Not legal advice. Insurance and licensing rules change. Boards update minimums. Cities stack COI asks on top of state law. This is 2026 research from statutes, board materials, and DOI guidance — call your state DOI, contractor board, and city before you bid a market or sign a GC exhibit.
The short version
Florida has a real garage-door specialty license path with a specialty GL floor of $100k / $25k (customers still want $1M/$2M). California LLCs need ≥$1M GL plus a $25k contractor bond and WC with any employee. Texas lets most private employers opt out of WC as nonsubscribers (with notice traps). Maryland and New Jersey HIC rules sit at $500k GL. Almost everywhere else: no garage-door-specific insurance statute — you follow WC law, license-board floors, and whatever the COI ask is. Market practice is still $1M/$2M on commercial jobs.
Torsion springs store enough energy to rearrange a face. A 200-pound door panel does not care about your LLC paperwork. A smashed customer car in the driveway does not care that your personal auto policy “thought” the van was for groceries.
That’s why garage door shops get asked for insurance on every serious bid — and why “I’m small, I’ll skip it” is a lottery ticket you do not want to cash.
Here’s the honest part most blogs bury: very few states have a garage-door-specific insurance statute. What you actually face is (a) workers’ comp for employers, (b) contractor / home-improvement / specialty license floors, and (c) city registration plus whatever the GC or HOA typed into the contract. License minimum ≠ customer minimum. Florida specialty $100k/$25k will not impress a commercial GC asking for $1M/$2M.
This guide is the 2026 map — board floors where they exist, soft language where the data is thin, and the COI reality that shows up on real jobs. Sister post for the license card itself: Garage Door License Requirements by State (2026).
On this page
What insurance garage door companies actually buy
Ignore the product name “garage liability” unless you run a body shop. That form is built for auto repair and parking risks. Door installers usually buy a CGL with products/completed operations, plus WC, commercial auto, and tools coverage.
| Line | What it covers | Typical ask | Legal status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial General Liability (CGL) | Bodily injury & property damage to customers/third parties; products/completed ops (door fails months later) | $1M / $2M on most GC/HOA COIs | Industry practice / contract. Some boards set lower floors (FL specialty $100k/$25k; CT HIC $20k; WA $200k/$50k or $250k CSL) |
| Workers’ Compensation | Employee injuries (springs, ladders, heavy panels) | Statutory + employers’ liability (often $100k/$500k/$100k on COIs) | State law once the employee threshold is met (varies; TX optional for most private employers) |
| Commercial Auto | Service trucks/vans | Often $1M CSL on commercial jobs | State FR minimums for all drivers; commercial limits mostly contract-driven. Personal auto often excludes business use |
| Umbrella / Excess | Extra limits above GL + auto | $1M–$5M on larger GC jobs | Optional unless contract requires |
| Inland Marine / Tools | Tools, openers, door inventory in trucks/shops | Often $10k–$50k+ scheduled | Optional but strongly recommended |
| Surety / License Bond | Consumer / wage protection tied to a license | $5k–$100k+ by state/entity | Only where the licensing board requires |
| Garage Liability | Auto repair / parking risks | Usually not what door installers need | Clarify with your agent: buy CGL + completed ops |
WC class codes commonly used for overhead door work (carrier/state dependent): NCCI 3724 “Door Installation—Overhead & Drivers”; California often 5108. Codes affect premium, not legal duty — confirm with your agent.
License minimum vs. what GCs actually want
Two different games:
- Board / statute floor — keeps your license or registration alive (FL specialty $100k/$25k, CT $20k, PA $50k/$50k, WA $250k CSL, MD/NJ $500k).
- COI ask — what the GC, HOA, property manager, or big-box lead program typed into the exhibit. Almost always $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate, plus additional insured (ongoing + completed ops), primary & noncontributory, and waiver of subrogation.
Homeowners should ask for proof of liability and WC and verify with the insurer — that’s straight from NAIC contractor scam guidance. A pretty ACORD 25 is evidence, not the policy.
Rule of thumb: Never present $1M/$2M as a “national legal requirement.” It is the market default. Boards can (and do) set lower floors. Contracts can (and do) demand higher.
