don't publish price ranges because two contractors in the same trade can be priced very differently. Read our guide to contractor GL cost in California.
Trades we work with in Orange County
General contractors and remodelers, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, painting, pool and spa, landscaping, waterproofing, windows and doors, and solar.
Serving Orange County
We work with contractors throughout Orange County, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Orange, Newport Beach and Mission Viejo, from our Los Angeles office.
Capital & Co Insurance Services, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1816, Los Angeles, CA 90036 · 310-492-2007 · CA Lic. #6002332
Also see: Contractor insurance in Los Angeles
Get a quote
Tell us about your business and your contract requirements and we'll review coverage options with you. Request a quote or call 310-492-2007. CA Lic. #6002332.
Coverage is subject to underwriting and policy terms.
FAQ
Do contractors in Orange County need general liability insurance?
California doesn't require GL for every license, but many general contractors, property owners and public agencies require it in their contracts. LLC licensees must carry liability insurance of at least $1 million aggregate (plus $100,000 for each member of the personnel of record over five, up to $5 million) and a $100,000 LLC employee/worker bond.
Is workers' comp required for Orange County contractors?
If you have employees, yes. C-8 concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 asbestos abatement, C-39 roofing and C-61/D-49 tree service licensees need it even without employees, and starting January 1, 2028 all active CSLB licensees will need it on file.
What is a contractor license bond?
A $25,000 bond required by the CSLB to get and keep an active license. It protects consumers and others, not the contractor.
Do Orange County HOAs and property managers need to be additional insureds?
Many do. HOAs, property managers and owners in Orange County often ask to be named as additional insureds and want a COI before work starts. Send us the requirements and we'll review them with you.
How much does contractor insurance cost in Orange County?
It depends on your trade, payroll, claims history and limits. We'll review your details and give you options.
Do you have an office in Orange County?
No. We work with contractors here from our Los Angeles office by phone and email. Capital & Co is a California-licensed agency (CA Lic. #6002332).