Business insurance • California roofing contractors
California Roofing Contractor Insurance: C-39 Workers’ Comp Rules and Coverage
California is one of the strictest states for roofers. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires every C-39 roofing contractor to carry workers’ compensation whether or not they have employees, and C-39 licensees cannot file a workers’ comp exemption. A lapse in coverage suspends the license.
This guide covers California C-39 insurance rules, the license bond, coverage, and typical costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in California, and a licensed agent can compare quotes for your roofing business.
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C-39 workers’ compensation requirement
- C-39 roofing contractors must carry workers’ compensation whether or not they have employees (Business and Professions Code § 7125).
- C-39 licensees cannot file an Exemption from Workers’ Compensation.
- The certificate must list CSLB as certificate holder, and the policy must show the top payroll classification codes.
- Coverage must be continuous; a lapse suspends the license, and work done while suspended is unlicensed.
Source: California CSLB.
License bond and other coverage
California contractors also post a license bond; see our California contractor license bond guide. Most clients also require general liability and commercial auto.
- General liability: third-party injuries and property damage, such as a dropped bundle that damages a car or a leak that ruins a homeowner’s ceiling.
- Workers’ compensation: medical bills and lost wages if a crew member is hurt, including falls.
- Commercial auto: trucks and trailers used to haul crews, materials, and debris.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine): ladders, nail guns, and compressors on job sites or in transit.
- Commercial umbrella: extra liability limits on top of general liability and auto, often required on commercial jobs.
What California roofers pay
| Policy | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $317 | $3,808 |
| Workers’ compensation | $175 | $2,101 |
| Commercial auto | $268 | $3,212 |
| Business owner’s policy | $125 | $1,503 |
| Tools and equipment | $42 | $505 |
| Commercial umbrella | $93 | $1,111 |
Median costs for roofing contractors who quoted through Insureon, mostly businesses with fewer than five employees. Your price depends on payroll, roof types, height, claims history, and location.
California roofing insurance FAQs
Do California roofers need workers’ comp with no employees?
Yes. CSLB requires all C-39 roofing contractors to carry workers’ compensation whether or not they have employees.
Can a California roofer file a workers’ comp exemption?
No. C-39 licensees cannot file the exemption.
What happens if my California roofing workers’ comp lapses?
Your license is suspended, and work performed while suspended is considered unlicensed.
Related guides
Important information
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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, the surety, your credit, the bond type, and underwriting.
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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