High-stakes deep dives
California — CSLB bond, WC, LLC GL hammer
No dedicated “garage door installer insurance” statute. CSLB + Labor Code do the work. $25,000 contractor bond. WC with any employee (file with CSLB or no-employee exemption; failure can suspend the license). LLC licenses must carry ≥$1M liability (+$100k per extra personnel of record, cap $5M) and a $100k LLC worker bond. Sole props/corps are not universally forced into CGL by CSLB — the market still is. Sources: CSLB WC, CSLB LLC, CSLB bonds.
Florida — specialty GL floor + construction WC at 1+
DBPR/CILB Certified Garage Door Installation Specialty exists (Form CILB 6-AQ). Specialty GL floor: $100,000 / $25,000 (Rule 61G4-15.003). Construction WC at 1+ including officers/members unless exempt. Verify subs’ WC. Customers still demand $1M/$2M. Sources: CILB 6-AQ PDF, 61G4-15.003, FL DFS WC.
Texas — nonsubscriber country
No statewide garage-door license. Most private employers may opt out of WC as nonsubscribers — with employee notices, postings, and TDI-DWC filings (including the annual Feb 1–Apr 30 window). You lose exclusive remedy; hurt employees can sue. Public jobs and many GCs still require WC anyway. No statewide board GL floor found for door work. Source: TDI nonsubscribers.
New York — county/city HIC + NYC paperwork
Statewide door insurance statute? No. NYC HIC wants WC or CE-200, disability/PFL or exemption, and a $20k bond or Trust Fund. ACORD is not accepted for WC proof. Construction “subs” often look like employees under the IC test. Source: NYC DCWP HIC checklist.
Illinois — WC from employee one; GL is municipal
Construction/remodeling is extra-hazardous — insure from the first employee. GL/COI rules are mostly city/county. Do not invent Chicago numbers without the live checklist. Source: IWCC compliance PDF.
Maryland — MHIC $500k GL
Effective Oct 1, 2024, MHIC contractors must maintain ≥$500,000 GL (Bus. Reg. §8-302.1; raised from $50k). Garage door residential work typically sits here. Sources: SB806 chapter PDF.
New Jersey — HIC $500k + security tiers
HIC registration: commercial GL ≥$500,000 per occurrence, WC unless exempt, and additional security $10k / $25k / $50k by volume. Sources: N.J.S.A. 56:8-138, DCA notice PDF.
Keep the Field Side Clean While You Stay Compliant
Insurance keeps you in the game. Dispatch keeps the trucks moving. Vortech Pro is field dispatch for garage door shops — $99/mo includes 5 techs. Add techs at +$20. No contracts. No upsells.
Pitfalls that get shops sideways
- “They’re 1099s, so no WC.” Misclassifying techs is a top audit/stop-work trigger. If they only work for you, drive your truck, and wear your shirt, treat them as employees until counsel/CPA says otherwise — especially CA, NY, FL construction, IL construction.
- “I have an LLC, so I don’t need WC.” Wrong. Employees still need WC in mandatory states. In California, LLCs face extra GL + worker-bond rules.
- Personal auto on service calls. Personal policies often exclude business use. One at-fault wreck = denial. Buy commercial auto.
- COI vs. real coverage. Certificate holder ≠ additional insured. GCs want endorsements (AI + completed ops, waiver, primary). Cancelled policy + stale COI = you’re exposed.
- License minimum ≠ customer minimum. FL $100k/$25k, CT $20k, PA $50k/$50k will not clear a $1M/$2M exhibit.
- Cancelled / lapsed policies. CA CSLB and WA L&I can suspend licenses/registrations when required coverage lapses. Working while suspended can look like unlicensed work.
- Subcontractor WC blind spot. In Florida and elsewhere, a hurt sub with no WC can become your problem.
- Texas nonsubscriber traps. Opt out and you can be sued in court. Still must post notices and file DWC forms. GCs can still refuse you.
Completed ops matters. A door that detaches six months later and crushes a bumper is exactly why GCs demand completed-operations additional insured — often CG 20 10 + CG 20 37 or equivalents. Ask your agent to match the contract exhibit, not just print a certificate.
All 50 states + DC
Tags: req = clear board/law insurance floor found; local = mostly city/county or contract-driven; no = no garage-door-specific statewide insurance mandate found / thin data (still carry market coverage).
Jump to your state
Red = board/law floor. Orange = local/contract heavy. Green = no GD-specific / soft data (still insure for the market).
