Painting insurance for every coat.
General liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto and CSLB bonds for interior and exterior painting contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
What painters need covered
Painters face ladder and scaffold falls, overspray on cars and neighboring homes, and damage to finished interiors. General contractors and property managers will ask for a certificate before you start.
Workers' comp is required as soon as you have employees, and California's 2028 law will require it for all contractors. I place painting contractors with carriers that write the trade, including spray and high-work exposures.
- General liabilityOverspray, spills and damage to property.
- Workers' compRequired with employees, and for all contractors from 2028.
- Commercial autoTrucks and vans that carry crews and materials.
- License bondThe 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: interior, exterior, residential or commercial.
- Methods: spraying, sandblasting or lead paint.
- Height: the tallest buildings you paint.
- Payroll and revenue: employees and gross receipts.
- History: current policies and claims.
Painting contractor insurance, answered
Does liability cover overspray on a car?
Damage to other people's property caused by your work is generally covered by general liability, subject to the policy terms.
Do painters need workers' comp?
Yes, with employees. From 2028, California will require it for all licensed contractors.
What about lead paint?
Many liability policies exclude pollution, including lead. Contractors pollution liability can fill that gap.
Can I get a certificate the same day?
Often yes, once a policy is bound.
Do you offer painting 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.