Built to last. Insured to match.
Coverage for custom home builders, spec builders, ADU builders and general contractors doing residential and commercial work.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Your exposure outlasts the job
In California, construction defect claims can surface years after a home is finished: the Right to Repair Act (SB 800) sets a process for them, and latent defect claims can be brought up to ten years after completion. That's why residential builders need GL written for completed operations and why many standard markets avoid new residential construction.
Larger projects may use a wrap-up (OCIP or CCIP) that insures everyone on site under one program, and owners often require an owners and contractors protective (OCP) policy. I place builder GL, builder's risk, wrap-ups and workers' comp with markets that write residential construction.
- General liabilityIncluding completed operations for construction defects.
- Builder's riskThe structure and materials during construction.
- Wrap-ups and OCPProject-specific programs owners require.
- Workers' compYour crews, and verification of subs' coverage.
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 B license and years in business.
- Work: new construction vs. remodel, residential vs. commercial.
- Projects: number of homes per year and average value.
- Subcontractors: costs, contracts and insurance you require.
- Completed projects: homes finished in the last ten years.
- History: current policies and claims, including defect claims.
Home builder insurance, answered
Why is new residential construction hard to insure?
Construction defect claims can arise years after completion, so many carriers avoid it. Specialty markets write builders with completed-operations coverage.
What is a wrap-up?
An owner- or contractor-controlled insurance program (OCIP or CCIP) that covers the owner, general contractor and subcontractors on a single project.
What is OCP insurance?
Owners and contractors protective liability protects the project owner for claims arising from the contractor's work; owners often require it.
What do underwriters rate on?
Type of work, project values, volume, subcontractor controls and claims history.
Do you offer home builder 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.
Tell me about your projects. I'll shop it.
Your license, project types and annual volume 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.