C-33 painting licenses in California: who is insured today
CSLB lists 14,657 active C-33 licenses (CSLB license file, September 2026). 45% show a workers' comp policy on file, and 53% (7,725) have filed a workers' comp exemption, which means no employees. 58% are sole owners. The most licenses are in Los Angeles (2,661), Orange (1,332), San Diego (1,308).
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 | 6,641 | 45% |
| Exempt (no employees) | 7,725 | 53% |
| Other (leasing firm, self-insured, out of state, no current W/C) | 291 | 2% |
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, HOAs and property managers require it.
Workers' comp class codes for painting (WCIRB, effective 9/1/2026)
| Code | Description | Wage threshold | Rate per $100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5474 | Painting and waterproofing, hourly wage under threshold | Under $36/hr | $8.509 |
| 5482 | Painting and waterproofing, hourly wage at or above threshold | $36/hr or more | $4.778 |
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 painters
- Interior vs. exterior, and the tallest building you paint
- Spray application: overspray damage to cars and neighboring property is a common claim
- Pre-1978 homes: lead-safe work practices under the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting rule
- Ladders, scaffolds and lifts: falls drive workers' comp claims
- Residential vs. commercial and condo, HOA and multi-family work
- Employees vs. 1099 crews, and whether crews carry their own 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. crews)
- Interior/exterior and residential/commercial split
- Spray work and tallest building
- Pre-1978 housing work
- 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 painters use in California?
WCIRB class 5474 when the hourly wage is under $36 and 5482 at $36 or more. The 9/1/2026 advisory pure premium rates are $8.509 and $4.778 per $100 of payroll.
Do painters need workers' comp in California?
Yes, as soon as you have an employee. From January 1, 2028, every active California contractor license must carry workers' comp, except joint ventures with no employees.
What does painter's liability insurance cover?
General liability pays for third-party bodily injury and property damage from your work, such as overspray on a neighbor's car, subject to the policy wording and exclusions.
Do painters need a license in California?
A C-33 Painting and Decorating license is required for painting jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials (the limit rose from $500 in 2025).