Business insurance • California plumbing contractors
California Plumbing Contractor Insurance: C-36 License, $25,000 Bond, and Coverage
California plumbing contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in the C-36 Plumbing classification and must post a $25,000 contractor’s bond. Unlike roofers, C-36 licensees are not on CSLB’s list of trades that need workers’ compensation with no employees, but anyone with employees must carry it.
This guide covers California C-36 bond and insurance rules, coverage, and typical costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in California, and a licensed agent can compare quotes for your plumbing business.
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CSLB bond requirements
- Every contractor license needs a $25,000 contractor’s bond.
- A $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual is also required when a Responsible Managing Employee qualifies the license, or when a Responsible Managing Officer owns less than 10% of the voting stock.
Source: CSLB bond requirements. See our California contractor license bond guide.
Workers’ compensation for C-36 plumbers
CSLB requires C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, and C-61/D-49 contractors to carry workers’ compensation even with no employees. C-36 Plumbing is not on that list, so a plumber with no employees can file an exemption, while any plumber with employees must carry coverage (California CSLB workers’ comp rules).
Coverage most California plumbers carry
- General liability: third-party injuries and property damage, such as a failed fitting that floods a customer’s home.
- Business owner’s policy: general liability bundled with property coverage for your shop and stock, often at a lower combined price.
- Workers’ compensation: medical bills and lost wages if an employee is hurt on the job.
- Commercial auto: service vans and trucks that carry crews, parts, and equipment.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine): pipe threaders, drain machines, and cameras on job sites or in transit.
- Commercial umbrella: extra limits on top of general liability and auto, often required on commercial jobs.
What California plumbers pay
| Policy | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $147 | $1,768 |
| Business owner’s policy | $213 | $2,559 |
| Workers’ compensation | $179 | $2,150 |
| Commercial auto | $285 | $3,415 |
| Tools and equipment | $42 | $505 |
| Professional liability | $67 | $808 |
| Commercial umbrella | $93 | $1,111 |
Costs reported by Insureon for plumbing businesses that bought policies through its site, mostly with fewer than five employees. Your price depends on payroll, the work you do, claims history, and location.
California plumbing insurance FAQs
How much is the California plumbing license bond?
$25,000 for the contractor’s bond, plus a $25,000 qualifier bond in some cases.
Do California plumbers need workers’ comp with no employees?
No. C-36 is not on CSLB’s mandatory list, so a plumber with no employees can file an exemption.
Do California plumbers need general liability?
CSLB does not require it for C-36, but most clients and general contractors do.
Related guides
Important information
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Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, your state, your payroll, the work you do, and your claims history.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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