The outside of the house, insured from the ladder up.
General liability with completed operations, workers' comp, contractor fleet, tools and license bond coverage for siding, sheet metal and exterior cladding contractors.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Ladders, scaffolds and water behind the wall
Siding crews work on ladders and scaffolds, so falls drive workers' comp. The bigger liability claims come later: water that gets behind poorly flashed siding can rot framing and grow mold, and the claim arrives long after the job is closed.
I place siding contractors with completed operations coverage that holds up for that delayed damage, plus workers' comp, a fleet policy for trucks and trailers, and the license bond the Contractors State License Board requires.
- Completed operationsWater and mold claims after the job.
- Workers' compFalls from ladders and scaffolds.
- Contractor fleetTrucks, trailers and lifts.
- License bondRequired by CSLB for licensed contractors.
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 classification.
- Work: residential or commercial, new or replacement.
- Height: most stories you work on.
- Crew: employees and subcontractors.
- Vehicles: trucks, trailers and lifts.
- History: current policies and claims.
Siding contractor insurance, answered
Why do siding claims show up years later?
Water damage behind siding is usually found long after the job. Completed operations coverage responds to claims from finished work, subject to the policy terms.
Do insurers care how many stories I work on?
Yes. Work above two or three stories is often rated higher, and some markets cap height.
Do I need workers' comp?
California requires it once you have employees, and a change taking effect in 2028 extends it to more licensed contractors. My 2028 page has the details.
What if I use subcontractors?
Insurers want their certificates on file. An uninsured sub's injury or damage can land on your policy.
Do you offer siding 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 license number. I'll shop it.
CSLB number, payroll and the kind of jobs 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.