Drywall Contractor Insurance
Drywall crews move fast on busy job sites, often as subs under tight GC insurance requirements. We place drywall contractors with carriers that understand new construction, tenant improvements, and repair work, and we set up the certificates GCs ask for.
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Wage threshold applies to policies starting on or after September 1, 2026. See what changed and the 2028 workers' comp deadline.
Where drywall contractors get hurt by claims
These are the exposures carriers look at first when they price your policy.
Strain and repetitive injuries
Hanging board is heavy, repetitive work. Cumulative injuries are a growing share of workers' comp claims.
Falls from stilts and scaffolds
Stilts, benches, and scaffolds create fall exposure on every job.
Damage to other trades' work
Cutting into hidden plumbing or wiring is a common property damage claim.
Subcontractor requirements
GCs usually require additional insured status, waiver of subrogation, and specific limits before you start.
Coverage most drywall contractors carry
We package these together so limits line up with your contracts and nothing overlaps.
General liability
Covers damage to others' property and injuries on site, including completed operations.
Workers' compensation
Required once you have employees. Required for every California license starting January 1, 2028.
Contractor license bond
Required to hold or renew your license.
Commercial auto
Covers trucks hauling board, mud, and tools.
Tools and equipment
Covers lifts, stilts, sanders, and texture rigs.
Umbrella
Adds limits when GC contracts require more coverage.
Drywall insurance rules by state
California
C-9 drywall contractors can file a no-employee workers' comp exemption until January 1, 2028. After that date, nearly every license class needs a policy.
California contractor insuranceNevada
Drywall contractors need a Nevada State Contractors Board license and a bond. Workers' comp is required once you have employees.
Nevada contractor insuranceArizona
Drywall contractors need an Arizona Registrar of Contractors license and a bond. Workers' comp is required once you have employees.
Arizona contractor insuranceTexas
Texas has no statewide drywall license, and workers' comp is optional for most employers. Most GCs still require GL and workers' comp from subs.
Texas contractor insuranceDrywall insurance questions
Do drywall contractors need workers' comp in California with no employees?+
Not yet. C-9 drywall contractors with no employees can file an exemption with the CSLB until January 1, 2028. After that date, the exemption ends for nearly every license class under SB 216.
What changed for California drywall workers' comp in September 2026?+
For policies starting on or after September 1, 2026, the wage threshold between the high-wage and low-wage wallboard codes rose from $41 to $45 an hour. Hangers and finishers paid below $45 now fall into the more expensive code.
What do GCs usually require from drywall subs?+
Most require a certificate showing general liability, workers' comp, and auto, plus additional insured status, primary and non-contributory wording, and a waiver of subrogation. Many also require an umbrella on commercial jobs.
Why did my audit add my subcontractors' payroll?+
If a sub cannot show a valid certificate for the dates they worked, most carriers count what you paid them as your payroll. Collect a certificate from every sub before they start.
Get your drywall insurance quote
Free and no obligation. Most quotes are returned within one business day.