Business insurance FAQ

Yes. California requires every employer to carry workers' compensation, even with a single part-time employee. Contractors also need a workers' comp certificate or exemption on file with the CSLB.

Same business day. Email or call us with the certificate holder details and we turn it around the same day, usually within hours.

We aren't tied to one insurance company. We compare multiple carriers and recommend the best mix of coverage and price, at no extra cost to you.

Insurance for owners of commercial buildings leased to tenants. It covers the building and the owner's liability, and is typically much less expensive than a standard business policy.

Often, yes. Through specialty and excess & surplus lines markets we place trucking, bars, high-risk trades and other hard-to-place risks.

Our office is in La Crescenta, but we insure businesses across California. Everything can be done by phone, email and e-signature.

Yes. California requires all employers to carry workers' compensation, even for one part-time employee.

Premium is based on your payroll, the classification code for each type of work, and your claims history (experience modification). Getting codes right is one of the biggest ways we save clients money.

State law does not require it for most businesses, but leases, contracts, licensing boards and clients very often do. LLC contractors must carry liability coverage to be licensed with the CSLB.

Same business day. Send us the certificate holder information and any required wording.

Often, yes. We work with specialty markets that consider drivers and vehicles standard carriers decline.

You should consider hired and non-owned auto coverage, which protects your business when employees drive their own vehicles on company business.

Workers' compensation, commercial auto and professional liability are separate policies.

BOPs are designed for small to mid-size businesses with lower-hazard operations. Higher-risk operations may need a custom package, which we also place.

A BOP is for a business operating on the premises. Lessor's risk is for an owner leasing the building to others.

Yes. Your lease should require tenants to carry general liability and name you as additional insured. We can help with the wording.

It depends on the contract. Either can, and the policy can protect both. We review your contract to make sure everyone is covered.

Usually not. Tools and equipment are covered by an inland marine (tools and equipment) policy.

The bond amount is $25,000. Your annual cost is a small percentage of that, based mainly on credit.

Most license bonds can be issued within one business day.

It depends on your contracts, assets and exposure. Many small businesses start at $1M–$2M; contracts frequently specify the amount.

Excess follows the terms of the underlying policy; an umbrella can sometimes provide broader coverage. We explain the differences in your proposal.

It is not mandatory, but attorneys without it generally must disclose that to clients in writing under California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.4.2.

Yes, nearly all lawyers policies are claims-made, so keeping continuous coverage and prior acts dates matters.

It depends on your trade, payroll, revenue, claims history and the limits your contracts require. We compare multiple carriers to show you several price points for the same coverage.

A sole owner with no employees can generally file an exemption with the CSLB, except roofers (C-39), who must carry workers' comp. Once you hire, coverage is required.

Yes. Any business that sells or serves alcohol has liquor liability exposure, and many landlords require the coverage.

Often. We work with specialty and excess & surplus markets that write bars and late-night venues.

Yes. We have markets for new ventures, though experience and driver records strongly affect pricing.

Vehicle schedule, driver list with license numbers, commodities hauled, radius, and any prior loss runs.

No. The landlord's policy covers the building; you need your own coverage for contents, liability and lost income.

Yes. Many policies include a seasonal increase or we can add one.

Yes. Distributors and retailers can be named in product claims. Vendor endorsements from manufacturers help but are not a substitute.

Because U.S. plaintiffs often cannot reach foreign manufacturers, importers are frequently treated as the responsible party.

Often yes, through specialty carriers. Updates to roofs, electrical, plumbing and heating help with eligibility and price.

Requiring renters insurance in your lease reduces disputes and claims against your policy.