California · Painting contractors
Painting contractor insurance in California
General liability, workers’ comp, commercial auto, and pollution coverage for overspray and lead on older homes. We place California painting contractors — including spray operations and pre-1978 repaints standard markets avoid.
Painting and decorating contractors hold a CSLB C-33 license and carry the $25,000 contractor bond.
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Why Setpoint for Painting contractors?
We cover the overspray, solvent-fire, and lead (pre-1978 RRP) exposure that generic painting policies exclude.
Independent and specialty-focused — we shop the surplus lines markets retail agents can’t reach directly.
Scaffolding and ladder fall exposure rated honestly so the comp quote actually holds.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What insurance does a painting contractor need in California?
A California painter typically carries general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and — for spray work or older homes — pollution coverage for overspray and lead. Solvent storage adds a fire exposure, so property and the pollution wording deserve a close read.
Does painting insurance cover overspray damage?
Overspray that drifts onto cars, neighboring buildings, or landscaping is a classic pollution-style claim that many general liability policies exclude. Spray operations usually need a pollution endorsement so an overspray complaint is actually covered.
Do I need lead coverage for painting older homes?
If you disturb paint in homes built before 1978 you fall under federal RRP lead-safe rules, and lead claims are commonly excluded from standard policies. Repainting older housing stock generally calls for coverage that contemplates lead exposure.
Does a painting contractor need workers’ comp in California?
Yes with employees, and SB 216 requires workers’ compensation as of January 1, 2026 for CSLB-licensed (C-33) contractors even with no employees. Falls from ladders and scaffolding make comp a meaningful line for painters.
How much does painting contractor insurance cost in California?
Premium is driven by payroll, interior versus exterior and spray versus brush work, the share of pre-1978 and commercial jobs, height of work, and loss history. Spray and lead exposure raise the rate, so an accurate operations description is what produces a fair quote.
Other trades we cover
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Tell us about your operation
Send a few details about your business and where you are in your policy term. Non-renewed or post-claim? That's our specialty — it won't shock us.