Motor Truck Cargo Coverage For California Restoration Contractors

Restoration contractors in California who handle pack outs—transporting or temporarily storing client property during cleanup and repair—play a critical role in disaster recovery. As part of this responsibility, California requires these professionals to obtain Motor Truck Cargo Insurance under the Household Movers Act. This regulation ensures that when contractors are transporting household goods, there is insurance protection in place should anything go wrong during transit.

National E&S Insurance Brokers offers a specialized Motor Truck Cargo Insurance program tailored for restoration contractors. This coverage not only helps your clients meet California’s regulatory requirements but also adds a vital layer of protection for household items entrusted to their care.


During a pack out, restoration contractors are responsible for handling furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and other household contents. Even with the most careful procedures, accidents during transport can happen—vehicle collisions, theft, and unexpected weather events are all risks.

Motor Truck Cargo Insurance covers direct physical loss or damage to these items while in transit. This coverage demonstrates professionalism, preparedness, and a commitment to protecting client property every step of the way.

With this coverage:

  • Restoration contractors meet state licensing requirements
  • Clients gain confidence knowing their belongings are insured in transit
  • Your agency can offer a value-added solution to protect against unforeseen loss

Our Motor Truck Cargo Insurance solution is designed specifically for the restoration industry and structured to meet California’s regulatory standards.

Coverage features include:

  • $20,000 limit to comply with the Household Movers Act
  • Low minimum premium for cost-effective access to coverage
  • Available for contractors who perform pack outs and content relocation
  • Issued through a carrier that understands the restoration business

This program provides more than a legal checkbox—it helps ensure continuity of service, financial protection, and peace of mind for both the contractor and their client.


While Motor Truck Cargo Insurance offers essential protection during transit, restoration contractors often need broader coverage for contents stored or handled during the course of a job. National E&S offers additional options to strengthen a contractor’s insurance portfolio:

  • Bailees Coverage for contents in care, custody, and control
  • General Liability to cover operations and premises risks
  • Contractors Pollution Liability for environmental exposures
  • Professional Liability to address professional service risks
  • Excess Liability for extended protection

These solutions can be bundled or customized to meet the specific needs of your restoration clients.


To further understand the importance of Motor Truck Cargo Insurance and its role in California’s restoration industry, we invite you to read a detailed article by Ross Driscoll Sr., CIC, CR, President of National E&S Insurance Brokers.

Read: Understanding Motor Truck Cargo Insurance Requirements in California

This article explains the background behind the requirement, key coverage considerations, and how restoration contractors can stay protected and compliant.


At National E&S, we specialize in construction, restoration, and environmental risks—and we understand the specific needs of restoration contractors. With over 150 years of combined experience and longstanding relationships with top surplus lines carriers, we deliver solutions that are both effective and efficient.

Our President, Ross Driscoll Sr., brings over four decades of experience in both insurance and reconstruction. As a licensed contractor in California and Nevada, his insight helps shape coverage that works in the field, not just on paper.

With National E&S, you benefit from:

  • Programs built for the restoration industry
  • Competitive pricing and fast turnarounds
  • Hands-on expertise and responsive support
  • Nationwide capabilities and flexible placement options

Ross Driscoll Sr.
Ross@nationaleands.com
(775) 507-2530 ext. 4070
(661) 266-4444 ext. 4070

Ross Driscoll Jr.
Jr@nationaleands.com
(775) 507-2530 ext. 4076
(661) 266-4444 ext. 4076

Hank Clark
Hank@nationaleands.com
(775) 507-2530 ext. 4092
(661) 266-4444 ext. 4092

Jeff Gray
Jeff@nationaleands.com
(775) 507-2530 ext. 4079
(661) 266-4444 ext. 4079

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