Contractor licensing and insurance comparisons

10 comparisons · 3 pillars

Each of these is a decision with a wrong answer that costs money. The verdict sits at the top in three lines; the matrix underneath shows the working.

Licensing process

Contractor exam prep routes comparedBoard-approved courses, self-study and cram schools: what each is good at, and how to read a pass-rate claim.2026-09-04

Bonds & insurance

Best surety bond companies for contractorsFive sureties by Treasury limit, the bonds each writes and how you reach it, and how to check the one on your bond.2026-10-26
Surety bond vs general liability insuranceTwo different promises to two different people — and why you need both.2026-09-04
Occurrence vs claims-made policiesTrigger, tail, and which one a general contractor's contract will accept.2026-09-04
Waiver of subrogation vs additional insuredTwo clauses a subcontract asks for together — who each protects, and what each changes after a loss.2026-10-18
Performance bond vs payment bond vs bid bondThe three contract bonds: who each protects, when each is called, and the Miller Act deadlines.2026-10-18
General liability vs professional liabilityInjury and damage against a design or advice error — and which contractors need E&O.2026-10-18

Trade licenses