As part of the application process, general and specialty contractors who want to obtain a Contractor License in California are required by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to purchase a California Contractor License (Roofer or Pool License) Bond.
While the state requires all contractors to obtain a $25,000 Contractor License Bond, swimming pool and roofing contractors are held to higher standards in the application process for this bond. They are held to higher standards because surety companies find that bonds written for pool and roofing contractors, compared to other classifications, have a higher number of claims. As such, it’s essential to complete the correct application. If you are neither a pool nor roofer contractor and need a California Contractor License Bond, apply here. If you are a pool/roofer contractor, keep reading to learn more.
**Effective January 1st, 2023, the CA Contractor License Bond, Bond of Qualifying Individual, and Contractors Disciplinary Bond will increase to a $25,000 bond amount as a result of Senate Bill 607. This page has been updated to reflect that.**
In the state of California, contractors must have a license in order to perform most types of construction and home improvement work. One of the contractor-licensing requirements is obtaining a surety bond.
The California Contractor License (Roofer or Pool License) Bond guarantees that roofing and pool contractors will abide by all state laws and regulations while performing work. The bond protects consumers from damages that the contractor may cause when failing to adhere to those laws. For example, if a licensed contractor commits a fraudulent act, the injured party can file a claim on the contractor’s bond and receive compensation from the surety company for damages up to the bond amount. The bonded contractor is ultimately responsible for reimbursing the surety for all valid claims that get paid out, plus any additional expenses incurred.
In addition to the $25,000 bond, contractor license applicants that register as an LLC must also obtain the $100,000 California LLC Employee/Worker Bond.
How much you pay for your bond depends on several factors, including the bond amount, your experience within the industry, and, most importantly, your credit. The California Pool and Roofing Contractor Bond has a bond amount of $25,000. Fortunately, that isn’t what you’ll pay for the bond.
The surety company will calculate your premium rate, which is only a percentage of the bond amount, based on the factors mentioned above. However, because roof and swimming pool contractor license bonds often have more claims than other license types, surety companies have established more strict underwriting parameters for applicants. For individuals with excellent credit and several years of experience, you may see quotes start around 1-2% of the bond amount. If you have nonstandard credit, apply for your free quote anyways. At EZ Surety Bonds, we work with multiple sureties to try to find you the best quote.
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is the obligee for swimming pool and roofing contractor license bonds. Their contact information is as follows:
Contractors State License Board
9821 Business Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (800) 321-CSLB (2752)
Outside California: (916) 255-3900
At EZ Surety Bonds, we aim to make surety bonding simple, fast, and stress-free. By filling out the short application form, you can get your free quote in as little as 24 hours.
Our surety experts are here to assist you throughout the process. If you have any questions along the way, contact us at apps@southcoastsurety.com or call us at 1-800-361-1720.
How do I become a licensed contractor in California?
To become a licensed contractor in California—assuming you meet the basic age and experience requirements—you must:
For more information, check out our guide to obtaining a Contractor License in California.
How much is a Roofing or Swimming Pool Contractor License Bond in California?
All contractors in California are required to obtain a $25,000 Contractor License Bond. Swimming pool and roofing contractors must also meet this requirement. However, because licensed contractors with these classifications tend to have more claims filed against their bonds, the bond premiums are typically higher. If you are an experienced contractor with excellent credit, you may see quotes starting around 1-2% of the bond amount. However, every applicant varies, so fill out the short application on our site to get your free quote in as little as 24 hours.
I purchased my California Pool/Roofer Contractor License Bond—now what?
After purchasing your contractor license bond, the original document will be mailed to you. You must file the bond with the obligee, the CSLB, within 90 days of implementation. The filing requirement for every obligee varies; however, the California CSLB will accept the original document or an electronically filed version. Whether or not you can file electronically will depend on the surety company that writes your bond.
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I have processed 2 defective title bonds through South Coast Surety and I am the type that gets worried for any little detail and want to make sure everything is done correctly the first time to prevent double work for myself and everybody. Knowing how I am both times I had to call customer service and they answered every little question I had in a very nice and gratifying way that made me feel I would not have any problems in which I did not. South Coast Surety has the ultimate best customer service.
Gaby - CA
May 2019
I was shopping for a surety bond for the first time and having trouble communicating with several different companies. When I contacted South Coast Surety they responded quickly and performed the transaction quick and easy. I might have been able to find a lower price, but their professionalism was worth a couple extra dollars.
KG C. - CA
April 2019
We are opening up a Mental Health Residential Treatment Center and needed a Surety bond since we will be handling some clients cash resources. I reached out to South Coast Surety, they sent me an application, paid our premium and had our bond sent to us immediately. Everyone I spoke to and emailed was courteous, attentive and responded very quickly. We will most definitely continue to get all of our bond services from South Coast.
John F. - CA
September 2021
Great customer service from South Coast Surety. When I had questions about the bond and process, their customer service team assisted me with a sense of urgency and answered my questions. I recommend using their services. I will be a returning customer.
P&C B. - CA
April 2021
I needed a surety bond and was referred by another company to south coast. I am very impressed with the level of customer service in every stage of issuing the bond, the rapid response to the get the bond issued and communication with the team. Great team and awesome service. I highly recommend South Coast Surety for you bond needs.
Mirwais A. - CA
March 2021
I was in need of obtaining my CA Insurance Bond. I was able to obtain my required Bond quote online within minutes. I approved the quote and requested the Bond to be issued. On the same day, I received the Evidence of Coverage. Could not ask for better pricing or better service. I highly recommend South Coast Surety to meet a wide range of Bonding needs.
Udo G. - NJ
January 2018
South Coast Surety has been proudly providing surety support to all fifty U.S. states for twenty years. Starting out as a small agency with a dream in San Clemente, California, we have steadily grown into one of the largest bond-only agencies in the nation. We write all commercial bonds and contract bonds for every American business and industry. Our greatest achievement is helping our clients grow their business alongside our own through coaching and obtaining larger bonding limits at the best rates. We work hard for our clients and take pride in bonding businesses that have been declined by our competitors.
