Insurance for contractors in California: what to ask for and how to organize it.
We are not insurance agents and we don't sell policies. We explain what insurance exists, what to ask your agent and how it looks in your bookkeeping. If you want, we connect you with a partner.
A strategic partner handles it
If your insurance isn't clear, this happens to you.
You don't know what policy you have
You pay the premium every month, but you don't know what it covers or what it leaves out.
A client asks you for the certificate and you don't have it handy
A general contractor (GC) asks for a COI before letting you onto the job site. If you take too long, you lose the job.
The payroll audit catches you by surprise
The insurance company reviews your payroll to calculate the premium. If your numbers don't match, there may be adjustments.
You work with subcontractors who have no insurance
If a subcontractor gets hurt and has no coverage, the problem can come back to you.
When do you need this service? Everyday examples.
A GC asks for your COI to enter the job site
You want to know what documents to ask your agent for and how long they take.
You are about to hire your first helper
You need to know what changes with workers' comp and how it shows up in your payroll.
You do roofing or work at heights
Some policies may exclude or limit certain work, such as work at heights or hot work. Ask your agent before you sign.
You hire other contractors as subcontractors
You want to ask them for their certificate and keep that paperwork in order.
You get an audit notice for your policy
You need to have your payroll, payments and receipts on hand.
This is what changes when your insurance is in order.
You know what each policy covers
And also what to ask about what could be left out, before an accident.
Certificates ready
Your agent issues the COI, and you know when to ask for it and who to send it to.
A more predictable premium
With clean payroll, the insurance audit is easier.
Insurance properly recorded
Premiums, payments and adjustments stay in their place in your bookkeeping.
This service is provided by an independent partner, not Oficina del Contratista. We are not responsible for our partners’ services, fees or results. Some partners pay us commissions or profits for referring you.
This is how we work with insurance partners.
Insurance is sold by a licensed agent or broker. We guide you, organize your bookkeeping and, if you ask, connect you with a partner. Some partners may pay ODC a commission. We tell you this clearly.
What type of work you do, whether you have employees and what your clients ask of you.
So you can talk to your agent more clearly.
With a licensed insurance partner.
Premiums, payroll and documents up to date for the audit.
FAQ
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Oficina del Contratista by Armando Ehrenzweig
Armando Ehrenzweig
With experience in administration, sales and consulting for construction businesses. He explains your numbers in words you actually understand.
Meet the teamGet your insurance clear before you need it.
Tell us how your business is doing. We answer in Spanish.