Contractors State License Services (CSLS) has introduced a new Solar PV Technical Sales Course intended to teach the skills necessary to work as a salesperson in the growing solar industry. This course covers important sales skills combined with the technical information that are specific to a solar sales position. The course includes a comprehensive curriculum covering; mining for prospective customers, evaluating the needs of a PV System customer, the technicalities of site analysis and system selection, concept design, performance estimates, economic analysis, financial concepts, proposal formation and building a working relationship with your customers. Robert Srinivas the Regional Green Technology Training Manager at CSLS developed this program to help people in construction or sales related fields transfer their skills to this broadening industry. The first class was held at the CSLS Orange location on October 8th and 9th, 2011. Initial response to the class was very positive. Willy Littlefield, course participant shared “Rob had a passion and depth of understanding in solar. I asked many challenging questions and all of my questions were answered fully”. Classes are planned to be held at Contractors State License School locations throughout California. For details on the course schedule interested contractors and sales professionals can contact the corporate offices at Contractor State License Services 800-331-4691.
Tag Archives: Contractors State License Services
CARLSBAD: Kelly Elementary hero construction workers get scholarships
Kelly Construction workers receiving information on CSLS Programs
Five men working at Kelly during shooting to get $1,000 for classes
By STACY BRANDT – [email protected] | Posted: Saturday, January 8, 2011 6:00 am
The construction workers who tackled a gunman at Kelly Elementary School in October will be able to further their own education soon with some help from a statewide contractors training program.
Contractors State License Services, a private vocational school, has offered the men —- Mario Contreras, Steven Kane, Carlos Partida, Toby Wiest and Edward Dominguez —- free tuition and materials for one of its courses, up to $1,000.
Most of the men said they want to study to get a state contractors license and the scholarship would cover the cost of that course, or another course offered by the school.
The men, who work for San Diego-based Randall Construction, said the offer was appreciated, especially because they haven’t had steady work since the job at Kelly Elementary ended in October. Becoming licensed contractors will help them get more work or branch out on their own, they said.
The class to prepare them for taking the contractors test can take anywhere from six weeks to four months to finish, depending on how quickly they do the work.
In the end, the school will help them get their license, set up a business name and help process paperwork, said Alex Avelar, state license consultant for the Van Nuys-based school.
The five men were pouring concrete at the school the day 41-year-old Brendan O’Rourke allegedly opened fire on children in the playground. Contreras and Kane chased after the gunman on foot while Partida clipped him with his truck.
Kane returned to work the same day with Dominguez and Wiest, while Partida and Contreras took a few days off. Partida said he wanted to collect his thoughts before returning to work, and Contreras was nursing his hand, which he broke during the scuffle.
The school offered the scholarships to reward the workers for their heroism, said Cyndi Beaver, marketing coordinator at the school.
“It was an opportunity for us to kind of give back,” she said.
O’Rourke allegedly shot two second-grade girls in the arm before the men chased him out of the playground. Both children recovered and returned to school quickly, school officials said.
Kane said he was overwhelmed initially by all of the attention the men got after the incident, but now it feels as if it happened long ago. More importantly, he said, he’s thankful that nobody was more seriously hurt.
Call staff writer Stacy Brandt at 760-901-4009 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 760-901-4009 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
CSLS Honors San Diego Area Super Heroes with Contractors Scholarships.
Recipients of CSLS Scholarship: Steven Kane, Toby Wiest, Alex Avalar (CSLS License Advisor), Carlos Partida, Eddie Dominguez, Mario Contreras
As part of our monthly John Baker Contractor Scholarship offerings, CSLS is honoring each of these super heroes with a scholarship for a CSLS program of their choice to help them in their future careers in the construction industry.
Last October when Carlos Partida, Eddie Dominguez, Steven Kane, Mario Contreras and Toby Wiest were working a job at Kelly Elementary School in Carlsbad California, a shooter opened fire at school children on the playground. When the gunman stopped shooting to reload his firearm, Carlos Partida knocked the man over with his truck and the other four workers apprehended and detained Brendan O’Rourke, the alleged shooter, until the police arrived. Two children were injured on that day and are recovering but if it hadn’t been for this group’s quick reactions to bring down this shooter, the situation could have escalated to far more devastating consequences.
