Texas plumbing board insurance
the insurance
the Texas plumbing
board requires.
Who holds it, the minimum and how cities check it, in plain English.
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the short answer
Texas requires a responsible master plumber to keep commercial general liability of at least $300,000 for all claims in a one-year period, with a current certificate of insurance on file with the State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Cities check the board’s record for that certificate before they issue a plumbing permit.
what the board’s rule says.
The one insurance the plumbing board itself requires.
- Who holds it
The responsible master plumber. A master plumber can’t act as one without the certificate on file.
- The coverage
Commercial general liability for property damage and bodily injury, whether the claim comes from negligence or from a contract.
- The minimum
$300,000 for all claims in a one-year period. A floor set in the Occupations Code.
- The insurer
One authorized to write insurance in Texas, or an eligible surplus lines insurer.
- The work covered
Every kind of plumbing performed under the license, including liquefied petroleum gas, medical gas and residential sprinklers where they apply.
- Certificate holder
The State Board of Plumbing Examiners. The certificate is filed with the board, not with a city.
- When it expires
With the policy. The board wants a current certificate on or before that date, and the minimum kept at all times.
Sources: Texas Occupations Code §1301.552 and §1301.3576, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners responsible master plumber page and certificate of insurance form. Last reviewed September 2026.
who checks the certificate.
Tap who’s looking to see what they check.
What they check
the board.
That a current certificate is on file for the responsible master plumber, naming the board as holder, at or above the minimum.
Who asks: The State Board of Plumbing Examiners, before you can act as a responsible master plumber.
What they check
the city.
That your certificate is on file. Cities verify it with the board, on its website or by phone.
Who asks: City permit desks, before they issue a plumbing permit.
What they check
your GCs.
Their own insurance exhibit: per-occurrence and aggregate limits that are often higher than the board’s floor, plus additional insured status and waivers.
Who asks: General contractors and property managers, in the contracts you sign.
what to know
about the rule.
A floor, not a ceiling.
The board’s minimum lets a city confirm you carry coverage. Your contracts usually ask for more, and one policy can meet both.
Lapses stop permits.
The certificate expires with the policy. Without a current one, you can’t act as a responsible master plumber and cities won’t issue permits.
Comp isn’t on the list.
The board doesn’t require workers’ comp or auto. Comp is elective for most Texas private employers, though public work and most GCs ask for it.
good to know.
Straight answers on the Texas plumbing board’s insurance rule.
What insurance does the Texas plumbing board require?
What happens if my certificate lapses in Texas?
Does the Texas plumbing board require workers’ comp?
Sources: Texas Occupations Code §1301.552 and §1301.3576, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Last reviewed September 2026.
Insurance words, in plain English: waiver of subrogation · certificate of insurance · additional insured · primary and noncontributory · hold harmless agreement · contractual liability · per-project aggregate · completed operations
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