Fence insurance that covers the dig.
General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto, equipment and CSLB bonds for wood, vinyl, chain link and wrought iron fence and gate contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
Every post hole is a digging job
Fence work means digging, and digging means buried gas, water, electric and irrigation lines. A single utility strike can turn into a property damage claim far larger than the job. Gates add their own exposure once they're installed and in use.
Workers' comp is required as soon as you have employees, and California's 2028 law will require it for all licensed contractors. I place fence contractors with carriers that write the trade and set the policy up for the materials, equipment and jobs you take on.
- General liabilityUtility strikes, damage to neighboring property and injuries to others.
- Workers' compRequired with employees, and for all licensed contractors from 2028.
- EquipmentAugers, post drivers, welders and trailers.
- Commercial autoTrucks that haul crews, posts and panels.
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: wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron or gates, with rough percentages.
- Methods: welding, fabrication or automatic gate installs.
- Equipment and vehicles: augers, skid steers, trucks and trailers.
- Payroll and revenue: employees, subcontractor costs and gross receipts.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Fence contractor insurance, answered
Does general liability cover hitting a gas or water line?
Damage you accidentally cause to someone else's property, including underground utilities, is generally covered by general liability, subject to the policy terms. Calling 811 before every dig is required and makes a claim far easier to defend.
Does liability pay to rebuild a fence in the wrong place?
Generally no. Liability covers damage to other people's property and injuries, not the cost of redoing your own work. Confirming property lines in writing before you build avoids most of these disputes.
Do fence contractors 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.
Is my auger covered if it's stolen from the trailer?
Only with equipment coverage. Commercial auto covers the vehicle and trailer, not the equipment on it.
Do I need a license to build fences in California?
Fence work on a job worth $1,000 or more in labor and materials combined generally needs a CSLB license, and fencing has its own classification, C-13.
Do you offer fence 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.