Quick answer: California C-21 demolition and building-moving contractors need the $25,000 CSLB license bond and workers' comp once they hire. Many standard carriers exclude demolition, so general liability usually comes from specialty markets. Asena quotes demolition GL through markets that write it (interior and residential demolition places most easily; buildings over three stories get extra underwriting).
C-21 Building Moving/Demolition contractors in California — CSLB numbers
CSLB lists 1,701 active licenses with the C-21 classification (CSLB license file, September 2026). The most are in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. Many also hold a B license (702), an A license (657) or HAZ certification (352).
What CSLB requires
Every active license needs the $25,000 CSLB contractor license bond. LLC licenses also need a $100,000 employee/worker bond and $1M–$5M of liability insurance.
Workers' comp: required as soon as you have an employee, and for every active license from January 1, 2028 (SB 216, as delayed by SB 1455), except joint ventures with no employees.
What underwriters look at
Interior/selective demolition vs. full structure wrecking
Building height (over 3 stories is a red flag for many markets)
Asbestos, lead and hazardous materials — usually excluded; pollution coverage is separate
Explosives — excluded by most markets
Dust, debris and damage to adjacent property
Coverage we quote for this trade
General liability (several markets write this trade)
Commercial auto and hired/non-owned auto
CSLB license bond and contract bonds
Tools and equipment (inland marine)
Umbrella/excess
Workers' compensation: few markets write this trade — call us and we will tell you honestly what is available
What to have ready for a quote
Revenue and payroll; % interior vs. structural demolition
Maximum building height
Hazardous-material handling and certifications
Equipment and trucks
Current policy and losses
Get a quote
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
Why is demolition insurance hard to find?
Many standard carriers exclude demolition entirely. It is written by specialty and excess-and-surplus markets that underwrite building height, methods and hazardous materials.
Does demolition GL cover asbestos?
Usually not. Asbestos and other pollutants are excluded from most GL policies; contractors pollution liability is a separate policy.