For California C-39 roofing contractors
Roofing insurance quotes from an agent who knows the C-39 rules
General liability, workers' comp, CSLB bonds and commercial auto for California roofing contractors. Tell us about your operation once and we shop it to the markets that actually write roofers.
C-39 at a glance
- License bond
- $25,000, every active license
- Workers' comp
- Required for roofers even with zero employees
- WC class
- 5552 under $33/hr · 5553 $33/hr and up
- LLC liability
- $1M minimum, up to $5M by personnel count
- LLC worker bond
- $100,000 on top of the license bond
What we place
Coverage built around roofing work
Many carriers won't touch roofing, and the ones that do write it with exclusions you need to read. We place each line separately or as a package.
General Liability
Property damage and injury to others from your work, including completed operations after the job is done.
How roofing GL worksWorkers' Compensation
Required by CSLB for every roofing license, with or without employees. Class codes 5552 and 5553.
Workers' comp for roofersLicense & LLC Bonds
The $25,000 contractor bond, bond of qualifying individual, and the $100,000 LLC worker bond.
Bond requirementsCommercial Auto
Work trucks, trailers and dump trailers. Personal auto policies usually exclude business use.
Commercial autoUmbrella / Excess
Extra liability over GL, auto and employer's liability when a contract asks for $2M, $5M or more.
Umbrella coverageTools & Equipment
Inland marine coverage for compressors, nail guns, kettles, lifts and materials in transit.
Equipment coverageHow it works
One application, several markets
Send your details
Fill out the quote form, then a short call to cover roofing specifics. Have your loss runs ready; we'll help with the roofing supplemental.
We shop the markets
Your submission goes to admitted carriers and specialty surplus lines markets that write roofing, plus surety for bonds. Already insured? We'll review your current policy too.
Review and bind
We walk through price, exclusions and certificate requirements side by side, then bind and issue your certificates.
Common questions
Roofing insurance FAQ
How much does roofing insurance cost in California?
For a new owner-only roofer, expect about $7,000 to $9,000 for workers' comp (carrier minimum, paid in full), about $3,000 to $6,000 for general liability, and $180 to $500 for the license bond with good credit. See full cost ranges.
Do I need workers' comp if I'm a one-person roofing company?
Yes. California requires C-39 roofing contractors to have a workers' compensation policy on file with CSLB even if they have no employees. Roofers can't file the exemption that some other trades use. If your policy cancels, CSLB suspends the license.
Is general liability required for a California roofing license?
For sole proprietors and corporations, CSLB doesn't require GL to get the license. LLCs must carry liability insurance of at least $1 million. In practice almost every general contractor, property manager and many homeowners will ask for a certificate before you start, and home improvement contracts must tell the homeowner whether you carry commercial general liability.
Why is roofing insurance more expensive than other trades?
Falls from height drive workers' comp claims, and leaks, fire from torch or hot work, and storm damage during tear-off drive liability claims. Fewer carriers write roofing, so pricing depends heavily on the type of work, your experience and your claims history.
Can I get insured as a new roofing contractor with no business history?
Yes. New ventures are written regularly when the owner can show prior roofing experience. Expect underwriters to ask about your years in the trade, the work you'll do, and estimated revenue and payroll. See the new roofer guide.
What is an X-mod and how do I get a better one?
Your experience modification compares your workers' comp claims to what's expected for a roofer your size, and it's multiplied against your premium. WCIRB calculates it automatically from carrier data once you're eligible. Keeping coverage continuous and claims small are the two biggest levers. Read more about X-mods.
How do I avoid a big bill at my workers' comp audit?
Report payroll accurately, keep certificates from every subcontractor, and use the right class codes. Pay-as-you-go payroll ties your premium to each payroll run so the audit matches what you've already paid. See payroll reporting.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once a policy is bound, certificates and additional insured endorsements can usually be issued the same day.
Free tools
Run your own numbers
Four free calculators built for California roofers. No sign-up needed.
Payroll + workers' comp
No more surprise audit bills
Bundle your workers' comp with Hourly payroll. Premium is calculated from every payroll run, so you skip the big deposit and your audit matches what you've already paid. It accepts ITINs and produces certified payroll for public works jobs.
Robert Mathis, Licensed Insurance Agent
Commercial insurance for California contractors, with a focus on roofing, workers' comp and CSLB bonds.
CA Insurance License #4301600 · 951-458-8183 · rmathis@orrandassociates.com