Alabama Local / Confirm Board
Agency: Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board / Alabama DOL WC
No statewide garage-door-specific insurance mandate found. Residential builder rules and city/county registration often drive what shows up on a COI — confirm whether your work triggers HBLB or stays local-only.
WC: Generally cited around 5+ employees for private employers; construction may be stricter — verify with Alabama DOL.
GL: Market still asks $1M/$2M. Local or board rules may set lower floors for some licenses.
Bond / other: Home builder / residential categories may have bond or disclosure rules — confirm for your classification.
Alaska Board Registration Floors
Agency: Alaska Commerce — Bond & Insurance Quick Facts (PDF)
Construction contractors register with bonds and liability insurance minimums by license type. Specialty work commonly carries a $10k bond; statutory GL floors are relatively low (property damage $20k; bodily injury $50k/$100k). Customers and GCs still want market $1M/$2M.
WC: Required when you have employees.
GL: Required for registration at statutory floors above — raise limits for real jobs.
Bond / other: Specialty $10k; General $25k; Residential endorsement $20k; handyman (≤$10k jobs) $5k.
Arizona ROC Bond (GL Market)
Agency: Arizona ROC — Bond Information / ROC FAQ
ROC licensing requires a license bond (amount by class/volume). ROC does not generally mandate CGL just to hold a license. Workers’ comp is required if you have employees (LLC no-employee exemption available on applications).
WC: Required with employees; LLC no-employee exemption path exists on applications.
GL: Not a universal ROC licensing mandate — still expect $1M/$2M on GC/HOA COIs.
Bond / other: Required — ROC bond; residential recovery fund or alternate $200k bond path.
Arkansas Board / Soft Floors
Agency: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board / ADOL WC
Contractor licensing kicks in above statutory job thresholds. Exact current bond and GL floors vary by board package — confirm with the Contractors Licensing Board before you treat a blog number as gospel.
WC: Generally cited around 3+ employees — verify construction rules with ADOL.
GL: Recommended / may be board or local. Market COIs still $1M/$2M.
Bond / other: Often required for commercial contractor licenses — confirm current amount with the board.
California CSLB Bond + LLC GL + WC
Agency: CSLB Workers’ Comp / CSLB LLC Rules / CSLB Bonds
No dedicated statewide “garage door installer insurance” statute. Work falls under CSLB licensing and Labor Code WC rules. Contractor bond is $25,000 (raised 1/1/2023 via SB 607). WC is required with any employee — file a certificate with CSLB or a no-employee exemption (overhead door is not on the always-required no-employee list, but hiring anyone ends the exemption). Failure can suspend the license.
LLC licenses must carry liability insurance: ≥ $1M for ≤5 personnel of record; +$100k per additional person; cap $5M (B&P 7071.19). LLCs also need a $100,000 employee/worker bond. Sole props/corporations are not universally required to carry CGL by CSLB — but homeowners and GCs still expect $1M/$2M.
WC: Required with any employee; file with CSLB or no-employee exemption.
GL: Required for LLC licenses (≥$1M, +$100k/person, cap $5M). Recommended for others.
Bond / other: Required $25k contractor bond (+ LLC $100k worker bond; BQI $25k when applicable).
Colorado City / County Driven
Agency: Local AHJ (e.g., Denver CPD) / CO Division of Workers’ Compensation
No statewide general contractor license. Garage door shops typically face city/county licensing and insurance asks. Rules vary hard between Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and smaller towns — confirm with each AHJ you advertise in.
WC: Generally required at 1+ employees.
GL: Local / contract driven. Market still $1M/$2M.
Bond / other: Local.
Connecticut HIC GL Floor $20k
Agency: CT DCP Home Improvement Applications / CT Gen. Stat. Ch. 400
Home Improvement Contractor registration with DCP requires listing GL of at least $20,000. That is a license floor, not what GCs want — market COIs are still $1M/$2M. Bonds may be imposed as a condition in some situations ($15k referenced in statutes for certain contexts).
WC: Required at 1+ (owners often excluded unless they elect coverage).
GL: Required ≥ $20k for HIC registration (raise for real jobs).
Bond / other: Conditional / disciplinary contexts.
Delaware Local / Employer WC
Agency: Delaware One Stop — Contractors / DE DOL WC
Business licensing and contractor registration paths exist; no garage-door-specific insurance statute found. WC for employers; bonds often project- or local-driven. Confirm threshold details with DE DOL.
