Employment practices liability for California employers.
Coverage for claims by employees and applicants, including harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination, with defense costs.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
California is a demanding place to employ people
California's Fair Employment and Housing Act applies to employers with five or more employees for discrimination, and its harassment protections apply to employers of any size. Employees can bring claims long after they leave, and defense costs add up even when the employer did nothing wrong.
General liability and workers' comp don't cover these claims. EPLI does. I compare carriers on the points that matter in California, such as wage-and-hour defense sublimits, retentions and third-party coverage.
- Discrimination and harassmentClaims under state and federal employment laws.
- Wrongful termination and retaliationClaims tied to firing or discipline.
- Defense costsAttorneys' fees, often the largest part of a claim.
- Third-partyHarassment claims by customers or vendors, if included.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Employees: full-time, part-time and contractors in California.
- Turnover: terminations in the last year.
- Practices: handbook, harassment training and HR support.
- Locations: states where you have employees.
- Prior coverage: current EPLI and retroactive date.
- Claims: any complaints, charges or lawsuits.
EPLI, answered
Does EPLI cover wage-and-hour claims?
Most EPLI policies exclude wage-and-hour liability, but some provide a limited amount of defense cost coverage for those claims. It's worth comparing.
Do small businesses need EPLI in California?
Harassment protections apply to employers of any size, and discrimination rules apply at five employees. Small businesses often lack HR support, which makes defense costs a real risk.
Is EPLI claims-made?
Almost always. Coverage must be in force when the claim is made, and a retroactive date may limit coverage for earlier events.
Does EPLI cover claims from independent contractors?
Some policies can, especially when a worker claims they were misclassified. The policy definition of employee matters.
Do you offer employment practices liability insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your team. I'll shop it.
Your employee count, locations and current policy are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
A short video from Sam
Under a minute each. Videos use an AI-generated version of Sam’s likeness and voice. General information only; coverage depends on your policy.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.