Insurance a plumber needs
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contractor license bond | $25,000, filed with CSLB |
| Workers' comp | Required once you have an employee. From 1/1/2028, required on every active license with limited exceptions |
| General liability | Not a CSLB requirement for most licenses, but customers, GCs and property managers ask for it. Water damage and completed work are the main exposures |
| Commercial auto | For service vans and trucks |
| LLC extras | A $100,000 employee/worker bond plus required liability insurance |
Plumbing workers' comp rates
| Code | Hourly wage | Rate per $100 | On $100,000 payroll |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5183 | Under $35 | $5.716 | $5,716 |
| 5187 | $35 or more | $2.732 | $2,732 |
Note: Advisory pure premium rates effective 9/1/2026, before each carrier's own rating.
Who is insured today
CSLB's September 2026 license file shows 16,591 active C-36 licenses in good standing. Of those, 7,833 report a workers' comp policy and 8,453 are exempt, which usually means no employees. 212 use a leasing firm. Los Angeles (4,364), San Diego (1,554) and Orange (1,389) counties have the most plumbers. The large exempt group is the reason the 2028 rule matters to plumbers.
What drives plumbers' liability claims
- Water damage from a leak that appears after the work was done
- Faulty installation of fixtures, water heaters and gas lines
- Damage to floors, walls and finishes while opening walls or moving equipment
- Customer injury or property damage on site
Get a plumber quote
Send us your license number, payroll and number of employees and we will compare the markets. Some programs decline California plumbing, so we check before you apply. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a review online — only your name, phone and email are required; we collect project details by phone. Asena Capital Insurance Services, CA License #6008596.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance does a C-36 plumbing contractor need in California?
A $25,000 contractor bond, workers' comp if you have employees, and general liability if your customers or contracts require it. LLCs also need the $100,000 employee/worker bond.
What is the workers' comp class code for plumbers?
WCIRB class 5183 for employees paid under $35 an hour and 5187 for $35 or more.
Do I need workers' comp as a one-person plumber?
Not today if you have no employees and file an exemption. From 1/1/2028 every active license needs it, except joint ventures with no employees.
How much is plumber workers' comp?
The advisory rates are $5.716 per $100 of payroll for 5183 and $2.732 for 5187, before each carrier's own rating.