WC: Required with employees (confirm threshold with DE DOL).
GL: Recommended / local.
Bond / other: Project / local.
District of Columbia DLCP Bond + GL Floors
Agency: DC DLCP Surety Bond Details / DCMR 16-802 / 16-803
Home improvement contractor license via DLCP: $25,000 surety bond and liability insurance floors (commonly cited: BI $50k/$100k; PD $10k — confirm current DLCP page before you lock a number into your binder). Raise limits for market COIs.
WC: Required with employees.
GL: Required at DLCP minimums (raise for market).
Bond / other: Required $25k.
Florida CILB Specialty GL + WC
Agency: CILB Garage Door Specialty App (PDF) / Rule 61G4-15.003 / FL DFS WC Coverage
Florida is one of the clearest states with a dedicated Certified Garage Door Installation Specialty Contractor path (CILB Form 6-AQ) and an insurance affidavit on the application.
Specialty / “all other categories” GL floor: $100,000 public liability / $25,000 property damage (Rule 61G4-15.003; F.S. 489.115(5)(a)). Building/general contractors: $300k / $50k. Customers and GCs still routinely demand $1M/$2M.
Construction industry WC = 1+ employees (including corporate officers/LLC members unless a valid exemption). Contractors must verify subs’ WC — if your sub has none, their hurt tech can become your problem.
WC: Required for construction at 1+ (or valid exemption).
GL: Required specialty minimums $100k/$25k; recommend $1M/$2M for COIs.
Bond / other: Not the primary CILB insurance item on the garage-door app; financial responsibility via credit score / course. Locals may add bonds.
Georgia Residential GL Floors
Agency: GA Rules 553-3 / Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
Residential contractor licenses typically need a ~$25k bond and GL of ≥ $300k (residential basic) / $500k (residential light commercial) per board rules. Not a garage-door-named specialty — residential/specialty contractor rules apply.
WC: Generally cited around 3+ employees.
GL: Required for residential contractor licenses (amounts by class).
Bond / other: Required ~$25k.
Hawaii DCCA — Confirm Floors
Agency: Hawaii DCCA / Contractors License Board
Contractors License Board licensing requires liability insurance and WC when applicable; the Board may require a bond case-by-case. Exact dollar floors should be confirmed on current DCCA materials — treat secondary citations cautiously.
WC: Required with employees.
GL: Required for license — confirm current minimum with DCCA.
Bond / other: Board may require.
Idaho Registration GL ≥$300k
Agency: Idaho DOPL — Contractor Registration
Contractor registration commonly requires ≥ $300,000 GL and WC or an exemption filing. Not garage-door-specific — registration rules cover the trade.
WC: Required with employees / or exemption filing.
GL: Required ≥ $300k on registration apps.
Bond / other: Check current DOPL registration form.
Illinois WC Strict / GL Local
Agency: IWCC Compliance at a Glance (PDF) / local city-county
No statewide general home-repair or garage-door license. Roofing is statewide (IDFPR); garage door work is usually local (Chicago and municipalities set COI/WC proof). Construction / remodeling / alteration is treated as extra-hazardous — employers generally must insure from the first employee.
Do not invent Chicago DOB dollar floors from memory — pull the current Business Affairs / DOB checklist for the city you work.
WC: Required for construction employers (extra-hazardous) from first employee.
GL: Local / contract. Market Rec $1M/$2M.
Bond / other: Local / roofing statewide is separate.
Indiana Local + Opener Safety Law
Agency: Local AHJs / Indiana WC Board / IC 24-5-18
No statewide garage-door contractor license found. Local licensing is common. Separate consumer statute on garage door opener safety testing/notices (IC 24-5-18) — that is product/safety related, not a GL insurance mandate.
WC: Required at 1+ (confirm owner exclusions).
GL: Local / contract.
Bond / other: Local.
Iowa Thin / Local
Agency: Iowa Division of Workers’ Compensation / local
No strong statewide garage-door insurance mandate found; contractor regulation is mixed. Treat insurance as local + contract + WC statute. Confirm with city hall and your agent before you bid a new metro.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / local.
Bond / other: Local / project.
Kansas City / County
Agency: Local AHJs / Kansas DOL WC
No statewide GC license; counties and cities license (some require contractor licenses). WC uses payroll tests/thresholds — verify with Kansas DOL rather than assuming a clean headcount rule.
