Plumber insurance built around water damage.
General liability, workers' compensation, tools, commercial auto and license bonds for California plumbing contractors, from service calls to new construction.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
One leak can become a large claim
A failed fitting behind a wall can soak floors, cabinets and the unit below before anyone notices. Water damage is the claim plumbers see most, and carriers price and restrict coverage around it.
I match your plumbing business to carriers that fit the work you do, whether residential service, repiping, new construction or commercial, and set up workers' comp for your crew now and for the January 1, 2028 requirement.
- General liabilityWater damage and injuries caused by your work, including completed jobs.
- Workers' compRequired for employees now, and for all licensed contractors from January 1, 2028.
- Tools and equipmentTools, cameras, jetters and parts on the truck.
- Commercial autoService trucks and vans.
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: service and repair, repipes, new construction or commercial.
- Payroll: employees, payroll and subcontractor costs.
- Revenue: annual gross receipts.
- Vehicles and equipment: trucks and equipment value.
- History: current policies and loss runs.
Plumber insurance, answered
Does general liability cover water damage caused by a plumber?
It can cover damage to a customer's property caused by your work, but some policies limit or exclude certain water damage. The policy wording matters, so it's worth checking before a claim.
Do plumbers need workers' comp in California?
Yes if you have employees. Starting January 1, 2028, all CSLB-licensed contractors must carry workers' compensation, with limited exceptions.
Are my tools covered by general liability?
No. Tools and equipment need their own coverage, usually an inland marine or contractor's equipment policy.
What do property managers require from plumbers?
Usually proof of general liability, often $1 million per occurrence, with the property owner and manager named as additional insureds, plus workers' comp if you have employees.
Do you offer plumber 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, the work you do 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.
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.