On Thursday, Jan 6th we met with the group of local heroes at the Contractors State License Services San Marcos location where Alex Avelar presented the program options and assisted in their enrollments. We at CSLS feel fortunate to be able to give something of continued value to this group which not only will benefit them individually but also their families and community. Best of luck guys and thank you for stepping forward to protect our community’s children!
Important CSLB Bulletin: New Year Brings New Protection for California Homeowners
SACRAMENTO — New California construction laws and regulations passed during the 2009-2010 legislative session take effect January 1, 2011.
A key consumer protection law regarding mechanics liens (a claim on property that could force its foreclosure and sale to satisfy unpaid contractor or supplier debts) becomes effective on January 1, 2011. The result of Contractors State License Board (CSLB)-sponsored Assembly Bill 457 (Monning), the new law, signed in 2009, requires contractors, subcontractors or materials suppliers who intend to file a mechanics lien to serve aNotice of Mechanics Lien on the property owner. In addition to the notice, the person serving the mechanics lien must also provide a proof of service affidavit or the lien will be unenforceable. Mechanics liens are recorded with the county. Many times homeowners are unaware that a lien has even been placed on their property. Awareness of a lien is important because even if a mechanics lien is not used to foreclose on the property, its presence on the title can potentially prevent borrowing against, refinancing or selling the property.
“AB 457 provides vital protection for California property owners, plus, CSLB provides many resources and tips that consumers can easily review before a construction contract is signed to avoid the possibility of a mechanics lien altogether,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands
A CSLB-sponsored bill passed this year provides a valuable tool to help combat the states underground economy. Senate Bill 1254 (Leno) will enable CSLB to issue a stop work order to any licensed or unlicensed contractor who fails to carry workers compensation insurance coverage for all of his or her employees. The new law gives CSLB unprecedented authority in allowing the Boards enforcement representatives to more effectively stop unlicensed, uninsured activity, and aid in the states efforts to ensure a level playing field for licensees who follow workers compensation laws. A stop order takes effect immediately and can be appealed. Employees who lose pay due to a work stoppage will be entitled to up to 10 days pay for time lost. Failure to comply with a stop work order will be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Following are additional construction-related laws that take effect January 1, 2011, unless otherwise noted:
Other Workers Compensation
SB 313 (DeSaulnier) Labor Code Section 3722 amended
This bill, signed in 2009, increases the potential penalty for failure to have a workers compensation policy from $1,000 to $1,500 for each employee not covered. Fines are administered by the director of the Department of Industrial Relations. (Amended Stats 2009 ch 640 § 1)
AB 2305 (Knight) Business and Professions Code Section 7125 and Insurance Code Section 11665 amended
The bill extends the requirement for C-39 Roofing contractors to carry a workers compensation policy, even if he or she has no employees until 2013. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 423 §1, 2 and 3)
Environmental
AB 1343 (Huffman) Public Resources Code Chapter 5 added to Part 7, Division 30
Effective April 1, 2012, contractor outreach and education will begin regarding recycling of architectural paint. Implementation of this recycling program could include an assessment on the future sale of paint. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 420 § 1 and 2)
AB 2398 (John A. PÃrez) Public Resources Code Section Chapter 20 added to Part 3, Division 30 and Section 42980 repealed
Beginning on July 1, 2011, carpet manufacturers must charge an additional one-half cent sales tax per square yard of product purchased to pay for a carpet recycling program. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 681 § 1 and 2)
Criminal
AB 2372 (Ammiano) Penal Code Section 487 amended
This law changes the threshold from $400 to $950 to charge the crime of grand theft for stealing money, labor, real or personal property. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 693 § 1 and 2)
CSLB/Consumer Protection Boards
SB 294 (Negrete McLeod) Business and Professions Code Sections 7000.5 and 7011 amended
This bill extends CSLBs existence as a consumer protection board from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2012. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 695 §37 and 38)
SB 392 (Florez) Business and Professions Code Sections 7025, 7028.5, 7029, 7065, 7065.1, 7065.5, 7068, 7068.1, ;7068.2, 7069, 7071, 7071.1, 7071.8, 7071.9, 7071.11, 7071.17, 7072.5, 7075.1, 7076, 7076.2, 7085.6, 7090, 7090.1, 7096, 7121, 7121.1, 7121.5, 7121.6, 7122, 7122.1, 7122.2, 7122.5, 7137, 7138, 7152, 7159 and 7159.10 and 7071.6.5 and 7071.19 added; Corporations Code Section 22037amended
This bill authorizes the issuance of a contractor license to a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) beginning January 1, 2012. Prior to passage of this law, LLCs were not able to be licensed in California. The LLC would be required to maintain liability insurance of between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 and post a $100,000 surety bond, in addition to the $12,500 bond already required of all licensees. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 698 §1 through 43)