WC: Confirm with Kansas DOL (payroll-based nuances).
GL: Local.
Bond / other: Local.
Kentucky Local / WC 1+
Agency: KY Labor Cabinet WC / local
No statewide GC license for most building trades. Local registration and contracts drive GL asks. WC generally at 1+.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Local / contract.
Bond / other: Local.
Louisiana LSLBC — Confirm Floors
Agency: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Residential / home improvement categories often need GL (≥ $100k cited in board materials for some residential/HIC categories); commercial has financial security rules. Confirm exact residential vs commercial dollar floors from the current LSLBC Blue Book before treating a number as locked.
WC: Required with employees (confirm threshold).
GL: Required for certain license types (≥$100k residential/HIC per board materials — verify Blue Book).
Bond / other: Financial responsibility alternatives.
Maine Thin / Municipal
Agency: Maine Workers’ Comp Board / local
No statewide GC license for most general work; municipal rules dominate. Thin on licensing-tied insurance for garage door shops — check the town and keep market COI limits ready.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / local.
Bond / other: Local.
Maryland MHIC GL ≥$500k
Agency: MD SB806 Chapter (PDF) / Bus. Reg. §8-302.1
MHIC home improvement contractors (garage door residential work typically falls here) must maintain ≥ $500,000 general liability under Business Regulation §8-302.1, effective Oct 1, 2024 (raised from $50k via 2024 legislation). That is a real board floor — not a blog rumor.
WC: Generally required with employees (1+). Check MD WCC for owner elections.
GL: Required ≥ $500k.
Bond / other: Check MHIC for current bond / recovery fund rules.
Massachusetts HIC + WC for Employees
Agency: MA HIC Registration / MA WC Requirements
HIC registration for work on owner-occupied 1–4 unit homes requires adequate contractor liability insurance plus Guaranty Fund contribution. WC is required for all employees (any hours); sole props/LLC members are not required to cover themselves.
WC: Required for employees (any count/hours).
GL: Required “adequate” for HIC — confirm current OCABR wording; market $1M/$2M.
Bond / other: Guaranty Fund (not a classic surety bond).
Michigan LARA — Verify Dollars
Agency: Michigan LARA Residential Builders / MI Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency
Residential builders / maintenance & alteration contractors are licensed by LARA. Secondary sources cite ~$100k liability and bonds for some licenses — verify the current bulletin or application before you assert a hard dollar. WC generally ~3+ with construction nuances.
WC: Confirm MI Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency (~3+).
GL: Often required for residential builder license — verify dollar amount on live materials.
Bond / other: Often required — verify.
Minnesota DLI — Confirm Checklist
Agency: Minnesota DLI Residential Building Contractors
Residential building contractors licensed by DLI; insurance and bond requirements apply by license type. Soft-language exact floors unless you pull the current DLI checklist.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Check DLI contractor licensing checklist for current minimums.
Bond / other: Often required.
Mississippi Board Classification
Agency: MS State Board of Contractors / MS Workers’ Comp Commission
MSBOC licenses commercial/residential/roofing. Insurance and bond packages vary by classification — soft language on exact floors. Confirm with the board for your class.
WC: Generally cited around 5+ employees.
GL: Board / contract.
Bond / other: Classification-dependent.
Missouri Construction WC at 1+
Agency: MO Labor — Who Must Carry WC
Construction WC is required with 1 employee (stricter than the general 5+ rule). Sole props may file an exemption affidavit when they truly have no employees. Cities often require a COI or exemption for licenses.
WC: Construction: required at 1+.
GL: Local / contract.
Bond / other: Local.
Montana Contractor Reg + WC
Agency: Montana DLI / Contractor Registration
Construction contractor registration is heavily tied to WC compliance. Limited statewide GL floor for “garage door” found — treat GL as contract/market driven and confirm registration rules with DLI.
WC: Required at 1+ (owners often exempt for themselves).
GL: Recommended / contract.
Bond / other: Limited statewide — verify.
Nebraska Thin / Local
Agency: NE Workers’ Comp Court / local
No strong statewide garage-door insurance mandate found. Local rules and contracts dominate. Keep WC current and carry market GL.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / local.
Bond / other: Local.
