Texas contractors insurance

Licensing & registration in Texas

Texas has no statewide general-contractor license; however, specific trades — electricians, plumbers, HVAC/air conditioning, and others — are licensed at the state level (largely through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, TDLR, and the state plumbing/electrical boards). Cities may add their own registration. Confirm your trade’s requirement before working.

Because Texas does not require a statewide GC license bond, bonding is usually driven by the city, the project, or the trade board rather than a single state mandate. Many municipalities require a registration or permit bond.

Coverages Texas contractors carry

• •General liability — generally intended to respond to third-party injury and property damage from your work, including completed-operations claims that surface after a job.
• •Workers’ compensation — required in most states once you have employees, and commonly required of subs by the GCs who hire them.
• •License / registration bond — a guarantee to the public required by many licensing bodies; distinct from your liability insurance.
• •Tools & equipment (inland marine) — optional coverage generally intended to address loss or damage to your own gear.
• •Commercial auto — for work trucks and vans; personal auto typically excludes business use.

Who needs it in Texas

Common Texas users include home builders and remodelers, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, concrete and masonry, and landscapers across Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin.