STATES WE SERVE
Contractor Insurance
All 50 States
Every state has different contractor licensing requirements, insurance minimums, bond amounts, and workers comp rules. Trade Safe Insurance knows all 50 — and we shop dozens of A-rated carriers to get you covered right, wherever you work.
✓ 20+ Years Experience
✓ Dozens of A-Rated Carriers
✓ Independent Agency
Find Your State
Click your state for specific licensing requirements, GL minimums, bond amounts, WC rules, and reciprocity information.
Alaska
Arizona STRICT
Arkansas
California STRICT
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida STRICT
Georgia
Hawaii STRICT
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana STRICT
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts STRICT
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada STRICT
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota MONO WC
Ohio MONO WC
Oklahoma
Oregon STRICT
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington MONO WC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming MONO WC
STRICT = strict licensing enforcement MONO WC = monopolistic workers comp state
How Contractor Insurance Requirements Vary by State
No two states are the same when it comes to contractor insurance requirements. Here’s what changes from state to state — and why it matters when you’re getting coverage.
GL Minimums
Range from $50,000 (Maryland MHIC minimum) to $1,000,000 (California, Hawaii, Nevada, New York City). Most states cluster at $300K–$500K. But state minimums are often lower than what project owners require by contract.
WC Thresholds
Some states (California, Florida, Washington) require WC from the first employee. Others don’t require it until you have 5 employees. Texas is unique — WC isn’t mandatory at all. Monopolistic states require WC through the state fund.
License Types
California has 3 license classes and 44 specialty classifications. Arizona has 60+. Six states have no statewide GC license at all. Some states separate residential from commercial. Some require a qualifying party exam. Every system is different.
Bond Requirements
Surety bond requirements range from $5,000 (Nevada entry-level, North Dakota) to $500,000 (high-volume Nevada contractors). California requires a $15,000 bond. Bonds are not insurance — they’re financial guarantees to the state and your clients.
Reciprocity
Some states honor licenses from neighboring states through reciprocity agreements — Alabama reciprocates with Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia. Most states have no reciprocity at all. Even with reciprocity, insurance requirements still apply.
Renewal Cycles
Annual, biennial, triennial — every state has a different renewal cycle. A missed renewal can suspend your license and void your insurance. Trade Safe clients get renewal reminders so they never face a lapse in coverage or licensure.
State Spotlight: Key Facts for Contractors
Strictest Licensing States
Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon — these states have the most active enforcement, highest GL minimums, and most complex licensing systems. If you’re working in these states, make sure your coverage is right-sized for their requirements — not just the minimum.
No Statewide License States
Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming — these states have no statewide general contractor license. Licensing is handled at the local/municipal level. But insurance requirements are still real — local permit offices and project owners require proof of GL coverage before work starts.
Texas: The Exception
Texas is unique in two ways: no statewide GC license AND workers compensation is not mandatory. Texas is the only state where WC is truly optional. However, non-subscriber status creates serious personal liability exposure and many GCs and public contracts require WC regardless of the law.
Monopolistic Workers Comp States
In these states, workers compensation must be purchased through the state fund — private carriers cannot write WC. Trade Safe can help with GL, commercial auto, tools, and umbrella in these states.
- North Dakota: North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) — workers comp not available through private carriers
- Ohio: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) — workers comp not available through private carriers
- Washington: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — workers comp not available through private carriers
- Wyoming: Wyoming Workers’ Safety and Compensation Division — workers comp not available through private carriers
Why Contractors in All 50 States Choose Trade Safe
We’re an independent insurance agency that specializes in contractor coverage. That means we work for you — not for any carrier.
50
States Served
Licensed and active in all 50 states
20+
Years of Experience
Two decades insuring contractors
Dozens
A-Rated Carriers
We shop so you don’t have to
Fast
Certificate Turnaround
COIs issued quickly when you need them
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states require contractor licenses?
Most states require some form of contractor licensing, but requirements vary dramatically. California, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona have some of the strictest systems with multiple license classifications and high insurance minimums. States like Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Vermont, and New Hampshire have no statewide general contractor license — licensing is handled locally. Trade Safe knows the requirements in every state and can help you meet them.
What states have monopolistic workers compensation?
Ohio, Washington, Wyoming, and North Dakota are monopolistic WC states — contractors in those states must purchase workers compensation through the state fund, not through private carriers. Trade Safe can help with GL, commercial auto, tools, and umbrella in those states, but WC goes directly through the state.
Does contractor insurance transfer across state lines?
Not automatically. If you hold a policy covering one state and take a job in another state, you may have a coverage gap. Some policies include ‘Other States’ endorsements that extend coverage to states where you occasionally work. If you regularly work in multiple states, Trade Safe can structure your policy to cover all your operating states properly.
What is the minimum GL insurance for contractors?
It depends entirely on the state and the type of work. Requirements range from $50,000 (Maryland MHIC minimum) to $1,000,000 (California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New York City). Most states cluster around $300,000–$500,000. However, the state minimum is often less than what project owners and GCs require by contract — always read your contracts carefully.
Can I get one policy to cover work in multiple states?
Yes — Trade Safe specializes in multi-state contractor coverage. We can structure a commercial general liability policy that covers your home state and all states where you take jobs, including appropriate endorsements for states with stricter requirements. Call us at (234) 231-8427 to discuss your multi-state coverage needs.
What’s the difference between a licensed and registered contractor?
A licensed contractor has passed exams, met insurance minimums, and is authorized to perform work by a state board. A registered contractor has submitted information to the state (often with a bond requirement) but may not have passed a trade exam. Registration is a lighter-touch requirement. Both typically require proof of insurance. The distinction matters when bidding on work — some project owners require full licensure, not just registration.
Get Contractor Insurance in Your State Today
Tell us your state and your trade. We’ll match you with the right carriers, meet your state’s specific requirements, and get your certificate of insurance ready fast.