Run Dispatch Without the Chaos
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Nevada NSCB Bond + WC
Agency: NV Contractors Board — Bonds / NRS 624.270 / NRS 624.256
State Contractors Board license: bond required ($1k–$500k by board); WC/occupational disease coverage or exemption affidavit. CGL was not identified as a universal NRS 624 licensing mandate — still expect market $1M/$2M on jobs.
WC: Required with employees or exemption.
GL: Recommended / contract.
Bond / other: Required (board-set amount).
New Hampshire Thin / Local
Agency: NH DOL WC / local
No statewide GC license for most general contracting. Local permits and WC statute do the heavy lifting. No garage-door-specific insurance mandate found.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / local.
Bond / other: Local.
New Jersey HIC GL ≥$500k
Agency: N.J.S.A. 56:8-138 / N.J.A.C. 13:45A-17.12 / DCA HIC Law-Change Notice (PDF)
Home Improvement Contractor registration (DCA): commercial GL ≥ $500,000 per occurrence. Recent law updates also emphasize WC (unless exempt) and additional security tiers of $10k / $25k / $50k by volume.
WC: Required with employees (typical).
GL: Required ≥ $500k per occurrence.
Bond / other: Additional security $10k/$25k/$50k by volume (recent law).
New Mexico CID Bond — Soft GL
Agency: New Mexico CID / RLD Construction Industries
CID contractor licensing: bond often cited around $10k, plus WC and a qualifying party. Soft-language exact GL floors — verify with CID for your classification.
WC: Generally cited around 3+ employees.
GL: Recommended / may be required for some licenses — verify CID.
Bond / other: Often required ~$10k.
New York County/City + NYC HIC
Agency: NYC DCWP HIC Checklist / NY WCB Compliance Brochure (PDF)
Many counties/cities license home improvement separately. NYC DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license is a major path for residential work: WC or CE-200 exemption; disability/PFL or exemption; $20,000 surety bond or DCWP Trust Fund ($200). ACORD is not accepted for WC proof — use C-105.2 / U-26.3 / CE-200.
With employees, WC is required statewide. Construction “subs” are often treated as employees unless they meet the independent-contractor test. NYC building/contractor contexts often cite $1M per occurrence for certain licenses — confirm the current DCWP/DOB checklist for your exact license type.
WC: Required with employees.
GL: License-specific / market $1M/$2M.
Bond / other: NYC HIC $20k or Trust Fund.
North Carolina No Board GL Mandate
Agency: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors FAQ
Licensing Board for General Contractors: no GL or bond required to license generally; an optional bond can replace financial statements by license limit. Contracts still demand insurance. WC generally ~3+.
WC: Generally cited around 3+ employees.
GL: Recommended only at board level; contracts still demand $1M/$2M.
Bond / other: Optional financial responsibility alternative.
North Dakota Thin / Verify SOS
Agency: ND Secretary of State / Workforce Safety & Insurance
Contractor licensing above project dollar thresholds; limited bond/GL specifics found for garage door work. Soft language — verify ND SOS contractor licensing for your job size.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / verify ND SOS contractor licensing.
Bond / other: Verify.
Ohio ORC 4722 $250k Floor
Agency: Ohio Revised Code Ch. 4722 / Ohio BWC
No statewide GC license for most work; local registration is common. ORC Ch. 4722: residential home construction service contracts ≥ $25k require a written contract plus $250k GL. Outside that statute, GL is mostly local/contract. WC runs through monopolistic Ohio BWC.
WC: Required via Ohio BWC (state fund).
GL: $250k floor for certain home construction service contracts ≥$25k; otherwise local/contract.
Bond / other: Local.
Oklahoma Trade Board / Local
Agency: OK Construction Industries Board / CompSource / WC Court
Construction Industries Board licenses some trades; many garage door shops sit under local rules. Soft language on exact statewide GL floors for door work.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / local / trade board.
Bond / other: Trade-dependent.
Oregon CCB Bond + GL Floors
Agency: Oregon CCB Licensing / CCB Licensing Guide (PDF)
CCB license required for most construction. Residential General commonly needs $25k bond + $500k GL per occurrence (endorsement chart — confirm current endorsement for your specialty). WC through SAIF or private carriers.
WC: Required with subject workers.
GL: Required by endorsement (residential general commonly $500k).
Bond / other: Required by endorsement (residential general commonly $25k).