SB 1491 (Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development) Business and Professions Code Sections 7028.6, 7028.7, 7028.9 and 7058.5 amended
This bill requires that a citation for acting as a contractor or salesperson without a license or registration be issued within four years, or 18 months of a complaint for the violation, whichever is later. The bill also allows for contractors applying for an original license to complete and return the required open book exam about asbestos electronically. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 415 §17,18 and 19)
AB 1659 (Huber) Government Code Section 9147.7 added
This law abolishes the Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions and Consumer Protection and replaces it with the Joint Sunset Review Committee. CSLBs sunset review process remains unchanged. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 666 § 1)
AB 2130 (Huber) Business and Professions Code Section 22 amended and Section 101.1 and Division 1.2 repealed
This law is a companion bill to AB 1659, replacing the Joint Committee on Boards, Commissions and Consumer Protection and replacing it with the Joint Sunset Review Committee. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 670 § 1 through 3)
AB 2500 (Hagman) Business and Professions Code Section 114 amended and Section114.5 repealed
The bill amends current law allowing people licensed by Department of Consumer Affairs boards and bureaus to reinstate their license without examination or penalty if serving in the California National Guard or United States Military during a period of war. The new law repeals the section defining war and extends the reinstatement provision for licensees who can prove they were serving on active, military duty. Requests must come not more than one year after discharge or the end of active duty. (Amended Stats 2010 ch 389 §1 and 2)
Changes to existing regulations that would increase contractor licensing fees (PDF) received final approval from the Office of Administrative Law, effective December 18, 2010. Fee increases begin on July 1, 2011 for those applying for or changing their contractor license. Renewal fees for licenses that expire on or after July 1, 2011, will also be increased. CSLB fees have remained at their current level since 1993, and the additional revenue will assure CSLB upholds its mandated protection of California consumers and the integrity of the construction industry
San Jose Operation Snags More Than One Dozen Unlicensed Operators
Important CSLB Bulletin: SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Boards (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) netted 14 suspects in a San Jose undercover sting operation this week. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office assisted in the December 7, 2010 sting and a sweep of construction sites on December 8, which resulted in one citation for contracting with an expired license and another for failure to carry workers compensation insurance.
“In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever for consumers to hire licensed and insured contractors,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “People put themselves and family members at risk when they hire unlicensed and uninsured individuals who can end up doing substandard work or never finish the job. They also cheat law-abiding licensees out of work.”
During the sting operation, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for painting, landscaping, concrete, and roofing jobs. Suspects who bid more than $500 for labor and materials received a notice to appear (NTA) in court. California law requires all home improvement jobs valued at more than $500 to be undertaken by a licensed contractor. Contractors also must place their state contractor license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed individuals may advertise and accept jobs valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor.
CSLB licensees must have at least four years of journey-level experience in their license classification and must pass exams pertaining to their trade and state contracting laws. State law requires that licensees purchase a license bond for consumer protection and that their employees have workers compensation coverage to shield homeowners from liability. Roofing contractors (C-39) must purchase workers compensation for themselves, even if they do not have employees.
CSLB Sting Snatches Nine Illegal Operators in Glendora
Important CSLB Bulletin:
SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) caught nine people for violating state home improvement contracting laws during an undercover sting on December 13, 2010. SWIFT was assisted by the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’a Office.
During the sting operation at a Glendora home, SWIFT investigators posed as homeowners seeking bids for painting, fencing, flooring, and cabinetry projects. Suspects who bid more than $500 for labor and materials received a notice to appear (NTA) in court. “Homeowners need to be fully aware of who they are letting into their homes,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “This operation illustrates the importance of spending a couple of minutes on CSLB website to check the license before you hire a contractor to ensure you aren’t putting your family or your home at risk.”
