Low voltage insurance for the install and the monitoring.
General liability, errors and omissions, workers' comp, tools, commercial auto and license bonds for alarm, camera, access control, cabling and AV contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
The claim that comes after the install
Low voltage work rarely starts a fire, but it creates a different kind of claim: an alarm that didn't signal, a camera that didn't record, or a door that didn't lock, followed by a burglary or a loss. Those claims allege a failure in your service, and general liability often isn't written to answer them. Security and alarm contractors usually need errors and omissions coverage as well.
In California, low voltage contractors are licensed by the CSLB under the C-7 classification, and alarm company operators are also licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). I set up coverage around the work you actually do, whether that's cabling in new construction, residential security, or monitored systems for commercial clients.
- General liabilityDamage to buildings and injuries caused by your work, including drilling, pulling cable and ceiling work.
- Errors and omissionsClaims that a system you designed, installed or monitored failed to work as promised.
- Workers' compRequired for employees now, and for all licensed contractors from January 1, 2028.
- Tools and autoTesters, ladders, inventory and the service vans that carry them.
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, plus BSIS license if you install or monitor alarms.
- Work: security, cameras, access control, cabling, AV or fire alarm, with rough percentages.
- Monitoring: whether you monitor in-house, through a third-party central station, or not at all.
- Contracts: a sample customer agreement, including any limitation-of-liability wording.
- Payroll and revenue: employees, subcontractor costs and gross receipts.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Low voltage contractor insurance, answered
Why do alarm and security contractors need errors and omissions?
When a system fails to detect a break-in or a fire, the customer's claim is that your service failed, not that you physically damaged something. Many general liability policies exclude or limit professional services, so security contractors usually carry E&O written for alarm work.
Who licenses alarm companies in California?
Low voltage installation falls under the CSLB's C-7 classification. Alarm company operators are also licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Check both agencies' current requirements for the work you do.
Does it matter who does the monitoring?
Yes. Monitoring in-house, contracting with a third-party central station, and installing systems customers monitor themselves are rated differently. Your customer contracts, especially limitation-of-liability language, also matter to carriers.
Do low voltage contractors need workers' comp?
If you have employees, yes. Starting January 1, 2028, all CSLB-licensed contractors must carry workers' compensation, with limited exceptions.
Does general liability cover equipment I haven't installed yet?
No. Cameras, panels and cable in your van or at the job site are your property, covered under a tools and equipment or installation policy, not general liability.
Do you offer low voltage 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.
Tell me what you install. I'll shop it.
Your license numbers, the systems you install 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. 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.