Drywall insurance for hang, tape and texture.
Workers' compensation, general liability, commercial auto and CSLB bonds for drywall hangers, tapers and texture crews on residential and commercial jobs.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
Drywall is a workers' comp trade
Drywall crews carry heavy board, work from scaffolds, stilts and lifts, and spend long days overhead. Injuries drive most of the cost, so workers' comp is usually the biggest line, and it's required as soon as you have employees.
Liability matters too. General contractors on commercial and multi-family jobs set strict certificate requirements, and residential work can bring completed-work claims years later. I place drywall contractors with carriers that write the trade and match the policy to the contracts you sign.
- Workers' compFalls, lifting and overhead-work injuries. Required with employees, and for all licensed contractors from 2028.
- General liabilityDamage to the building and injuries to others, including completed work.
- Commercial autoTrucks and trailers that carry crews and board.
- 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: hanging, taping, texture, metal stud or acoustic ceilings.
- Jobs: residential, multi-family or commercial, with rough percentages.
- Payroll: employees, payroll and subcontractor costs.
- Revenue: annual gross receipts.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Drywall contractor insurance, answered
Do drywall contractors need workers' comp in California?
Yes, as soon as you have employees. C-9 isn't one of the classifications that must carry it with no employees today, but under SB 216, as postponed by SB 1455, every licensed contractor must carry workers' comp starting January 1, 2028.
What do general contractors usually require from drywall subs?
Commonly additional insured status on an ongoing and completed operations basis (CG 20 10 and CG 20 37), waiver of subrogation, primary and non-contributory wording and a per-project aggregate. Send me the subcontract and I'll check what your policy can meet.
Does general liability cover cracked or failing drywall?
Liability can cover damage your work causes to other property. Repairing or replacing your own drywall is typically not covered.
Can I use 1099 crews instead of carrying workers' comp?
Workers you treat as subcontractors may be considered employees under California law, and uninsured subs are often charged to your policy at audit. Collect certificates from every sub before they start.
Can a new drywall company get insurance?
Yes. Experience in the trade before starting your company helps, and disclosing your residential and commercial mix up front avoids surprises at audit.
Do you offer drywall 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.