Quick answer: California C-13 fencing contractors need the $25,000 CSLB license bond, workers' comp once they hire (and on every active license from 2028), and usually general liability because GCs, HOAs and property owners require it. Fence erection is rated under WCIRB class 6400. Asena quotes GL and workers' comp for fence contractors through several markets.
C-13 Fencing contractors in California — CSLB numbers
CSLB lists 1,703 active licenses with the C-13 classification (CSLB license file, September 2026). The most are in Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside counties. Many also hold a B General Building license (376) or an A General Engineering license (129).
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
Fence type: wood, vinyl, chain link, ornamental iron or block — metal and masonry fences rate differently
Auger and post-hole digging near buried utilities (call 811 before you dig)
Residential vs. commercial vs. public works jobs
Gates and automatic gate operators (higher liability)
Subcontractors and their certificates
Workers' comp class codes (WCIRB, effective 9/1/2026)
Code
Description
Rate per $100
6400
Fence erection
$6.017
Note: Advisory pure premium rates per $100 of payroll, before each carrier's own rating. Your actual premium depends on the carrier, payroll and experience.
Coverage we quote for this trade
General liability (several markets write this trade)
Workers' compensation
Commercial auto and hired/non-owned auto
CSLB license bond and contract bonds
Tools and equipment (inland marine)
Umbrella/excess
What to have ready for a quote
Annual revenue and payroll
Fence types you install and % residential/commercial
Any gate operator or electrical work
Vehicles and equipment
Current policy and 3–5 years of 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
What workers' comp code do fence contractors use in California?
WCIRB class 6400, Fence Erection. The advisory pure premium rate effective September 1, 2026 is $6.017 per $100 of payroll.
Do fence contractors need general liability in California?
CSLB does not require it except for LLCs, but most general contractors, HOAs and property managers require at least $1M per occurrence before you start.