Pennsylvania HIC GL $50k/$50k
Agency: PA Attorney General HIC FAQ / 73 P.S. § 517.4
Home Improvement Contractor registration (Attorney General): liability insurance ≥ $50k personal injury and ≥ $50k property damage. No general registration bond. That license floor will not satisfy most GCs asking $1M/$2M.
WC: Required with employees.
GL: Required ≥ $50k BI + $50k PD for HIC registration.
Bond / other: Not general for HIC registration.
Rhode Island CRB — Verify $500k
Agency: RI Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board / RI DLT WC
Registration before work is the baseline. Secondary/official materials commonly cite $500,000 GL — treat that as commonly cited; verify on the live CRB page before you lock it into a compliance checklist. WC if you have employees.
WC: Required with employees.
GL: Commonly cited $500k — confirm on crb.ri.gov before relying on the number.
Bond / other: Confirm by registration type.
South Carolina Bond vs Financials
Agency: SC LLR Contractors Licensing Board
LLR Contractors Licensing Board: financial statements or surety bond by group (GC bonds often cited $20k–$350k). GL is mostly recommended/contract at the board level. WC generally ~4+ (construction may differ — verify).
WC: Generally cited around 4+ employees.
GL: Recommended / contract.
Bond / other: Optional in lieu of financials (group amounts).
South Dakota Local Dominates
Agency: SD Department of Labor & Regulation
Limited statewide contractor licensing; local rules dominate for garage door shops. WC statute exists with agricultural and other exceptions — confirm current mandate language with SD DLR.
WC: Confirm SD DLR (often described as required with exceptions).
GL: Local / contract.
Bond / other: Local.
Tennessee Board License GL + WC
Agency: TN Contractor Licensing / TN Contractor Insurance Info (PDF)
Contractor license for projects ≥ $25,000: board requires GL and WC (or exemption). Bond may replace financial statement starting mid-2026 per board materials — verify current rules. Non-construction WC often ~5+; construction is stricter.
WC: Construction stricter; general ~5+ — verify Bureau of WC.
GL: Required for board licensees.
Bond / other: Evolving financial responsibility option — verify tn.gov commerce contractors.
Texas WC Optional Nonsubscriber
Agency: TDI — Nonsubscribers / Texas Labor Code 406.004 / 406.005 / 406.007
No statewide garage-door license found. Local city registration/permits are common; some cities set their own insurance for registration.
Workers’ comp is unique: most private employers may opt out (“nonsubscribers”). You must notify employees, post notices, and file with TDI-DWC (including annual Feb 1–Apr 30 and after first hire / coverage end). Opting out means employees can sue you in court — you lose exclusive-remedy protection. Public projects: Labor Code §406.096 can require WC for contractor/sub employees.
No statewide contractor-board GL floor found for garage door. Market/contracts still ask $1M/$2M. Local ordinances may require proof for permits. A GC or HOA can still refuse you without WC + AI endorsements.
WC: Optional for most private employers (nonsubscriber compliance if opting out).
GL: Local / contract. Rec $1M/$2M.
Bond / other: Local / project.
Utah DOPL — Verify Tables
Agency: Utah DOPL Contracting
DOPL contractor licensing: insurance and bond by classification. Secondary sources cite general often $50k bond and some classes $15k–$25k — use the live DOPL table, not a blog recollection.
WC: Required with employees.
GL: Often required — verify DOPL.
Bond / other: Required by classification — verify live table.
Vermont Thin / Registration Check
Agency: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation / SOS as applicable
Residential contractor registration may apply; no garage-door-specific insurance statute found. Soft language — verify the current registration checklist.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / registration checklist — verify.
Bond / other: Verify.
Virginia DPOR Net Worth / Bond
Agency: Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors
Class A/B need net worth or Board surety bond ($50k path commonly cited); Class C is lighter. No universal statewide GL floor found for all classes — contracts still ask $1M/$2M.
WC: Generally cited around 2–3+ — verify.
GL: Recommended / contract; not a universal board floor.
Bond / other: Optional financial responsibility for Class A/B.
Washington L&I Bond + GL Floors
Agency: WA L&I Contractor Registration
L&I contractor registration required: specialty bond $15,000 / general $30,000; GL $200k public liability + $50k PD or $250k CSL. WC through L&I industrial insurance for covered employers. Lapse can suspend registration.
