Electrician insurance for the job and the license.
General liability, workers' compensation, tools and equipment, commercial auto and license bonds for California electrical contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Fire claims drive electrical pricing
An electrical contractor's biggest liability exposure is a fire traced back to their work, sometimes years after the job. Carriers price that risk based on the kind of work you do: residential service, new construction, commercial tenant improvements, or solar.
Workers' comp is required as soon as you hire anyone, and under SB 216 and SB 1455 all licensed contractors must carry it starting January 1, 2028. I set up both so you're covered now and ready before that deadline.
- General liabilityProperty damage and injuries caused by your work, including completed jobs.
- Workers' compRequired for employees now, and for all licensed contractors from January 1, 2028.
- Tools and equipmentTools, testers and materials stolen or damaged on the job or in the van.
- Commercial autoService vans and trucks used for work.
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: residential, commercial, industrial, solar or low voltage.
- Payroll: employees, payroll and subcontractor costs.
- Revenue: annual gross receipts.
- Vehicles and tools: vans and estimated tool value.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Electrician insurance, answered
Do electricians need workers' comp in California?
If you have employees, yes. Starting January 1, 2028, all CSLB-licensed contractors must carry workers' compensation, with limited exceptions.
What does general liability cover for an electrician?
Claims that your work caused property damage or injury to others, such as a fire from a faulty connection. It doesn't cover your own tools or injuries to your employees.
Does solar work change my insurance?
Often. Some carriers exclude solar or roof-mounted work, so it needs to be disclosed and placed with a carrier that accepts it.
How much liability insurance do electricians carry?
Many carry $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, which general contractors and commercial clients commonly require. Larger contracts may require an umbrella.
Do you offer electrician 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, the work you do and your 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.
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.