Who needs workers comp in California
California employers generally need workers’ compensation with one or more employees. CSLB also requires certain contractor classifications to carry coverage even without employees, including C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49. Exemption eligibility depends on your license and circumstances; confirm current requirements with CSLB. Under current law, all active CSLB licensees will need workers' compensation coverage by January 1, 2028, regardless of whether they have employees.
If a client, general contractor, or licensing board is asking for a certificate, that is usually the moment to call so we can get the review started.
Contractors and tradespeople
Electricians, plumbers, painters, and GCs who need coverage for their CSLB license and job contracts.
Cleaning and janitorial
Crews from one person to twenty providing professional cleaning services across California.
Restaurants and food service
Kitchens, cafes, and food trucks with staff that need reliable work-injury protection.
Landscapers and outdoor services
Field crews with higher-risk class codes who require specific coverage for outdoor operations.
Shops, salons, and offices
Retail staff, stylists, and administrative employees in traditional commercial environments.
First-time employers
Adding your first employee and needing coverage in place before their official start date.
What workers comp covers
A California workers comp policy pays for work-related injuries and illnesses, including:
Accurate payroll estimates and job classifications help the carrier price your policy correctly and reduce unexpected audit adjustments.
Medical Care
Medical care for covered work-related injuries and illnesses.
Temporary Disability
Benefits when an eligible injury prevents work temporarily.
Permanent Disability
Benefits for qualifying lasting impairment from workplace injury.
Job Displacement
Supplemental benefits when eligibility requirements are met.
Death Benefits
Benefits for eligible dependents after covered workplace death.
Employer's Liability
Coverage for certain lawsuits, subject to policy terms.
How fast can you get covered
We review your operations, employee duties, payroll and claims history, explain available coverage and payment options, and confirm the effective date in writing after carrier approval and binding. Certificates are issued once coverage is bound; waivers of subrogation and other endorsements are subject to carrier approval.
01
Share details
Share employee duties, payroll estimates and claims history for review.
02
Review options
Review available coverage, job classifications and flexible payment options.
03
Confirm binding
Approve your selected coverage; we confirm binding in writing and arrange certificates. Special endorsements may require carrier review.
Frequently asked questions
Licensed California Insurance Broker - License #0L87147
Do I need workers comp if I only have one part-time employee?
Yes. California employers generally must provide workers’ compensation even for one part-time employee. Tell us the employee’s duties and payroll so we can review the appropriate coverage and classification.
I'm a sole proprietor with no employees - am I exempt?
Not always. CSLB requires C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49 contractors to carry workers’ compensation even without employees. Other exemption eligibility depends on your license and circumstances, and contracts may impose additional requirements. Confirm your current obligations with CSLB.
What happens if I don't carry required coverage?
Operating without required coverage can result in penalties, stop-work orders and responsibility for injury costs. Confirm the requirements before employees begin work.
How is my premium calculated?
Carriers apply a rate per 100 dollars of payroll for each class code on your policy, then adjust it by your experience modifier (X-Mod) once you have been covered long enough to have one. Two businesses with identical payroll can pay very different premiums based on class codes and claims history - which is why we review both before quoting.
Can you get me a certificate of insurance quickly?
Yes. We issue certificates once coverage is bound. Waivers of subrogation and other requested endorsements are subject to carrier approval.