How We Can Help:

You are probably here because you're thinking about getting your contractor’s license or need to renew your businesses general liability and license bond... You are in the right place! The owner of Orange Insurance & Bonding was a general contractor and developer for many years before starting this insurance brokerage.

90% of our clients are tradespeople and artisans; handymen, general contractors, remodelers, sheet rockers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters, window installers, painters and flooring contractors, among others, in the business of building, developing and repairing residential homes and commercial structures. We understand your business and we speak your language. We use our knowledge of your business and work with over 200 insurance carriers to find the right coverage for you at the right price.

Most likely we can have you insured and bonded by the end of the day!

Who We Are:

Orange Insurance & Bonding specializes in contractor license bonds and general liability insurance for residential and commercial construction contractors, artisans and the trades. We offer multiple options for contractor license bonds and general liability insurance.

New business ventures as well as existing companies will find our service invaluable… We will quote your license bond and liability insurance with multiple surety companies, enabling us to find the best coverage and lowest rates possible! And best of all, we work with over 200 carriers – so you know we're searching high and low for you.

How To Become A Licensed Contractor?: 

In most states, before you obtain or renew your license, there are two things you need, a state contractor license bond and general liability insurance. This below discusses what they are and why you need them. 

Before you become a licensed contractor, you will need to post a state contractor license bond with the state you are working in (If you have jobs in multiple states you will need a bond for each state you work in). You will also need general liability insurance specific to the construction industry and your specific trade or trades.

Contractor's general liability insurance and surety bonding are two important insurance products that contractors need to have in place to protect their business and ensure that they are meeting the expectations of their clients and the requirements of state.

What Is A State Contractor's License Bond?:

A contractor’s license bond is a three-party agreement between a surety company (this is who we get your bond from), the contractor (you) and the project/property owner or client. The license bond binds the contractor to the terms and conditions of a contract and assures the owner that the work will be done to state laws which may regulate the construction industry and trades. If the contractor has not performed to the contract's specifications, the surety may compensate the client as needed up to the amount of the bond.

Contractor’s license bonds as well as bid, performance and payment bonds are all rated on your business history and personal credit worthiness.

The Bond – this protects your client:

The state contractor's license surety bond is an agreement between you (the principal contractor), the state or your client (called the "obligee") and the issuer of the bond (the surety/insurance company). You are agreeing to perform the work in accordance with local laws and per the contract agreement that you have with your client. The surety is guaranteeing that you will do this, and has agreed to pay your client should you fail to do so. 

This license bond guarantee protects your clients should you fail to perform as the project contract specifies. It will also help to make your clients whole if you violate building codes, if you abandon the job, or if you cause a lien to be placed on the owner's property and do not arrange to have removed. Other bonds can also protect your suppliers and subcontractors if you do not pay them. If the contractor fails to meet these obligations, the surety company can step in and help to ensure that the client or owner is compensated. As this is an extension of credit, if the surety has to make a payout against the bond, they have the right to recover the amount paid from you.

The requirements and amounts of the license bonds will vary from state to state and in some cases from city to city. We have a great deal of knowledge in this industry and will make sure that you are getting the correct bond to make sure you are bonded in accordance with local laws. 

What Is Contractor's General Liability Insurance?:

General Liability Insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects contractors from financial losses resulting from property damage or bodily injury claims made by third parties. This insurance covers costs associated with defending against a lawsuit and any settlements or judgments up to the policy limit.

The General Liability Insurance – this protects you:

Subject to the limitations in the policy, general liability insurance protects contractors against claims of bodily injury or property damage that may occur as a result of their operations. For example, if a customer is injured on a job site, the contractor's general liability insurance would help cover the cost of medical expenses and other damages.

Should any of these incidents result in you being sued, you may also be provided with legal counsel to represent you in court even if the accusations in the suit are groundless and have no merit. This insurance can also provide coverage for advertising injury, such as slander or libel, and personal injury, such as false arrest or wrongful eviction.

