Carpentry insurance for the shop and the job.
General liability, workers' compensation, shop and tools coverage, commercial auto and CSLB bonds for cabinet installers, millwork shops and finish carpenters.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Shop work and field work are insured differently
Building cabinets in a shop and installing them in a customer's kitchen are different risks. Shop work brings table saws, dust and a building full of equipment and inventory. Field work brings finished homes, heavy cabinets on walls and damage to everything around the install.
Carriers rate the two separately for both workers' comp and liability, so splitting your payroll and revenue accurately matters. I place C-6 contractors with carriers that write the trade and cover the shop, the tools and the work you install.
- General liabilityDamage to customers' homes, injuries to others, and cabinets and millwork you've built and installed.
- Workers' compShop and installation crews. Required with employees, and for all licensed contractors from 2028.
- Shop and toolsThe building, woodworking machinery, inventory and tools on the job.
- License bondThe $25,000 contractor license bond CSLB requires.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- License: CSLB number and classifications.
- Work: cabinets, millwork, trim, doors or countertops, with rough percentages.
- Shop vs. field: how payroll and revenue split between the shop and installs.
- Shop: address, building details and value of machinery and inventory.
- Payroll and revenue: employees, subcontractor costs and gross receipts.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Carpentry contractor insurance, answered
Why does it matter how much of my work is in the shop?
Workers' comp and liability are rated by class, and shop woodworking and on-site installation are rated differently. Splitting payroll and revenue accurately keeps the premium right and avoids surprises at audit.
Does general liability cover a cabinet that falls off the wall?
Damage to the customer's other property and injuries caused by your completed work are generally covered, subject to the policy terms. Replacing the cabinet itself is typically not covered.
Are my shop and machinery covered by general liability?
No. General liability covers injuries and damage to others. Your building, woodworking machinery and inventory need commercial property and equipment coverage.
Do finish carpenters need workers' comp with no employees?
Not today, unless you have employees. Under SB 216, as postponed by SB 1455, every licensed contractor must carry workers' comp starting January 1, 2028.
Which CSLB license covers cabinets and finish carpentry?
C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry. A license is generally required for jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials combined.
Do you offer carpentry contractor insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your license number. I'll shop it.
Your CSLB number, payroll and revenue are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.