California law requires all home improvement jobs valued at more than $500 to be undertaken by a licensed contractor. Contractors also must place their state license number in all advertisements. Unlicensed individuals may advertise and accept jobs valued at less than $500, but their ads must state that they are not a licensed contractor. State law prohibits solicitation of a down payment that is greater than 10 percent of the projects value or $1,000, whichever is less, for home improvement contracts. There is an exception for about two dozen licensed contractors who purchase special consumer protection bonds and are noted on CSLB’s website. State law also requires those selling home improvement services for licensed contractors to register with CSLB.
Since 2005, state law has required criminal background checks for anyone applying for a new license or adding a license classification. California law also requires contractors to have workers compensation coverage for all of their employees to protect homeowners from liability.
Thousands of Jobs, Contractors Needed
Ever wondered how to obtain the coveted Governement Contracts for your Contractors business or simply know how to gain more jobs? Look no more Contractors State License Services is hosting FREE seminars presented by TOSGA Global Alliance strategic Partner of CSLS. TOSGA offers services that assist small and minority businesses in connecting with Private and Government Sector jobs specifically for Contractors. There are thousands of construction jobs available in a variety of trades such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, painting, HVAC, concrete/paving and more!
Learn how you as licensed contractor can connect and bid on these profitable construction jobs. Presentations are filling quickly. Contact a location near you to reserve a seat!
LOCATION DATE TIME CALL
South District
Long Beach Dec 14 5:30pm-6:30pm 310-522-9258
Covina Dec 15 5:30pm-6:30pm 626-430-9212
Norwalk Dec 15 5:30pm-6:30pm 562-404-5508
Orange Dec 16 5:30pm-6:30pm 714-289-9105
Temecula Dec 16 5:30pm-6:30pm 951-587-2257
San Diego Dec 22 5:30pm-6:30pm 619-283-2011
San Marcos Dec 22 5:30pm-6:30pm 760-744-4334
Riverside Dec 23 5:30pm-6:30pm 951-781-6161
Central District
Van Nuys Dec 16 6:00pm-7:00pm 818-901-6330
Bakersfield Dec 29 6:00pm-7:00pm 661-321-3210
Northern District
Fresno Dec 14 6:00pm-7:00pm 559-229-2180
Concord Dec 15 6:00pm-7:00pm 925-686-8393
Modesto Dec 16 6:00pm-7:00pm 209-526-8091
Sacramento Dec 16 6:00pm-7:00pm 916-363-2784
San Jose Dec 21 6:00pm-7:00pm 408-247-1242
San Rafael Dec 21 6:00pm-7:00pm 415-456-4437
So San Francisco Dec 22 6:00pm-7:00pm 650-755-5582
Oakland Dec 23 6:00pm-7:00pm 510-382-9814
Or visit the CSLS website for more details and directions http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/contractor-education-events.cfm
CSLS iPad Contest Winner Awarded New iPad
CSLS iPad Contest Winner Karl Menjivar Awarded New iPad
Helping to build futures, today CSLS awarded student Karl Menjivar a New iPad. CSLS iPad contest ran throughout the month of October resulting in one very lucky winner. “I am so excited”, said Karl. “I didn’t expect to win.” Karl is pursuing his C-10 Electrical Contractors License. We wish Karl the best and congratulate him on his win!
Looking for how you too can leverage an iPad for your Construction business? Take a look at the top 5 ways an Apple iPad can help your Construction business save time, earn more clients, and simply make your professional life easier.
Top 5 Ways an Ipad can Help Your Contractor Business
1. In the field sketching / note-taking: Sketching out plans, dimensions and equations on the fly is an integral part of the construction process. For this, the iPad opens up a whole new world of possibilities for accuracy, convenience and organization. This tablet can make sketching a plan out as easy as touching the screen and drawing with your finger. Need a calculator? Flip on over to the calculator application. Need to jot a few notes? Flip on over to the notepad application. Then, when you are done – just click save, and move on with your day. There will most likely be tons of applications that you can download that might make the process even easier.
