Brick, block and stone, built to last.
General liability, workers' comp, equipment and commercial auto for brick, block, stone veneer, paver and hardscape contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Heavy material, long-lived claims
Masonry crews lift heavy units, work off scaffolds and cut block and stone with saws that throw silica dust, so workers' comp is usually the largest part of the cost. On the liability side, a leaning retaining wall, a cracked chimney or water getting behind veneer can surface years after the job.
CSLB's C-29 classification covers brick, block, stone, veneer and masonry paving. I place masonry contractors with carriers that write the trade, including retaining walls and chimney work, which some carriers limit.
- General liabilityProperty damage and completed-work claims.
- Workers' compLifting, falls and silica exposure.
- EquipmentMixers, saws, scaffolding and forklifts.
- Commercial autoTrucks and material trailers.
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: brick, block, stone veneer, pavers or chimneys.
- Heights: scaffold use and the tallest walls you build.
- Equipment: mixers, saws and lifts, and their value.
- Payroll: employees, payroll and subcontractor costs.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Masonry contractor insurance, answered
Do masonry contractors need workers' comp with no employees?
Today it's required once you have employees. California is moving to require it for every licensed contractor; my 2028 guide covers the timing.
Does liability cover a retaining wall that fails?
It can cover damage the failed wall causes to other property or people, subject to the policy. Rebuilding the wall itself is typically not covered.
Are retaining walls and chimneys harder to insure?
Some carriers limit wall height or exclude chimney work. Tell me what you build so the policy matches it.
Is my scaffolding covered if it's stolen?
Only with inland marine or equipment coverage. General liability doesn't cover your own tools.
Do you offer masonry contractor insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your C-29 number. I'll shop it.
Your CSLB number, payroll and the kind of masonry you do 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. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.