WC: Required for covered employers (L&I).
GL: Required at registration minimums ($200k/$50k or $250k CSL).
Bond / other: Required $15k specialty / $30k general.
West Virginia Board — Soft Dollars
Agency: WV Contractor Licensing Board / Offices of the Insurance Commissioner WC
Contractor licensing exists; bond amounts may vary with employees in some materials. Soft language on exact GL dollars — verify with the WV Contractor Licensing Board.
WC: Required at 1+.
GL: Recommended / board — verify.
Bond / other: Often required — verify.
Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Soft
Agency: Wisconsin DSPS / WI DWD WC
Dwelling contractor / other credentials for certain residential work; soft-language exact dwelling-contractor insurance floors. Local permits still apply. WC generally ~3+.
WC: Generally cited around 3+ employees.
GL: Credential / local / contract.
Bond / other: Some credentials require.
Wyoming Thin / State WC Fund
Agency: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
No statewide GC license found; monopolistic state WC fund for employers when required. Local rules dominate GL/bond asks. Thin on contractor licensing insurance.
WC: Via Wyoming Workers’ Comp (state fund) when required.
GL: Recommended / local.
Bond / other: Local.
FAQ
Do I legally need insurance just to hang garage doors?
There is no single federal “garage door insurance” law. You usually need whatever your state WC statute, contractor/home-improvement license board, and city require — plus whatever customers/GCs put in the contract. Florida’s CILB garage-door specialty license is a clear example of license-tied GL + WC rules. See also NAIC contractor tips.
What’s a normal GL limit customers ask for?
Most commercial COI requests are $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate. That is industry practice, not a national law. Some states set lower license floors (FL specialty $100k/$25k; CT HIC $20k; WA registration $250k CSL or $200k/$50k).
When do I need workers’ comp?
In most states, when you hire your first employee (including part-timers). Some states use 3–5 employee thresholds, but construction often drops to one. Texas lets most private employers opt out as nonsubscribers (with notice rules).
I’m a sole prop with no employees. Do I still need WC?
Often you can operate without covering yourself, and many states let you file a no-employee exemption for licensing (e.g., CA CSLB exemption — not available for certain always-covered trades). GCs may still demand a WC waiver or policy.
Does forming an LLC remove insurance requirements?
No. Employees still need WC in mandatory states. In California, LLC contractors must carry extra liability insurance and a $100k worker bond. Source: CSLB LLC page.
Is “garage liability” what I buy?
Usually no. Garage liability is aimed at auto repair/parking risks. Garage-door companies typically buy CGL with products/completed operations, commercial auto, WC, and often inland marine for tools/doors.
What’s completed operations and why do GCs care?
It covers claims after the job is done — e.g., a door detaches months later and damages a car. Many additional-insured endorsements specifically require completed-ops AI.
Can a customer force higher limits than my state license minimum?
Yes. State license minimums are a floor for keeping a license. Contracts, HOAs, and GCs routinely require higher limits and endorsements.
What happens if my WC lapses in a license state?
Boards can suspend the license (California is the clear example). Work while suspended may be treated as unlicensed. Reinstate only after proof is filed.
Do I need a bond or insurance — or both?
Different tools. A surety bond (CA $25k; WA $15k specialty; AK specialty $10k) protects consumers/workers under license law. Insurance pays covered claims. Many states require both; others require one or neither at the state level but cities/contracts still demand insurance.
I’m in Texas — can I skip WC?
Most private employers can choose nonsubscriber status, but must notify workers and file with TDI-DWC. You lose exclusive remedy and can be sued. Many GCs/public jobs still require WC. Source: TDI nonsubscribers.
What should be on my COI checklist before a GC job?
GL $1M/$2M (or contract amount), WC if employees, commercial auto if required, certificate holder name exact, AI + completed ops endorsements, primary/noncontributory, waiver of subrogation, current dates, no pending cancellation. Ask your agent to match the contract exhibit — don’t rely on the certificate alone.
Bottom line
Insurance for garage door companies is mostly WC law + license-board floors + contract asks — not a neat federal “door installer policy” statute. Florida specialty floors, California LLC rules, Maryland/New Jersey $500k HIC lines, and Texas nonsubscriber quirks are the headline traps. Everywhere else: confirm the board, confirm the city, and assume the market still wants $1M/$2M with real endorsements.
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