Describe a typical job before choosing policies
Tell us what you will install, repair or manage, where the work takes place and who performs it. Include related tasks such as demolition, roof access or subcontracted electrical work. An insurer needs the work description, not just the business name.
A new company can still have an experienced owner. Include your prior trade experience, the size of jobs you expect and whether you will hire employees. These details help an underwriter evaluate the business. The underwriter is the person deciding whether the insurer will offer coverage and on what terms.
Match each policy to something that could happen
General liability addresses covered claims that your work injured another person or damaged their property. Workers’ compensation provides benefits for covered employee work injuries. Commercial auto addresses insured business vehicles. Tools and equipment insurance can help with covered theft or damage to the equipment you depend on.
Some jobs also need builders risk for the project under construction, professional liability for design or advice, or an umbrella for additional liability limits. A bond is a different kind of promise to the people protected by the bond. We can explain why a particular policy or bond belongs in your plan instead of asking you to select unfamiliar names.
Separate license requirements from customer requirements
California licensing requirements depend on your classification and business structure. Having no employees does not automatically eliminate a workers’ compensation requirement. Check the current CSLB requirements for the actual license.
Your first customer may also ask for a certificate, additional insured status or specific limits. A certificate summarizes your coverage; an additional-insured endorsement gives the customer specified protection under the policy. Bring the insurance section of the contract before committing to requirements.
Use realistic estimates, then update them
Revenue means the income from the work your business expects to sell. Payroll is what you expect to pay employees under the insurer’s rating rules. Subcontractor costs are amounts you expect to pay other businesses to perform work.
Estimate those amounts for the period requested on the application. If you are unsure, explain how you arrived at the figures. Some policies later use an audit to compare estimates with actual records and adjust the premium. Keep job and payroll records from the first day, and update the insurer as the business grows.
Understand the steps from request to active coverage
First, we gather the business information. Next, insurers review it and may ask follow-up questions. A quote shows the offered price and terms. You can ask us to explain the limits, deductibles and exclusions before choosing an option.
Once you decide, the insurer may require signed forms, payment or other documents before coverage can start. Obtain confirmation of the effective date before relying on the policy for a job. A submitted quote form by itself does not provide temporary insurance.
You can begin before you have every answer
Start with your business name, contact details, planned work, employee count and any contract deadline. Tell us what you are uncertain about. We can explain what information is still needed and why, so preparing the application becomes part of the conversation.