To Sum It Up:

Both contractor's general liability insurance and surety bonding are important types of insurance for contractors. Contractor's general liability insurance protects the contractor from financial losses if they are sued for damages caused by their work. Contractor license bonding protects the contractor's clients or property owner from financial losses if the contractor fails to complete a project or fails to pay its subcontractors or suppliers.

By having these insurance products in place, contractors can feel confident that they are protected from potential losses and that they can meet their obligations to their clients while maintaining the state licensing requirements.

As a contractor, you want to assure your clients that you are a reputable company -- obtaining a contractor's license bond and construction liability insurance is of great reassurance to many people when considering who to hire to work on their homes or buildings. A labor and material bond can also guarantee that you are paying your suppliers and subcontractors.

We know this all seems like a burden, but the owner of Orange Insurance was a general contractor himself, and he recalls that one of the first questions when submitting a bid on a construction project was, “Are you bonded and insured?”… There was never a red-faced moment where he had to say “ummm, no”… He always held his head high and said “Yes, of course we are", and on top of that he was always happy to tell the client, "we will also add you as an additional insured to our policy for extra peace of mind”. This not only confirmed to the project owner that he was certified and in good standing with the state, but if something did go wrong, there was coverage in place to rectify any issues.

In many cases, we can bond and insure you the same day! And if further help is needed, our advisors can help guide you (at no charge) through setting up your business with the state. 

Working with Orange Insurance & Bonding enables us to assess your entire company risk profile, making sure that you are covered from all sides, including license bonds and insurance. 

We have financing available and accept credit and debit cards as well. 

Email us here or call today so that we can give you all the options at the right price so you can get your contractor’s license and start working!

Types of Insurance to Consider:

Contractor insurance is a specialized type of insurance coverage designed to protect individuals or businesses engaged in construction services from various risks and liabilities associated with their profession. Contractors often work with complex systems that can lead to accidents, property damage, and other potential issues. Contractor insurance provides financial protection in such situations. Here are the key components and types of insurance coverage typically associated with contractors:

• General Liability Insurance:

Bodily Injury: This coverage helps protect you in case a customer or a third party is injured on your job site. For instance, if a client slips and falls in your work area, this insurance can cover medical expenses and legal costs associated with the injury.

Property Damage: If you or your employees accidentally damage a client's property while performing work, general liability insurance can cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

Completed Operations Coverage: This is essential for contractors because it covers damages that arise after you've completed a project.

Advertising Injury: This can cover claims of libel, slander, or copyright infringement in your advertising materials.

• Professional Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions Insurance):

This insurance is essential if you provide design or consultation services. It covers you in case a client alleges that your professional advice or recommendations led to financial loss or damage.

• Commercial Property Insurance:

If you own a business location, this coverage protects your property, tools, equipment, and inventory from perils such as fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.

• Workers' Compensation Insurance:

In many states, workers' compensation insurance is required if you have employees. It provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job.

• Commercial Auto Insurance:

If you use vehicles for your business, this insurance covers damages to those vehicles and liability in the event of accidents.

• Equipment and Tool Insurance:

This coverage can protect your tools and equipment, such as generators, air compressors, hammers, pipe wrenches, and more, in case they are lost, stolen, or damaged.

• Contractor's License Bond:

Most states or local jurisdictions require contractors to obtain a contractor's license bond as part of the licensing process. This bond serves as a financial guarantee to ensure compliance with local regulations and adherence to the terms of contracts.

• Environmental Liability Insurance:

If your work involves handling hazardous materials or has the potential to cause environmental damage, you may need this coverage to protect against pollution and environmental liability claims.

• Inland Marine Insurance:

This insurance covers your equipment and tools while in transit to and from job sites.

The specific insurance needs of a contractor can vary based on the size and scope of the business, the types of projects undertaken, and local regulations. To determine the appropriate coverage for your contracting business, it's advisable to work with an experienced insurance broker who specializes in the construction and contracting industry. We are that brokerage and can help you tailor a policy that meets your specific needs and ensures you are adequately protected.