2. Contract reference: The iPad allows you to store and view your most important documents where you can reference contracts, accounts payable, receivables, as well as popular books. Need a on the job reference guide check out the ibooks option.
3. Portable credentials: How many times have you been bidding on a job and been asked to show some credentials? The iPad could easily turn into your on-the-road filing cabinet. Keep important documents like your certificate of liability, Contractors bond, Contractors license(s), worker’s comp – basically anything that you might need when out in the field or bidding on a project, all in one spot.
4. Mobile Professional Portfolio: Nowadays, people want proof of how good you are. They want to see photos, videos, maybe even testimonials of past customers. What better way to showcase yourself than with your iPad? Show customers slideshows of your work, your website, videos … get creative! Apple is renowned for it’s products’ abilities to create cool looking presentations, so take advantage of it and get some more jobs!
5. Digital blueprints: Many contractors have gotten into the habit of bringing their laptops on the job to reference digital blueprints and plans. Well laptops, the iPad has just one-upped you. Already with Apple’s smaller touch interfaces, you can zoom in to minute details, rotate images, even edit on the spot – all with your fingers. And it’s fast! We can only imagine the cool new ways that a larger screen will allow you to interact with and share your plans on the job site. Paper is indeed a thing of the past.
View more on our website at http://www.contractorslicensingschools.com/contractor-industry-news.cfm(List adapted from Center Networks, by Johnnie Munger)
Contractors State License Services Honors Victor Perez With A Contractors Scholarship
CSLS Awards Victor Perez Full Scholarship, Fresno California
Contractors State License Services (CSLS) granted a full scholarship to local Fresno California, hero Victor Perez, an unemployed Contractor in the hopes to build a brighter future for a Good Samaritan and hero. Victor Perez, the Fresno Construction worker put his life on the line to save an abducted 8-year-old girl last week. Victor’s heroics and daring rescue has touched the heart of not only local residents to Fresno California but also the President and CEO of Contractors State License Services, also known as MakeMeAContractor.com, David Mizener.
David Mizener, CSLS’ President & CEO, learned about Victor’s compelling story and that he lacked a California Contractors License through the Media. “After hearing Victor’s story and the request of Governor Schwarzenegger that someone give Victor a job. “I knew we could do more than simply give him a job, we could help him build a future and a business that would ultimately help him provide for his family,” said David Mizener.
The Contractors Scholarship valued at over $1,500 provides full enrollment to Contractors State License Services In-School Law and Trade program which is designed to assist Contractors in passing the California Contractors License Exam. “Our 98% pass rate will provide Victor with a sense of peace knowing that he will pass the first time he sits for the Contractor’s License Exam. In fact, we have helped over 120,000 Contractors just like Victor to gain their Contractors License,” states Maureen Esses, License Advisor. CSLS classes offer live instruction taught by qualified and experienced instructors. The classroom setting allows for individual attention and the opportunity for classroom discussion and immediate response to questions our students may have. Program content is relevant to day-in, day-out Contractor practice and the California Contractors State License Examination such as Contractors Business Law.
Additionally, Contractors State License Services Contractors Scholarship will also cover all the State required fees associated with gaining a Contractor’s License such as the California State Contractors License Application Fee, Contractor’s License Fee, as well as, additional Contractor fees for requirements such as Contractor Bonding fees. “We are happy to assist such a great man with the additional cost of earning a Contractor’s License. The Contractors Bonding requirement of $12,500 will be covered by CSLS as well”, states David Mizener, CSLS President & CEO. “That’s unbelievable,” Perez said. “To become a contractor would be a dream come true.”
Victor plans to pursue the General Building (General B) Contractors License and to attend CSLS’s Fresno School Locations live class room 4 week program. The Fresno school location is one of 25 School locations throughout California for Contractors State License Services along with the Live Online programs nationwide and Home Study programs. “We are excited to assist Victor reach his goal of becoming a Licensed Contractor. We applaud Victor’s first steps to building a brighter future and look forward to helping him achieve his goals”, says Mary Birch District Manager.
