C-29 masonry licenses in California: who is insured today
CSLB lists 1,937 active C-29 licenses (CSLB license file, September 2026). 60% show a workers' comp policy on file, and 36% (702) have filed a workers' comp exemption, which means no employees. 48% are sole owners. The most licenses are in Los Angeles (368), Orange (197), Riverside (188).
If your license is one of the exempt ones, the rule changes on January 1, 2028: SB 216, as delayed by SB 1455, requires every active California contractor license to carry workers' comp, except joint ventures with no employees. A one-person shop will need a policy to keep the license active, even with no employees. Ask us early so the policy is in place before CSLB checks it.
| CSLB workers' comp status | Licenses | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Workers' comp policy on file | 1,169 | 60% |
| Exempt (no employees) | 702 | 36% |
| Other (leasing firm, self-insured, out of state, no current W/C) | 66 | 3% |
Note: Source: CSLB master license file, September 2026, licenses with CLEAR status. A license can hold more than one classification.
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.
- General liability is not required by CSLB (except for LLCs), but most general contractors and property owners require it.
Workers' comp class codes for masonry (WCIRB, effective 9/1/2026)
| Code | Description | Wage threshold | Rate per $100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5027 | Masonry, hourly wage under threshold | Under $37/hr | $9.332 |
| 5028 | Masonry, hourly wage at or above threshold | $37/hr or more | $4.928 |
| 5201 / 5205 | Concrete or cement work (low / high wage) | $36/hr | $8.245 / $4.748 |
Note: Advisory pure premium rates per $100 of payroll effective 9/1/2026, before each carrier's own rating. The lower code applies when the employee's regular hourly wage is under the threshold, the higher-wage code at or above it. Your actual premium depends on the carrier, payroll, class and experience.
What underwriters look at for masonry
- Structural masonry vs. veneer, block walls, chimneys, pavers and hardscape
- Retaining walls and wall height: a failed wall is a common and costly liability claim
- Height work and scaffolding, and who erects and inspects it
- Silica dust from cutting block, brick and stone, and your respiratory protection program
- New residential, tract or condo work: more markets decline it than accept it
- Years in business: some markets want two or more years for masonry and concrete building work
- Subcontractors and their certificates of insurance
Coverage we quote for this trade
- General liability (written through several admitted and surplus-lines markets)
- Workers' compensation (we check which markets take your class code and payroll)
- Commercial auto and hired/non-owned auto
- CSLB license bond and contract bonds
- Tools and equipment (inland marine)
- Umbrella/excess liability
What to have ready for a quote
- Annual revenue and payroll (employees vs. subcontractors)
- Work split: veneer, block, hardscape, retaining walls
- Tallest wall or scaffold height
- Vehicles and equipment values
- 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 masons use in California?
WCIRB class 5027 when the hourly wage is under $37 and 5028 at $37 or more. The advisory pure premium rates effective 9/1/2026 are $9.332 and $4.928 per $100 of payroll.
Does a C-29 mason need workers' comp?
Yes, as soon as you have an employee. From January 1, 2028, every active California contractor license needs workers' comp, except joint ventures with no employees.
Is concrete the same class as masonry?
No. Concrete or cement work is classified separately (WCIRB 5201/5205, and 5213 for concrete construction). If you do both, your payroll is split by the work performed.
Do masonry contractors need general liability?
CSLB does not require it except for LLCs, but general contractors and project owners almost always do, and they usually ask to be added as an additional insured.