Framing insurance built for new construction.
General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto and CSLB bonds for framing and rough carpentry contractors on custom homes, tracts and multi-family projects.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
Framers carry the building for years
Framing sits under everything that comes after it, so when a building has problems years later, the framer is often named. Completed operations coverage, and whether your policy excludes tract homes, condos or multi-family work, matter as much as the price.
Many carriers limit or decline residential new construction in California, so framers are often placed with specialty and surplus lines markets. I read the exclusions, review wrap-up enrollment on larger projects and match the policy to the contracts you sign.
- General liabilityInjuries and property damage, with completed operations for work you've finished.
- Workers' compFalls, lifting and power-tool injuries. Required with employees, and for all licensed contractors from 2028.
- Commercial autoTrucks and trailers that carry crews and lumber.
- 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: custom homes, tracts, multi-family, commercial or remodels, with rough percentages.
- Projects: the largest building and tallest structure you frame.
- Wrap-ups: any OCIP or CCIP projects you're enrolled in.
- Payroll and revenue: employees, subcontractor costs and gross receipts.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Framing contractor insurance, answered
What is a wrap-up, and do I still need my own policy?
An owner-controlled (OCIP) or contractor-controlled (CCIP) insurance program covers enrolled contractors for work on one project. You still need your own policy for every job outside the wrap-up, and many liability policies exclude wrap-up projects, so the two have to fit together.
Why is completed operations coverage so important for framers?
Problems like water intrusion or structural movement can show up years after a building is finished, and the framer is often named. Completed operations coverage responds to claims from finished work, subject to the policy terms.
Why won't some carriers write tract or condo framing?
Residential new construction in California carries significant construction defect exposure, so many standard carriers exclude tract homes, condos or multi-family work. Specialty markets write it with their own conditions.
Do framers 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.
Does my liability policy cover the building during construction?
No. Damage to the structure while it's being built is usually covered by a builder's risk policy, typically bought by the owner or general contractor.
Do you offer framing 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, project mix, 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.