About CSLS (contractorslicensingschools.com/)
Contractors State License Services (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 25 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. In fact, 1 in 3 applicants to the California State Licensing Board (CSLB) have used CSLS to successfully pass the exam. Contractors State License Services offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including: General Engineering Contractor | General Building Contractor | Specialty Contractor | Insulation and Acoustical Contractor | Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor | Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor | Concrete Contractor | Drywall Contractor | Electrical Contractor | Elevator Contractor | Landscaping Contractor | Warm-Air Heating | Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. Contractors State License Services also provides CSLS Contractors with Business Development Services to assist in every aspect of sustaining a strong Construction Business. These include Bonds, Corporation Services, DBA’s, Application Processing, Fingerprint Services, and Insurance Services.
Looking for A Marketing Slam Dunk: Advertising 101…Learn The Basics About Advertising
Learn the Marketing Slam Dunks for Every Contractor Business
Advertising is a form of communication intended to persuade an audience (viewers, readers or listeners) to purchase or take some action upon products, ideals, or services. It includes the name of a product or service and how that product or service could benefit the consumer, to persuade a target market to purchase or to consume that particular brand. Commercial advertisers often seek to generate increased consumption of their products or services through branding, which involves the repetition of an image or product name in an effort to associate related qualities with the brand in the minds of consumers.
Most contractors know that they must include their license number on all advertising. But do you know what that really means and what the laws really say? Business and Professions (B&P) Code Section 7030.5 states that all licensed contractors are required to include their license number in “(a) all construction contracts; (b) subcontracts and calls for bid; and (c) all forms of advertising, as prescribed by the registrar of contractors.” The Code further provides that failure to comply with this requirement can result in a fine between $100 and $1,000 for a first offense.
The following tips for advertising will not only help you comply with the law, but will also help you plan your marketing strategies for success as a licensed contractor.
1. Include your Contractors license number in anything that might be considered as advertising.
Examples include: newspapers, radio, television ads, your business card, any contract proposal, lettering on every one of your commercially registered vehicles (See B&P Sections 7029.5 and 7029.6), signs or billboards identifying your company as a contractor, your company’s website, any soliciting brochures or pamphlets, any clothing or promotional items that include your company name and logo; and any directory listing that states or implies you are looking for work or services which would require a contractor’s license.
2. Don’t use false or misleading advertising, or advertise a price that you don’t intend to honor.
B&P Section 7161 makes it a misdemeanor “for any person to ….[use] false, misleading, or deceptive advertising as an inducement to enter into any contract for a work of improvement, including, but not limited to, any home improvement contract, whereby any member of the public may be misled or injured.”
3. Don’t advertise to do work that you are not licensed to perform.
Contractors who advertise to do work beyond the scope of their license are subject to a fine of not less than $700 and not more than $1,000, plus any other punishment established by the Registrar of Contractors or a court. Such offenses are deemed misdemeanors according to B&P Section 7027.1.
4. When advertising about asbestos removal services, be sure to include your asbestos certification and registration numbers along with your business name.
Contractors must list their asbestos certification number issued by the Board and the registration number required under Labor Code Section 65015.5. The Registrar will issue a notice to comply if either of these numbers are omitted. If a contractor fails to comply after receiving notice, a citation will be issued as well as potential fines ranging from $100 to $1,500.
5. Don’t advertise about bonding.
Contractors are prohibited from including any reference to the contractor being “bonded” in any advertisement, or on any company “paperwork” that could reasonably be considered “advertising”, if the bond being referred to is the standard license bond that all California Licensed Contractors must have. B&P Section 7071.13 provides that any such references or presentments are grounds for discipline and/or suspension of the contractor’s license.
6. Be VERY careful when advertising as “insured”.
CA licensed contractors cannot advertise that they are “insured” unless they state what type of insurance it is. Any reference to “insured” in your company‘s advertising must specifically state the type of insurance you are referencing. Failure to properly identify the type of insurance in the advertisement is cause for discipline pursuant to B & P Section 7027.4. If for example you want to advertise that you carry both commercial general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance, then it should be stated as such, “We carry Commercial General Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance.”
Knowing the law can help keep you out of trouble with the CA State Contractors Licensing Board and prevent legal problems that can arise from mistakes.
##
1 See Wikipedia @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advertising .
A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by imprisonment in a county or city jail or detention facility not to exceed one year. Except where the law specifies a different punishment, a misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding six months and/or a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars. See California Penal Code Section 19.