California Contractor Insurance
Asena Capital Insurance Services — California-licensed insurance brokerage serving contractors statewide. Phone: (858) 925-9555. Email: info@asenainsurance.com.
In California, a handyman without a CSLB license can only take jobs under the minor work exemption: under $1,000 in labor and materials combined, no building permit required, and no employees (AB 2622, effective January 1, 2025). Unlicensed handymen who advertise must say they are not licensed. Above that, a CSLB license is required.
Irvine has 1,335 active CSLB contractor licenses (September 2026); work above the minor-work limit must go to one of them.
For handymen, underwriters focus first on: personal vehicles used for work; and damage to customers' homes and belongings. See the full coverage guide for handymen for limits, endorsements and workers' comp rules.
Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for Irvine contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.
It is not required by CSLB for unlicensed minor work, but most customers, property managers and HOAs ask for it, and one claim can exceed the value of many jobs.