Hot asphalt, heavy rollers, long warranties.
General liability with completed operations, contractor's equipment, commercial auto and workers' comp for paving, sealcoating and striping contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Lots, driveways and traffic
Paving work puts hot material, heavy equipment and live traffic in the same place. Claims come from trip-and-fall suits over new lots, cars driving through fresh sealcoat, damage to curbs and underground lines, and dump trucks on the road between jobs.
In California, paving falls under the CSLB C-12 Earthwork and Paving license, while sealcoating and striping fit the C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement license. I quote general liability with completed operations, an equipment floater for pavers and rollers, commercial auto for trucks and trailers, and workers' comp sized to your crew.
- General liabilityThird-party injury and property damage on the job.
- Completed operationsClaims after the lot or driveway is finished.
- Contractor's equipmentPavers, rollers, sealcoat rigs and striping machines.
- Commercial autoDump trucks, tack trucks and equipment 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 classes.
- Work mix: paving, sealcoat, striping, repair.
- Customers: homeowners, HOAs, commercial or public works.
- Equipment: list with values.
- Vehicles: trucks, trailers and drivers.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures and subcontractor costs.
Paving contractor insurance, answered
Is a car driving through wet sealcoat covered?
Damage to someone else's car is often handled under general liability, subject to the policy terms. Cones, signs and tape at the job help both safety and the claim.
Do I need workers' comp if it's just me?
Under current California law, contractors with certain classes must carry workers' comp even without employees, and more classes are scheduled to follow. I check your classes against the CSLB rules.
Does my auto policy cover the roller on a trailer?
Commercial auto covers the truck and trailer. The roller itself usually needs a contractor's equipment floater.
Will HOAs and property managers ask for certificates?
Almost always, often with additional insured and waiver of subrogation wording. I issue those once the policy includes them.
Do you offer paving 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.
Insure your paving crew.
Send your license, equipment list and truck schedule, and I'll quote liability, equipment, auto and comp together.
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.
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(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.