Painting Contractor Insurance
Painting looks low risk until a ladder slips, overspray hits a neighbor's car, or a crew member is hurt on a two-story job. We place painters with carriers that write residential repaints, new construction, and commercial work, and we price the ladder and height exposure correctly.
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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 painting contractors get hurt by claims
These are the exposures carriers look at first when they price your policy.
Ladders and scaffolding
Falls are the most common serious injury for painters, and they drive both workers' comp and third-party claims.
Overspray and property damage
Paint on cars, roofs, or landscaping next door is a frequent general liability claim.
Lead paint on older homes
Pre-1978 homes bring lead-safe work rules. Many policies limit lead-related claims, so check your exclusions.
Fire from flammable materials
Solvents, rags, and stored materials can start fires on site or in your shop.
Coverage most painting contractors carry
We package these together so limits line up with your contracts and nothing overlaps.
General liability
Covers overspray, property damage, and injury claims, 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 work vans and trucks hauling ladders and materials.
Tools and equipment
Covers sprayers, ladders, and scaffolding.
Umbrella
Adds limits for commercial and HOA contracts that require more.
Painting insurance rules by state
California
C-33 painters 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
Painters need a Nevada State Contractors Board license and a bond. Workers' comp is required once you have employees.
Nevada contractor insuranceArizona
Painters 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 painting license, and workers' comp is optional for most employers. Most GCs and HOAs still require GL and workers' comp from painters.
Texas contractor insurancePainting insurance questions
Do painters need workers' comp in California with no employees?+
Not yet. C-33 painters 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.
Does general liability cover overspray on a neighbor's car?+
Generally, yes. Overspray damage to someone else's property is a typical general liability claim. Coverage depends on your policy wording and deductible, so confirm there is no exclusion for spray work.
What changed for California painting workers' comp in September 2026?+
For policies starting on or after September 1, 2026, the wage threshold between the high-wage and low-wage painting and waterproofing codes rose from $32 to $36 an hour.
Does my policy cover lead paint work?+
Many policies limit or exclude claims from lead exposure. If you work on older homes, tell your broker so the policy is written for that work, and follow lead-safe work practices.
Get your painting insurance quote
Free and no obligation. Most quotes are returned within one business day.