C-54 tile licenses in California: who is insured today
CSLB lists 5,701 active C-54 licenses (CSLB license file, September 2026). 45% show a workers' comp policy on file, and 53% (3,021) have filed a workers' comp exemption, which means no employees. 55% are sole owners. The most licenses are in Los Angeles (863), San Diego (640), Orange (522).
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 | 2,572 | 45% |
| Exempt (no employees) | 3,021 | 53% |
| Other (leasing firm, self-insured, out of state, no current W/C) | 108 | 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, builders and homeowners want it.
Workers' comp class code for tile (WCIRB, effective 9/1/2026)
| Code | Description | Rate per $100 |
|---|---|---|
| 5348 | Tile, stone, mosaic or terrazzo work, installation of | $5.047 |
Note: Advisory pure premium rate per $100 of payroll effective 9/1/2026, before each carrier's own rating.
What underwriters look at for tile
- Shower, tub and floor waterproofing: water-intrusion claims are a common and costly tile claim
- Residential remodel vs. new construction vs. commercial work
- Large-format tile, stone and countertops: heavy lifting injuries and breakage
- Silica dust from cutting tile and stone
- Condo or multi-story work: floors above other units raise damage exposure
- Employees vs. 1099 helpers, and whether helpers 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. helpers)
- Share of bathrooms/showers, floors, countertops and commercial work
- Waterproofing method and who warrants it
- Vehicles and tool 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 is the workers' comp code for tile installers in California?
WCIRB class 5348, tile, stone, mosaic or terrazzo work. The advisory pure premium rate effective 9/1/2026 is $5.047 per $100 of payroll.
Do tile setters need workers' comp?
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.
Do tile contractors need general liability?
CSLB does not require it except for LLCs, but general contractors, builders and many homeowners require proof of liability coverage before you start.
What is the C-54 license?
C-54 is the CSLB Ceramic and Mosaic Tile classification. A license is required for tile work on jobs of $1,000 or more in labor and materials (the limit rose from $500 in 2025).