First notice of loss
Use the carrier or broker's designated reporting channel and provide the date, location, people involved, property, vehicles, injuries, and immediate safety steps.
Insurance Claims Preparation Guide for California Contractors
A clear claims process resource is a trust and education asset, not a promise that a claim will be paid or resolved in a particular way. Contractors can reduce confusion by organizing policy information, documenting the event, preserving records, and following the carrier's reporting instructions.
Request a Contractor Coverage ReviewWho should review this coverage?
This guide is for California contractors preparing for a possible property, liability, workers' compensation, auto, equipment, cargo, or project-related claim. The policy, carrier, legal requirements, and facts of the loss control the response.
California contractor exposures to discuss
Evidence and records
Preserve photographs, video, contracts, invoices, estimates, payroll records, time logs, delivery documents, witness information, and communications relevant to the event.
Mitigation and safety
Take reasonable steps to protect people and prevent further damage, but do not discard evidence or make admissions beyond what is appropriate for the situation.
Coverage and cooperation
The carrier evaluates coverage under the policy terms. Contractors should cooperate, provide requested information, and coordinate with counsel or adjusters when directed.
What to prepare for an underwriting review
Claims handling is carrier-specific and fact-specific. A broker can help a contractor understand the reporting path and organize information, but cannot guarantee coverage, payment, timing, or claim outcome. Legal, safety, and workers' compensation questions may require separate professionals.
- Current policy numbers and carrier contact information
- Emergency contacts and jobsite safety procedures
- Contracts, certificates, photos, estimates, and invoices
- Vehicle, equipment, employee, and witness records
- Written chronology of the event and mitigation steps
Contractor Insurance by California City
Explore localized contractor insurance guidance for major California markets. Each city hub explains local project context, CSLB and workers compensation considerations, coverage questions, and information to prepare for a broker review.
Coverage availability, pricing, limits, effective dates, and binding are subject to complete information, policy terms, carrier eligibility, and underwriting. This page is general information, not a coverage promise or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Connect this review to your contractor program
Coverage should be reviewed alongside the contractor's trade, employees, vehicles, projects, contracts, tools, and existing policies. Terms, eligibility, pricing, and effective dates depend on the actual business and underwriting.
Start a Coverage ReviewContractor Insurance by California City
Explore localized contractor insurance guidance for major California markets. Each city hub explains local project context, CSLB and workers compensation considerations, coverage questions, and information to prepare for a broker review.