Excavation carries the highest Workers Comp rates in construction. Underground utility strikes, trench collapses, and equipment damage can result in six-figure claims. Get properly covered.
SB 216 Alert: Under current California requirements, all CSLB contractors must carry workers' comp — sole proprietors when applicable. No-employee Workers’ Compensation eligibility depends on business structure, classification, and underwriting. Learn more →
Excavation has unique risks that require specialized coverage. We build policies that protect your equipment, crew, and liability.
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. Underground utility strikes, trench collapses, and equipment damage to adjacent property are common GL claims. CSLB requires minimum $1M/$2M for C-12 license.
Review Workers’ Compensation when employees are present; Excavation (class code 6217) is one of the highest-risk construction trades. Covers injuries from cave-ins, equipment rollovers, and heavy machinery.
Covers dump trucks, excavators on trailers, and other work vehicles. Commercial auto is required for any vehicle used in business operations.
Covers excavators, bulldozers, graders, and other heavy equipment against theft and damage. A single excavator can cost $100K–$500K+.
$25,000 CSLB bond required for all C-12 license holders. Protects consumers from incomplete or substandard excavation work.
Covers fuel spills, contaminated soil disturbance, and other pollution events during excavation. Increasingly required by GCs on commercial projects.
| Carrier | AM Best | Best For | Typical GL Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Insurance | A++ | Excavation & earthwork contractors | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Markel Insurance | A | Specialty excavation contractors | $1,400–$5,500 |
| Berkshire Hathaway GUARD | A++ | Established excavation firms | $1,600–$6,200 |
| Travelers | A++ | Commercial excavation projects | $1,700–$6,500 |
| ICW Group | A | CA-based excavation contractors | $1,300–$5,200 |
COI processing. carrier availability varies. Serving all of California.